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MLS Western Final: New Teams Clash!
28 Nov
Summary
- Both teams reach conference final for the first time.
- San Diego is second expansion team to reach this stage.
- Key players Müller and Lozano have history.
The Western Conference final will feature a historic clash between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and San Diego FC, the season's top two teams. This marks the first time either club has reached this stage of the playoffs. San Diego FC, an expansion team, has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming only the second expansion side in MLS history to advance this far, following in the footsteps of the 1998 Chicago Fire. The Whitecaps are also celebrating their best season since their 2011 MLS debut.
The match-up is highlighted by potential game-defining individual battles, notably between San Diego's Thomas Müller and Vancouver's Anders Dreyer. Despite not directly opposing each other on the field, their impact and leadership are crucial. Dreyer has had an outstanding season, while Müller, a recent arrival, brings significant experience. Vancouver's midfield, led by Sebastian Berhalter and Andrés Cubas, will be key in controlling the central areas against San Diego's attack, especially considering Vancouver's defensive injury concerns.
San Diego enters the game with confidence, having faced Vancouver twice in the regular season, though past results may not predict this high-stakes playoff encounter. The game is anticipated to be a close contest, with Vancouver ultimately predicted to win in extra time and advance to the MLS Cup. The match is set to take place on Saturday.
