PBP: 2023 MLS Playoffs Conference Finals PBP Thread {R}

Dorsey makes a good tackle or another PK and red card

 

That was a hell of a recovery and tackle on Bouanga from Dorsey.

 

Magic Johnson is watching...

 

Thank you.

 

Dorsey with one of the classiest slide tackles in MLS play ever!
I say this as an old coach not lifer Houston soccer fan.

 

Meh. I forgot I had this on the TV.

 

Another round of MLS Playoffs have come to an end.

 

I appreciate Brad Smith running that ball over, but you aren't scoring 2 goals in 1 second mate.

 

LAFC is quietly returning to MLS Cup final...This season is all about Cincy's domination

 

Can’t watch, won’t watch.

 

Bouanga did not score, but his influence was everywhere

 

Live, that is.

 

Honestly, LAFC/Columbus should be a real good game. The scary thing is that even without any rule changes both these teams will likely be better next year. Columbus is already signing U-22 players it seems now that Nagbe signed a new deal that allows them to. And LAFC is doing this with only 2 DP slots filled (Vela and Denis B). If the rumored proposed rule changes (4 DP slots and a bump up to 7 million on the cap) come to pass I can see both these teams adding multiple players next year.

 

Columbus is only a few pieces away from being an SS contender. It will be interesting if they can put it together.

Will Chiellini and Vela be back next year even?

 

Chicago Fire are waiting for the World Cup.

 

Well, without Bastian we won't win the World Cup EVER!

 

Nah, they both belinged to the Crew. But Vazquez scored a great goal off a TO, Powell cleared off the line, and Acosta hit a great FK. Crew had 68% possession in the first half.

 

Other than that I thought Nagbe was outstanding. The game seemed to slow down when he was in possession.

Or maybe it was just him.

 

both of these matches were good, intense playoff games. Really good for the casual fan without a rooting interest, although the cbus-cincy game seemed to be at a higher level. This sets up a really good final. oops... now I've basically ensured a nil-nil draw with pens. Sorry!

 

But like...he is a square-pass merchant.

The teams featuring him that are the most successful are the ones that realize that and integrate it.

He combined for 1 goal and 1 assist in his last two MLS Cup-winning seasons.

This season and 2018 are the seasons in which he's had the shortest total passing distance and progressive passing distance per game.

He's very good at the square ball thing.

 

He is very good at keeping the ball under pressure. And scores a banging goal every once in a while. He has won big everywhere he has been: Akron, Portland, Atlanta, Columbus. It is not a coincidence.

If you are a team that wants to play possession football, he is a fantastic player to have at the base of the attack. He is not the finisher/orchestrator, but the connector.