Audi 2022 MLS Cup Final: Rapid Rundown & One-liner
By: Anthony Tazbaz
IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!! With the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semi-Finals behind us, it is time for a rapid rundown of the MLS Cup Final (November 5, 15:30 EST). The two finalists, Los Angeles FC and the Philadelphia Union, face off at the Banc of California Stadium in their first ever MLS Cup Final, respectively. Before I go into the rundown and one-liner, here is some context describing the importance of this major game.
Both Conference Champions not only claimed their spot for the MLS Cup Final; they also claimed the top spot for their respective conference during the regular season—both finishing with 67 points (LAFC won the Supporters’ Shield due to more wins). A cup final with the top two performing clubs from the regular season is not a common feature. The last time such a faceoff happened dates back to 2003, whereby the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Chicago Fire by a score of 4-2. By North American standards, these two clubs constitute two of the most elite clubs featuring incredibly talented squads.
The champions of the East, the Philadelphia Union, possess the best offence and the league’s best defence, boasting an incredible 72 goals scored, led by the likes of Daniel Gazdag, and Julian Carranza. The Pennsylvania club also display an even-more staggering 26 goals against during their 34-game regular-season campaign. Lest we forget, the Union also has Defender of the Year finalist in Kai Wagner and Jacob Glesnes, winner of the award. Moreover, the Union has a bona fide league superstar between the posts in Jamaican international and MVP candidate Andre Blake.
On the other hand, the champions of the West and Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC nevertheless boast an impressive goal tally with 67, with 38 goals conceded. Such statistics place them as runner-up for goal scoring and third place in goals conceded, league-wide. Unlike the Philadelphia Union’s young and relatively homegrown squad, LAFC’s roster consists of many internationally well-renowned players such as Carlos Vela, Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini, Denis Bouanga, Cristian Tello, and MVP candidate Cristian Arango.
Despite both clubs playing their first-ever MLS Cup Final, both squads possess enough talent and determination to claim the throne of Major League Soccer and possibly of the CONCACAF region—North America’s football confederation. Both clubs clinched their qualification for next year’s edition of the CONCACAF Champions League and are poised to repeat history, following the Seattle Sounders’ run to win the CONCACAF Champions League, the first club outside of Mexico’s Liga MX to do so. Ultimately, this final should be an exciting one due to the incredibly high prestige boasted by both clubs and their elite offensive capabilities. This matchup also offers each club an opportunity to make history and engrave their name on United States/Canada’s most prestigious prize in soccer.
Where to Watch:
Canada: TSN, and TVA Sports (French)
United States: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish), FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes (Spanish), UniMas, and TUDN
Los Angeles FC vs Philadelphia Union
Rapid Rundown:
Players to Watch
LAFC: Cristian “Chicho” Arango
PHI: Daniel Gazdag
Conference Semi-finals Result
2022 Matchup
May 7 @ Banc of California Stadium: LAFC 2-2 Philadelphia Union, WATCH
One-liner: Philadelphia’s league-best defending and elite goalkeeping will be key to triumph at LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium and claim the MLS Cup. Philadelphia Union 2-1 LAFC.
