The 2023 MLS Cup is now approaching its final stages, as the conference semi-finals gets underway this upcoming weekend.
Here is all you need to know.
When will the 2023 MLS Cup Conference semi-finals be taking place?
The 2023 MLS Cup Conference semi-finals will be taking place on Saturday, November 25th (Eastern Conference) and Sunday, November 26th (Western Conference).
How can I watch the 2023 MLS Cup Conference semi-finals?
USA: Fans in the USA have several options to follow the 2023 MLS Cup Conference semi-finals both on TV and via live-streaming, and even via radio. Depending on which specific game, these include Fox Sports 1, SiriusXM FC, MLS Pass on Apple TV, Foxsports.com, FOX Sports App, FOX Deportes, fuboTV, and Sling TV.
Canada: Viewers in Canada also have many choices to follow the upcoming games via live-streaming and on TV. Depending on which specific game, these include TSN5, RDS App, TSN+, RDS, and MLS Pass on Apple TV.
Make sure you check out our special MLS match page for specific viewing options for each game, plus additional geo-targeted choices if you live outside the USA or Canada.
What teams are competing in the 2023 MLS Cup Conference semi-finals?
A total of eight teams (four from each conference) will be taking part in the 2023 MLS Cup Conference semi-finals:
Eastern Conference
- Orlando City
- Columbus Crew
- Cincinnati
- Philadelphia Union
Western Conference
- Houston Dynamo
- Kansas City
- Seattle Sounders
- Los Angeles
Who are the reigning champions in this competition?
Los Angeles FC won the competition last season for the first time, so the Black and Gold came into this contest as the reigning champions. However, they could face a tricky test as they have to play Seattle Sounders on their opponents' home turf this Sunday.
How did each team get to this juncture?
Orlando City: The Lions finished in second place in the Eastern Conference and second overall in the league, which earned them a spot in the post-season play-offs. Óscar Pareja's squad earned back to back 1-0 wins over Nashville, both home and away, in the first round to book their ticket to the conference semi-finals, where they will face Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Columbus Crew: The Crew finished in third place in the Eastern Conference and third overall in the league. Wilfried Nancy's team had to book their spot in the semi-finals over a series of three games against Atlanta United. Although they won the first game 2-0, they were beaten 4-2 in the second game to set up a nail-biter for the third match, during which they triumphed 4-2 and now will travel to face Orlando City (who are seeded higher) this Saturday.
Cincinnati: Pat Noonan's men had an absolutely outstanding season in which they won the league and now could potentially complete a coveted double. Spearheaded by the brilliant form of Luciano Acosta, the Orange and Blue avoided having to play a third game against the New York Red Bulls by beating them 8-7 on spot-kicks in game two after the match finished as a 1-1 draw. Next up for Cincinnati will be a showdown against Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
Philadelphia Union: Speaking of the Union, Jim Curtin's troops finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and fifth overall in the league. Like their upcoming opponents Cincinnati, they avoided having to play a third game after securing 3-1 and 1-0 wins over New England Revolution, and will certainly look forward to facing the newly-crowned Supporters' Shield winners this weekend.
Houston Dynamo: Houston Dynamo finished fourth in the Western Conference and ninth overall in the league. Ben Olsen's team have already lifted one title this season, as they clinched the US Open Cup after beating Inter Miami 2-1 in the final. The team really had to work hard to get to this juncture, as they battled Real Salt Lake over three matches - including two that went to penalties - to book a spot in the Western Conference semi-finals. It will be interesting to see if having to play one extra game will impact the team as they prepare to face Kansas City on Sunday.
Kansas City: Meanwhile, Kansas City, who finished eighth in the Western Conference and 15th overall in the league, had a much easier time in their round one series. The Wizards cruised to a 4-1 win against St. Louis on the road, before securing a 2-1 home win to make sure that Peter Vermes's team set up a showdown against Houston Dynamo on November 26th.
Seattle Sounders: The Sounders finished second in the Western Conference and seventh overall in the league. Despite their experience - and prior success in MLS Cups - Brian Schmetzer's team had to work a lot harder than many anticipated to set up their semi-finals meetings against Los Angeles on Sunday. Things appeared to be going well following a 2-0 win over Dallas, but the second game provided to be an interesting one as Dallas, encouraged by their home fans, battled to a 3-1 win. Both sides certainly had everything to play for in game three, but ultimately, the Sounders prevailed 1-0 to keep their MLS Cup dreams afloat.
Los Angeles: Last but certainly not least, reigning MLS Cup holders Los Angeles have provided plenty of entertainment so far in this competition. The Black and Gold, who finished third in the Western Conference and eighth overall in the league, overpowered Vancouver 5-2 in a seven goal thriller in game one before securing their semi-finals spot thanks to a gritty 1-0 victory in game two. Next up for Steve Cherundolo's men will be a tough test against Seattle on Sunday to see which of these two teams will feature in the Western Conference finals on December 2nd.
Make sure you bookmark our special MLS match page for game times, broadcast details, and more info.
