How to Watch: The MLS Knock-Out Round

I am sad that the Colorado Rapids are not making the playoffs this year, but HOLY CRAP look at these match-ups on Wednesday and Thursday!  There are some downright spectacular games for the 2015 MLS Knock-out Round and we do our best to preview them in our "How to Watch: The MLS Knock-Out Round" guide:

How to Watch:  D.C. United vs New England Revolution

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30 PM MDT

Venue: RFK Stadium--Washington, DC

Television Information: UniMas

Form Guide: DC United:  (15-13-6)  LLWWL.  New England:  (14-12-8)  LDLLW

What to Watch For: Both of these teams stumbled to the finish line with just three wins between them in the last ten combined matches.  And for DCU, they were at the top of the Eastern Conference for the bulk of the year but finished with just two wins in their last nine.  The Revs were a fashionable pick to make it all the way back to the MLS Cup Championship game but have performed below expectations this season.  This one could go either way, but I think that D.C. United will be looking at reversing their late season form and being at home will be enough to propel them to victory.

How to Watch:  Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, October 28 at 8:00 PM MDT

Venue: Century Link Field--Seattle, Washington

Television Information: UniMas

Form Guide: Seattle:  (15-13-6)  WDDDW.   Los Angeles:  (14-11-9)  LWDLL

What to Watch For: The Galaxy have OWNED the Sounders over the years and they will have to feel they have Sounders number.  But the Galaxy are struggling big time and they suck on the road (just two wins in 2015) and I have to think that Seattle is due to beat LA.  Call this one a hunch, but this starts the run to the MLS Cup for Seattle.  Big win for the Sounders.

How to Watch:  Montreal Impact vs Toronto FC

Match Date/Time: Thursday, October 29 at 5:00 PM MDT

Venue: Stade Saputo--Montreal, Quebec

Television Information: UniMas

Form Guide: Montreal:  (15-13-6)  LLWWW  Toronto:  (15-15-4)  WWWLL

What to Watch For: To be honest, I am most excited about this matchup over the rest in the knock out round.  Both of these team have very exciting offensive players (Didier Drogba, Ignacio Piatti, Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore) and defense that is less than stellar.  All of that being said, this feels like a game that the Impact will win.  For all of the hype with TFC, they lost 15 games this season and are struggling a bit right now.  Plus, Montreal has the better defense and have the home pitch advantage.  Go with the Impact in this one.

How to Watch:  Portland Timbers vs Sporting Kansas City

Match Date/Time: Thursday, October 29 at 8:00 PM MDT

Venue: Providence Park--Portland, Oregon

Television Information: UniMas

Form Guide: Portland:  (15-11-8)  WLWWW  Sporting:  (14-11-9)  DWLLW

What to Watch For: The Timbers are the hottest team going into the knock out round with wins in four of their last five and absolutely throttled their last (and will remain unnamed opponent).  And they are playing at home against a Sporting team that seems to have lost its edge after the US Open Cup win.  So this one is clear and easy:  win for Sporting.