And Then There Were Eight: These Are The Contenders Vying For The MLS Cup

After a thrilling finish that saw FC Dallas overcome Minnesota United FC in penalty kicks, the MLS playoffs are officially advancing past the first round and into the conference semis. Only eight teams remain and the MLS season is dwindling down as we inch closer to crowning a winner of the MLS Cup.

The semis will kick off on October 20. Here are the playoff matchups:

West Semis

(2) Austin FC vs. (3) FC Dallas

The West will see a pair of derby matches, beginning with Austin FC matching up against FC Dallas. FC Dallas is coming off a dramatic victory and is looking to keep the momentum going. Austin FC is also moving on from a penalty-kick shootout against the upstart Real Salt Lake. The longtime rivals are surely itching to send one another home.

(1) LA FC vs (4) LA Galaxy

LAFC will face the LA Galaxy after securing their second Supporter’s Shield after being founded just five years ago. LAFC has what might be the most talented roster in the entire league and looks primed to make a run at the MLS Cup. The LA Galaxy are coming off a rollercoaster season, but a strong finish to the season has them hopeful before this intense cross-town rivalry matchup, El Tráfico.

East Semis

(1) Philadelphia Union vs (5) FC Cincinnati

Meanwhile in the East, Philadelphia Union earned a bye in the first round for getting the first seed but will face FC Cincinnati. Philadelphia remains the betting odds favorite to win the MLS Cup. However, FC Cincinnati is coming off their first-ever playoff win and is looking to make even more noise with an upset victory on the backs of their attacking trio.

(2) CF Montréal vs (3) NYCFC

The defending champions, New York City FC, are coming off a rather convincing victory over Inter Miami and will go up against CF Montréal, one of the league's biggest surprises. NYCFC is hoping to recapture some of the magic they had last season when they won their first MLS Cup in their short history.

The playoffs will continue to be single-elimination with penalty kicks if the game remains tied through 30 minutes of extra time.