8Nov/130
MLS Cup Playoffs 2013: Conference Finals Schedule and Predictions
After Real Salt Lake's upset over the two-time defending champion LA Galaxy, the MLS Cup Conference Finals are set, paving the way for the final matchup next month. The Portland Timbers knocked off their hated rivals, the Seattle Sounders, to win their first-ever MLS Cup Playoff series. In the Eastern Conference, the Houston Dynamo knocked off the New York Red Bulls, while Sporting KC advanced on aggregate over the New England Revolution. It's been a wild playoffs so far, with the Supporters' Shield winner—the Red Bulls—knocked out and the class of the league for so long—the Galaxy—heading home to play golf. There are upstarts in the Conference Finals, and it's made for some really exciting play. Below is a schedule for the rest of the playoffs, and then, we will get into predicting what teams will advance to the MLS Cup. Eastern Conference Kansas City had a fine regular season, finishing second in the conference and just one point behind the Red Bulls for the Supporters' Shield. It scored 47 goals and allowed a league-low 30 goals. Keeper Jimmy Nielsen, at age 36, has been fantastic. On offense, its led by Claudio Bieler, who has scored 11 goals and notched four assists. The Dynamo shocked the world with their ...11Nov/120