MLS Cup Playoffs: Round One Matchups Preview

The stage is set for the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, which begin this weekend with eight teams vying for the championship.

Here's a closer look at each of the four matchups in the first round:

Eastern Conference:

1. FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City SC

FC Cincinnati, the surprise team of the regular season, will host Orlando City SC, who snuck into the playoffs on the final day of the season, in the Eastern Conference opener. Cincinnati finished second in the East with a record of 19-5-9, while Orlando finished seventh at 14-12-8.

Cincinnati is led by Brandon Vazquez, who scored 18 goals in the regular season, while Orlando is led by Facundo Torres, who had 13 goals and 10 assists.

2. New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas

The New England Revolution, the defending MLS Cup champions, will host FC Dallas in the other Eastern Conference matchup. New England finished third in the East with a record of 17-7-10, while Dallas finished sixth at 15-11-8.

New England is led by Carles Gil, who had 13 goals and 18 assists in the regular season, while Dallas is led by Jesus Ferreira, who had 18 goals and 7 assists.

Western Conference:

3. LAFC vs. Sacramento Republic FC

LAFC, the Supporters' Shield winners, will host Sacramento Republic FC, the USL Championship champions, in the Western Conference opener. LAFC finished the regular season with a record of 21-9-4, while Sacramento finished the USL season with a record of 23-7-8.

LAFC is led by Gareth Bale, who scored 12 goals in the regular season, while Sacramento is led by Rodrigo Lopez, who had 10 goals and 7 assists in the USL season.

4. Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

The Seattle Sounders, the 2021 MLS Cup runner-up, will host the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the other Western Conference matchup. Seattle finished fourth in the West with a record of 17-11-6, while Vancouver finished fifth at 15-15-4.

Seattle is led by Raul Ruidiaz, who scored 17 goals in the regular season, while Vancouver is led by Lucas Cavallini, who had 9 goals and 5 assists.

The first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs will be played this weekend, with the second round to be played next weekend. The Eastern and Western Conference finals will be played on November 5-6, and the MLS Cup will be played on November 12.