The MLS upsets, including NYCFC, show how wonderful the MLS Cup Playoffs can be

Before the MLS Cup Playoffs began, most Major League Soccer fans, including New York City FC supporters would have thought different teams would have been in the Conference Semifinals. For the Western Conference, things are mostly normal, for the teams ranked one, two, four, and six are in the second round. There is always a chance that teams ranked in the bottom half can move on, and the number six Minnesota United FC proved that.

However, in the Eastern Conference, well, things went crazy in the first round. There were three upsets, for the sides that were seeded as the sixth, seventh, and ninth seeds won their Best-of-3 series. As known, NYCFC beat FC Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls upset the Columbus Crew. Two upsets in the first round might be surprising, but the fact that ninth-seeded Atlanta United FC beat the number one team, Inter Miami CF, was shocking.

NYCFC and the other upsets were great for the playoffs

However, crazy upsets happen in the playoffs, regardless of the sport. Sometimes, teams can be lucky, like NYCFC was. Yes, they won fair and square in the penalty kick shootout. But they were lucky during regulation to keep Cincinnati out of the goal in the final fixture. The NYCFC attack was missing in action but the defense kept the score 0-0.

The shocking wins, especially Atlanta United, illuminate how wonderful the MLS Cup Playoffs can be. Nothing is ever guaranteed, and sometimes the unexpected can happen. In 2024, half of the field ended in upsets. This makes the postseason exciting and exhilarating to watch.

In addition, nothing should be guaranteed in the playoffs, either. Many see the postseason as teams starting with a clean slate. A team like Atlanta could finish the year in ninth place but win the wild card series and beat the top-ranked side in the first round. In other words, the rank should not mean that the top teams should only continue in the postseason.

In NYCFC's case, there was some hope they could upset Cincinnati since they ended the regular season well. The Pigeons went 3-1-1 in their final five games and scored 12 goals. An upset appeared possible. Yet, the doubt still existed since the Bronx side struggled away from home. Winning how they did in the last game via a penalty kick shootout was thrilling to see. It will also be one of those shootouts that fans, both NYCFC and neutrals, will remember for years.

The Eastern Conference highlighted the beauty of the postseason with three of four series ending in upsets. This is something that can and should be appreciated.