MLS Cup Conference Semis:…

The MLS Cup playoffs have advanced past the conference semifinals, leaving just four teams in contention for the championship. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF have emerged as the frontrunners after a dominant 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati. Meanwhile, New York City FC pulled off an upset against the Supporters’ Shield-holding Philadelphia Union. Additionally, Thomas Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps triumphed over Son Heung-Min and LAFC in a nail-biting shootout, while No. 1 San Diego FC narrowly defeated Minnesota United FC.

What were the standout moments from this thrilling round of matches? ESPN reached out to Cesar Hernandez and Joseph Lowery to highlight the best and worst of the conference semifinals.

Key Takeaways

MLS Cup Runs Through Miami

So far, the playoffs have validated what many anticipated in their postseason charts: The path to the MLS Cup goes through Miami (or more accurately, Fort Lauderdale).

With Inter Miami’s impressive 4-0 win against FC Cincinnati and New York City FC’s unexpected victory over the Philadelphia Union, Miami has clinched home-field advantage in the Eastern Conference final. Should they secure the East title, which seems quite probable despite NYCFC’s valiant performance, they will host MLS Cup against the team emerging from the Western Conference.

Remarkably, Miami didn’t require home-field privileges to dominate Cincinnati in the semifinals. The squad delivered one of the finest displays by an MLS team this season. Led by Messi, Miami controlled the game from start to finish. Unlike last year’s early exit, their momentum has only increased during this year’s playoffs—Javier Mascherano’s squad is peaking at the right moment.

For the remaining three teams in the playoffs, it’s clear: to claim the MLS Cup, you must defeat Inter Miami in their territory. — Lowery

Western Favorites Advance to Conference Final

By the slimmest of margins, No. 1 San Diego FC and No. 2 Vancouver Whitecaps have progressed to the Western Conference final.

On Monday, San Diego had to be patient, waiting 72 minutes for league MVP finalist Anders Dreyer to score the decisive goal against Minnesota United’s goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. This shot, which was San Diego’s only attempt on target, showcased Minnesota’s strong defensive tactics.

Vancouver’s match against LAFC was even more intense, with over 53,000 in attendance at BC Place. The Whitecaps led 2-0 at halftime but faced a dramatic comeback from Son, who scored in the 60th and 95th minutes, sending the match into extra time. After two scoreless halves, Vancouver sealed the game with a nail-biting shootout, winning 4-3 thanks to Mathías Laborda‘s clinching goal.

While the favored teams in the West have moved on, it was a challenging road. Anticipation builds for their faceoff this Saturday. — Hernandez

MVP of the Round

Lionel Messi | Inter Miami

Let’s take a moment to reflect on Messi’s performance since leading Inter Miami to victory in their opening playoff round against Nashville SC.

After a surprising trip to Barcelona, where he openly expressed interest in returning, Messi also linked up with the Argentina national team, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a friendly against Angola before returning to the U.S. for Miami’s Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

One might assume that Messi would show signs of fatigue after his international duties, yet he disproved that notion with an outstanding performance on Saturday.

Messi opened the scoring for Miami and assisted on the next three goals in a stellar 4-0 outcome. His precise movement off the ball, accurate finishing, and brilliant through balls were on full display throughout the game. Remarkably, he has racked up 20 contributions (goals or assists) in just seven matches for Inter Miami, averaging a goal or assist every 32 minutes.

Right now, Messi is in unstoppable form. Just ask FC Cincinnati. — Lowery

Anders Dreyer | San Diego FC

Reflecting on his game-winning moment, Dreyer told Apple TV, “A lot, we’re in the final now. It wasn’t pretty today; we know it’s tough against Minnesota.”

Faced with Minnesota’s solid defense, San Diego’s top scorer knew he needed to break the deadlock. He proved proactive with several key passes, ultimately capitalizing when Corey Baird assisted him with an inventive back-heel.

“I just hit it as hard as possible,” recalled the Denmark international, who perfectly timed his strike to find the net past St. Clair.

For fans of San Diego, this type of clutch performance isn’t new from Dreyer. Even with Mexico superstar Hirving Lozano in the lineup, Dreyer has become the standout talent recognized by Snapdragon Stadium’s raucous crowd for his impressive goal tally.

When San Diego needed a hero, there was no question who stepped up to deliver. — Hernandez

Moment of the Round

Mascherano’s Bold Choice

As Miami’s roster was unveiled ahead of the match against Cincinnati, one standout absence was notable: Luis Suárez.

Despite Suárez being available after serving a one-match suspension, coach Mascherano opted to bench him for one of the season’s most crucial matches. This decision demonstrated Mascherano’s willingness to make challenging choices in the team’s best interests, paying off in spades.

In maintaining the same high pressure that had secured victory against Nashville, Mascherano opted for 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti as a frontline player, who is 19 years younger than Suárez.

“The best way to approach this match is by pressing high,” Mascherano stated before the commanding 4-0 win.

This strategy, combined with Cincinnati’s uncharacteristically sloppy play, allowed Miami to seize the early advantage and maintain momentum. From the coach’s decisions to the players’ execution, this Miami team is hitting all the right notes. — Lowery

A Star-Studded Shootout

With Son hitting the crossbar to start the drama, and Vancouver’s Édier Ocampo testing LAFC’s Hugo Lloris, only for Laborda’s winning penalty to send the home crowd erupting in joy, this shootout was a display of high stakes drama.

Post-match, Whitecaps midfielder and U.S. international Sebastian Berhalter remarked, “I don’t have any words,” encapsulating the rollercoaster of emotions that a shootout evokes.

With the playoffs already providing numerous shootouts, could we expect more as the competition intensifies? Notably, Inter Miami remains the last team standing without having faced a shootout this postseason. If NYCFC maintains their defensive tightness, we may witness Messi & Co. needing penalties to progress further. — Hernandez