The penultimate stage of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs has arrived, featuring a pair of 25-year charter members in the East and two red-hot sides in the West. An unprecedented 2020 campaign that began way back in late February has seen the field of championship hopefuls reduce from 26 to four, with the conference final winners slated to meet in MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 12.
Sporting Kansas City's pursuit of postseason glory came to a halt Thursday at Children's Mercy Park, but for the club's MLS diehards in town and across the country, the conference finals will nevertheless be a spectacle worth watching. With that in mind, let’s jump straight into the matchups.
(3) Columbus Crew SC vs. (8) New England Revolution
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m. CT | ABC + ESPN Deportes
When the playoffs began, few could have accurately predicted the pairing for the Eastern Conference Final. Three-seed Columbus Crew SC aren't exactly a surprise inclusion, as they have held serve at home with wins over the New York Red Bulls and Nashville SC, the latter a 2-0 decision in extra time. Caleb Porter's men have weathered a COVID-19 outbreak within the team, and although only one starter missed the conference semifinal win against Nashville—goalkeeper Eloy Room—Crew SC fans will have their fingers crossed that the likes of striker Gyasi Zardes, midfielder Darlington Nagbe and Best XI defender Jonathan Mensah remain available to lead the side.
On the opposite sideline, legendary head coach Bruce Arena and the New England Revolution have caught fire at the most opportune time. After riding the ups and downs of a mediocre regular season, the Revs entered the playoffs healthy and have since collected three impressive wins on the trot behind influential performances from Carles Gil, Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa. After edging the Montreal Impact in the play-in round, New England scalped Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union 2-0 and upstart Orlando City SC 3-1, both away from home. The Revs will be eyeing their sixth MLS Cup appearance and first title, while Crew SC aim to join Sporting among the clubs with multiple MLS Cups.
(2) Seattle Sounders FC vs. (4) Minnesota United FC
Monday, Dec. 7 | 8:30 p.m. CT | FS1 + FOX Deportes
Seattle's unrelenting success over the last half-decade is as impressive as it is annoying. As reigning MLS Cup champions, head coach Brian Schmetzer's side has reached the Western Conference Final for the fourth time since 2016. A win over Minnesota would send Seattle to their fourth MLS Cup in five seasons and give the Sounders the opportunity to play for their third league title during that stretch. The triumvirate of Raul Ruidiaz, Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro leads a team looking to solidify its dynasty tag.
Minnesota, meanwhile, have reached the conference final for the first time after posting 3-0 wins over the Colorado Rapids and Sporting in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Head coach Adrian Heath's team is absolutely sizzling at the moment, going 6-0-4 in the last 10 games with zero losses since Sept. 23. Playmaking midfielder Emanuel Reynoso has run the show with assists on all six of the Loons' playoff goals, four of which to winger Kevin Molino. The Loons boast a deep, talented roster, and their postseason performance thus far has served as a clear reminder that Minnesota are well removed from their tumultuous early days as MLS fledglings.
