MLS Wild Card 2023 Field

After a climactic MLS regular season, the eight and nine seeds have been decided and are ready to play for a spot in the round of 16. In the west, Sporting Kansas City squares off against the San Jose Earthquakes while Charlotte FC travel to NJ to play the New York Red Bulls.

Will the home teams roll over the nine seeds? Do any of these teams have a chance in a best-of-three against FC Cincinnati or St. Louis City? Let’s get into it starting with the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte FC (9) vs. New York Red Bulls (8) Apple TV – MLS Season Pass 7:30 pm EST

Two teams that caught fire at the right time, the 7:30 pm EST game will define the season for either side. The Red Bulls have been the more successful team in NY, but unfortunately, it has been a down year for NY fans across all sports.

The Red Bulls have won four of their last five with big wins against FC Cincinnati and Nashville SC to punctuate their upset bona fides. Meanwhile, the representatives of the Queen City have struggled all season to close out games nearly bottling their chance to appear in the postseason. They’ve gone 3-1-1 in their last five with their best win against Chicago Fire FC.

Charlotte has said they are fearless going into Red Bull Arena, but the playoff debutants are against a Red Bulls organization that has made 14 straight playoff appearances (the longest active streak in North American professional sports). Their last two meetings have ended up in draws, but I believe that the home environment paired with their recent form gives Red Bull a distinct edge.

Prediction: New York Red Bulls 3 – 1 Charlotte FC

San Jose Earthquakes (9) vs. Sporting Kansas City (8) Apple TV – MLS Season Pass 9:30 pm EST

Sporting Kansas City had an awful start as it gets this season, but managed to bounce back with a strong run of form late in the season with wins against Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo FC. Meanwhile, the Earthquakes have drawn or lost their last five games, and despite having only Nathan on the injury report seem to be the weaker team.

If Charlotte feels like it lacks a chance for an upset, this game almost certainly should go the way of Sporting KC.

Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 4 – 0 San Jose Earthquakes