New York City Fc vs. Philadelphia Union

Important information: this is a repeat of last year’s Eastern Conference finals which NYCFC won en route to their first championship. Philadelphia won both regular season games and is their longest win streak against NYCFC previously winning 3 out of their 13 matches. Philadelphia enters this match on a 10-home game win streak, this could give them the edge they need. NYCFC also trashed the number 2 seed Montreal 3-1 en route to this matchup

New York City FC is coming off a hot season, finishing 3rd place in the eastern conference with a record of 16-11-7 (16 wins, 11 loses, and 7 ties) totaling 55 points. In earlier rounds, they defeated Montreal 3-1 (Montreal finished 2nd in the conference) and Miami 3-0. NYCFC has been scoring goals; look for Talles Magno or Heber to be on the score sheet.

Philadelphia Union is coming off a phenomenal regular season accumulating 67 points and winning the eastern conference. In their one playoff game, they played Cincinnati and won 1-0. Philadelphia should be the heavy favorite to win this match.

Prediction: 1-1 Philadelphia wins on penalties. It’s gonna be close and it can go either way. Philadelphia won the conference and has been scoring goals but don’t count out NYCFC. NYCFC is a team that can win when it matters. In their two meetings, this season Philadelphia outscored NYCFC 4-1.

Austin vs. LAFC 

Important information: LAFC has won all three meetings against Austin since 2021. 12 of the 15 goals scored in these teams’ 5 meetings have been in the 2nd half. Diego Fagundez has been huge for Austin, scoring or assisting on 71% of Austin’s goals vs LAFC. LAFC has only won 50% of their postseason matches and they have won 10 of their last 11 home matches. Austin is the 3rd expansion team to advance in its first 2 playoff rounds.

Both teams had great regular seasons finishing 1st and 2nd respectively. LAFC is coming off a hot last-second win over local rivals La Galaxy, the final score was 3-2. Austin also faced rivals FC Dallas and won 2-1.

Score prediction: 2-1 LAFC while Austin has been on fire you can’t ignore the statistics in this matchup and they lean towards LAFC. The momentum from their thrilling 3-2 win should be able to push them over the edge and secure a spot in the finals. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes to penalties or if Austin wins.