Inter Miami’s Shocking Exit: How the Favorites Fell in the MLS Cup Playoffs

The MLS Cup Final will feature LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls after a stunning upset in the playoffs

Inter Miami’s Shocking Exit: How the Favorites Fell in the MLS Cup Playoffs
MLS playoff schedule: Galaxy drop Seattle, Red Bulls topple Orlando City

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Los Angeles: The MLS Cup Playoffs have kicked off, and the final match-up is set. Eighteen teams entered the playoffs, but the favorites, Inter Miami, were unexpectedly eliminated. Now, only LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls remain in the competition.

Inter Miami, led by superstar Lionel Messi, faced Atlanta United in a surprising best-of-three series. In a shocking turn of events, they lost 3-2 at home in Game 3. The match was filled with excitement, as Atlanta scored three goals in just 21 minutes. Messi managed to equalize with a powerful header, but Atlanta’s Bartosz Slisz scored again, sealing Miami’s fate.

The game was intense, with moments of drama, including a confrontation between Luis Suarez and Atlanta’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan. Despite the chaos, Guzan emerged victorious, celebrating with his teammates as Messi and the rest of Inter Miami were left in disbelief. This upset knocked out all three top seeds from the Eastern Conference.

In the playoffs, New York Red Bulls, who started as the seventh seed, have made an incredible run to become the Eastern Conference champions. They will face LA Galaxy, who will be missing star player Riqui Puig due to an injury, in the final on December 7.

The playoffs format allows 18 of Major League Soccer’s 29 teams to compete, but the field quickly narrowed to 16. The first round features a best-of-three series, with the top seeds playing against wild card winners. The semifinals and finals follow a single-elimination format.

The playoffs have been filled with surprises, including the wild card round where Atlanta United triumphed over Montreal. The first round saw several thrilling matches, leading to the elimination of top teams like Inter Miami.

As the playoffs progress, fans eagerly await the final showdown between LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls. The excitement continues to build as the teams prepare for this crucial match. The MLS Cup Final promises to be an unforgettable event for soccer fans everywhere.

Mangesh Wakchaure is a dedicated journalist at puneheadline.com who is known for his expertise in educational articles. They provide accurate and engaging reports.