The Knockout Round of the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs is here. This stage has produced some surprises in recent memory – both Eastern Conference road teams advanced out a year ago.
With that in mind, we turned to our MLSsoccer.com staff to find out which lower-seeded team they think has the best chance of advancing to the Conference Semifinals.
Senior Editor Ben Couch, National Writer Sam Stejskal, and contributors Charles Boehm and Alicia Rodriguez all chimed in … and the answer was unanimous.
Which away team has the best chance at a Knockout Round win?
COUCH: It’s Portland. The Timbers are rested, and FC Dallas could enter the match holding a full-on “I’m not even supposed to be here today” pity party. Given FCD’s relative lack of single-moment magic – and any real momentum for months – the stage is set for Portland’s stars to steal the show and roll right on to a Sunday semifinal.
STEJSKAL: Portland. The Timbers’ starters are rested, Dallas are in a downturn and Gio Savarese’s boys have been just fine against FCD this year. They’ve got two draws in two matches despite going down a man in both games. I think they win on Wednesday.
BOEHM: D.C. vs. Columbus looks pretty inviting for a road win given D.C.’s last trip to the postseason, though I think the vibes are different at Audi Field. So I’m going with the Timbers. As much as I respect what Oscar Pareja has done this year, his team are stumbling right now and Portland are well-suited for digging out a road result.
RODRIGUEZ: I think Portland have the best chance, based on Dallas’ shaky form of late. That said, I still give the edge to Dallas and think home teams will win out in the Knockout Round.
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