The Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup is the grandest prize in professional US soccer, as it determines the national champion. MLS has grown as a sport in recent years and this year’s MLS Cup has a number of significant contenders.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at how the MLS Cup works, before considering who could claim the title in 2022.
The popularity of MLS continues to grow both in the US and abroad. And, with the football season ending in May or June in many countries around the world, that popularity only increases in the summer months, as MLS runs from February to October.
How Does The MLS Cup Work?
Given the vastness of the US, MLS is split into two conferences, West and East. There are 14 teams in each conference, with all 28 teams also forming an overall league. The winner of that league takes home the Supporters’ Shield.
But, the MLS Cup works a little differently. The top seven teams in each conference qualify for the Cup. The format then shifts to a play-off style competition, with teams competing in knockout matches to get to the conference final.
The winner of each respective conference qualifies for the MLS Cup. So theoretically, a team that finishes in 7th position could still be in with a chance of winning some silverware, which makes it such an interesting competition.
Who Are The Possible Contenders For The MLS Cup?
We’re now approaching the halfway point of the MLS season. Teams have played enough matches now for us to gauge whether or not they could be contenders to win the MLS Cup.
In the Eastern Conference, New York City is currently top, with 26 points. Philadelphia is just a point behind. Further down the table, there are only 5 points separating the bottom place from the final playoff spot, so it’s potentially all to play for still.
In the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC (also known as LAFC) has a four-point lead at the top of the table, with a decent-sized pack of teams chasing just a few points behind. Again, there are only 5 points separating the bottom place and the 7th and final playoff spot.
Let’s take a more detailed look at some of the standout contenders.
New York City FC has only been around since 2015. Owned by the same people who own the champions of the Premier League, Manchester City, New York has received lots of investment to help it quickly rise up the league.
Former French international and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieria managed them for a number of years, leading the team to its first playoff campaign and second place in the overall MLS league.
New York City FC has only continued to grow and last year they won the MLS Cup for the very first time. Before the season began, some bookmakers and commentators didn’t think they could repeat it in 2022.
But, New York has begun the season in the same way that they finished the last. They’ve conceded just 10 goals in 13 games, making them the top defensive team in MLS. They’ve also scored an impressive 25 goals too.
If New York can keep up this impressive start, not only could they win the MLS Cup this year, but they could take home the Supporter’s Shield too.
If you think the Gotham City club are likely to overcome their competitors, there are lots of options available to make that confidence profitable. From accumulators to picking teams, to players scoring in both halves, soccer fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to the beautiful game in America.
Los Angeles FC
LAFC is currently top of the MLS league, after making a dominant start to the season. They’ve won more games than any other team and have also scored a little under 2 goals per game on average, making them the leading scorers overall.
This isn’t surprising given the talent in their squad. Mexican star Carlos Vela has scored 6 goals in his 13 appearances, with 3 assists and 33 key passes. Cristian Arango and Ryan Hollingshead have provided support, netting seven goals between them.
Many people didn’t fancy LAFC this year, but they’ve so far proven their doubters wrong. Now, they have to be considered serious contenders going into the second half of the MLS season, and they have the firepower to beat their rivals, notably New York City FC, in the MLS Cup.
