Everyone has a chance...
We all know it's impossible to be in top form all the time. Sometimes, you struggle in the day to day. That's sports – and life. But the question is: Can you pull it together when the moment of truth arises, this moment, when it's all or nothing and history is there to be made? Twelve teams believe they'll be one to get it right, and none are wrong – not yet, at least.
- Greg Lalas
You will witness history...
Because with so much on the line, so much star power involved and cameras everywhere, there are bound to be plenty of "Oh my God, did you see that?" moments that become part of MLS Cup Playoff lore. Will you be a witness?
- Andrew Wiebe
Legends are born...
Because do-or-die matches are when incredible, emotionally charged moments happen. I still get goosebumps watching Cameron Porter’s goal vs. Pachuca. The opportunity for those moments – ones that make (or break) careers – is what makes the MLS Cup Playoffs great. Who will be the next Cameron Porter? We'll have to watch to find out.
- Matt Folger
Surprise, surprise...
Because there is guaranteed to be a shocker somewhere along the way. A No. 1 seed in either conference has only won MLS Cup seven times. Remember the 2005 Galaxy? 2008 Red Bulls or 2009 Real Salt Lake? We all love a great surprise:
- Simon Borg
Things are about to get physical...
I'm a big believer in the primacy of the regular season, but there's no question that playoff intensity gets ratcheted up to 11. Players have to be sharper and more ruthless both on and off the ball, and each touch (and challenge) is laced with just a bit more drama than usual. Watch your ankles.
- Matt Doyle
Oh, Canada...
Because the gang's all here. American jingoists, eat your heart out. With all three Canadian teams in the playoffs, those previously polite neighbors to the north aren’t going to be quite so stereotypically friendly any more. Between Drogba in Montreal, Giovinco in Toronto, and a host of younger talent in Vancouver, we’re promised an epic array of goals (and equally magical goal celebrations).
- Arielle Castillo
It might (finally) be the Revs' year...
New England weren’t one of the highest scoring teams in the league this season (tied for 7th), but when they found the net it tended to be in spectacular fashion thanks to players like Lee Nguyen, Diego Fagundez (above) and Kelyn Rowe. Will that be enough to finally deliver an MLS Cup win? Sixth time's the charm, right? RIGHT?!
- Ben Baer
Mo, Mo, Movember...
Because it is not only about the game and competition, it's about style as well!
MLS Playoffs are also special because our players rock the Movember swag with great style while raising awareness of men's health issues. That Beckham moustache for 2012 Playoffs was on fleek!
- Kristel Valencia
Bottles will be popped...
Because grown men don't slip-and-slide in bubbly every day.
- Andrew Wiebe
It's not over until it's over...
Because MLS Cup glory is right there on that top step, just waiting for you to grab it. Sometimes, it can slip away from you when it seems closer than ever. Just ask last year's Red Bulls team, who both won and lost crucial playoff games to injury time goals, or all the No. 1 seeds who fell short of the ultimate prize.
So buckle up for drama (late or otherwise) and be sure to stay until the final whistle on Dec. 6 at MLS Cup. You never know what will happen.
- Nick Rosano
