PBP: 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs First Round Game 2 PBP Thread {R}

Yea, over in the Gals sub we've been skeptical (I personally had us as a dark horse possibility due to our scoring) because of our inconsistent defense, but that seems to have shorn up so far in the playoffs. Tougher teams ahead tho

 

Rapids end the season on a 6 game losing streak and 7 of their last 8. After beating Portland to clinch a playoff spot on September 14th the only points they got were a win over a bad Toronto team at home a week later. In that 8 game run they were outscored 20-7. (12-2 in 3 games against the Galaxy)

Legs fell off after the Leagues Cup run but it was also notable how much worse the team played when Cole Bassett was injured in training after the Toronto match. He missed the remaining 6 games, all losses.

 

Greg Vanney took his “coach of the year” snub out on his buddy Chris Armas (who is a nominee). who am I kidding? it’s not that masterful of coaching to write Puig’s name on the team sheet.

I will say that Garces’ emergence as a center back starter has solved a lot of defensive issues that Neal or Caceras could not solve. Garces pure athleticism and pace puts out a lot of fires.

 

We're getting closer to the end of seeing the Audi headlights commercial. I couldn't resist.

There once was a boy in an Audi,
Who sometimes got a bit too rowdy.
His mom couldn't choose
Which headlight to use,
And that why he always is pouty

 

But they qualified for CCC next year!

 

the thing I always see in that commercial is there appears to only be a very few choices for the headlights. Like 3-4. Makes the moms indecision infuriating to me.

 

But they're such good choices that she will never ever see while she is driving!

 

A game has started on a baseball field.

 

And it's 0-0 at the end of the first inning.

 

NYC 1-0 Cincy if it stands

 

Cincinnati seems disjointed on offense and defense right now. Crisp passes to vacant places and pretty epic ball-watching on the goal.

 

The way this series is shaping up, I think NYC's chances to win and advance are fairly decent.

While it was a bummer for Rapids fans to see their team crash out of the playoffs with a couple of heavy losses, Colorado still had the third best turnaround in MLS from 2023. Only Inter Miami and the Galaxy were better in terms of points-improvement. Not bad for a team that was the silver medalist in the 2023 Wooden Spoon sweepstakes.

 

NYC 2-0 Cincy

 

The only thing that makes sense about that assist is that both teams are wearing blue.

 

Adventures in goalkeeping were not punished.

 

Cincy strikes back

NYC 2-1 Cincy

 

Evidently I missed a goal by a blue team.

 

Terribly managed break the other way after the FCC chance. Martinez was being reeled in for forty yards and never bothered to pass to the other two open players.

 

Really fun final fifteen minutes, regardless of rooting interest.

 

Dagger

NYC 3-1 Cincy

 

I want the blue teams to lose.

 

I want the aquamarine pastel team to lose.

 

Close enough to blue.

 

I do like that Inter Miami third kit, though. It's a very Miami look.

Atlanta a bit unlucky not to score, I think. One powerful header on goal blocked, another header just wide.