All you need to know about the MLS Conference Semifinals: Best bets, TV schedule & Game previews

The MLS Cup Playoffs are finally back! After a two-week break from play, the Conference Semifinals roar MLS back. The format has shifted yet again, this time it’s a one-and-done match. The winner of this weekend’s Conference Semifinals head to next weekend’s Conference Finals, a game away from MLS Cup! Let’s take a look at the four exciting win-or-go-home matches!

Union, MLS — LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Before the game outside the Banc of California Stadium for MLS Cup 2022 between LAFC and Philadelphia Union on November 05, 2022, at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Richard Gordon/Icon Sportswire)

Orlando City vs Columbus Crew SC

The number two seed in the east, Orlando City takes on the number three seed Columbus Crew SC. Orlando has the slight edge in the head-to-head matchups as they drew away and won a thriller 4-3 at home in the regular season.

Will we see this Orlando City side be able to stay compact and choose their moments to break out and attack, or will Columbus keep the pressure high and coax the Lions into game-defining mistakes?

The winner of this match could host the Conference Final should FC Cincinnati fall, either of these two teams could legitimately make a run to MLS Cup at this point.

Moneyline

Orlando City: +115 | Tie: +240 | Columbus Crew SC: +195

Odds to win MLS Cup

Orlando City: +700 | Columbus Crew SC: +700

TV Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 25 | 5:30 PM ET | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

FC Cincinnati vs Philadelphia Union

The Supporters’ Shield winners, FC Cincinnati, will play all of their playoff matches at home; they take on fourth-seed Philadelphia Union in the Conference Semifinal. Cincy has Philly’s number in the regular season over the last two seasons as they are undefeated.

While Cincinnati is the best team and has bested Philly in the regular season over the last two years, the Union knocked Cincy out of the playoffs last year at the Conference Semifinal stage. This year the roles are flip-flopped. Can the Union play a spoiler to FC Cincinnati’s MLS Cup hopes?

Cincinnati will be looking to prove they are the new big boys of the east, while Philly’s will look to keep their last dance with this team of players going with a road victory.

Moneyline

FC Cincinnati: -120 | Tie: +280 | Philadelphia Union: +270

Odds to win MLS Cup

FC Cincinnati: +250 | Philadelphia Union: +900

TV Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 25 | 8:25 PM ET | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City

Out west, the number four seed Houston Dynamo take on eighth seed Sporting Kansas City. In the only upset of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, SKC beat one-seed St. Louis City to set up a Conference Semifinal that is steeped in history.

This season Houston beat SKC twice, once in the US Open Cup and once in MLS play, they drew a third game in league play. While Houston has the upper hand, this matchup’s history of playoff madness goes back over the last decade and across conferences as these two used to be Eastern Conference foes.

Can Houston continue their dream 2023 campaign? they already have a US Open Cup title, now they’re looking to make the Conference Finals. SKC wasn’t even a playoff team until the season’s final days; they won a wildcard match to make this tournament. Now, they’re on the verge of playing their way of an improbable MLS Cup run.

Moneyline

Houston Dynamo: -140 | Tie: +270 | Sporting Kansas City: +310

Odds to win MLS Cup

Houston Dynamo: +9000 | Sporting Kansas City: +12000

TV Schedule

Sunday, Nov. 26 | 7:00 PM ET | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

MLS — Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union

Seattle Sounders vs LAFC

In a battle of heavyweight teams in the west, three-seed Seattle Sounders take on four-seed LAFC. These two have a rich history in the last few seasons of playing for the chance to make MLS Cup. This year, they meet for the chance to make the Conference Finals.

While these two have given us some great playoff moments, this season the pair of teams have played close contests. A scoreless draw in Seattle and a first-minute goal in Los Angeles for LAFC were the two matches this season. Will they kick it up a notch in the MLS Cup Playoffs?

LAFC are the defending champions, Seattle is having one last ride with some players that helped them create a dynasty. Who will come out on top, and round out the MLS Conference Finals?