Inter Miami and NYCFC face off Saturday in the MLS Eastern Conference final in what looks like a classic mismatch. Lionel Messi and Co. will enter the game in the best form they’ve been in all season after eliminating both Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati by a score of 4-0. That’s eight goals in two matches, three by Messi himself, en route to Saturday’s East final.
NYCFC, meanwhile, has survived the postseason by staying compact, picking its moments and turning set pieces into lifelines. NYCFC, as the heavy underdog (+450 to Miami’s -200 at BetMGM), can’t go blow-for-blow with Miami, and will have to slow things down, frustrate Messi in the middle, and wait for the kind of half-chance they’ve ridden all the way here.
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For Miami, the risk is the space they leave behind when their fullbacks push high. For NYCFC, it’s conceding first and and having to chase. Either way, both clubs are 90 minutes from something massive, and the tensions should hit early. It has the making of a nervy, unpredictable night.
Follow our live blog below for all the latest updates, highlights and biggest moments as Inter Miami and NYCFC look to book a spot in the MLC Cup Final.
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Kari Anderson
We’ve got a pair of thrilling conference finals on the docket today. Inter Miami and NYCFC face off in the Eastern Conference Finals first, followed by San Diego vs. Vancouver to determine the winner of the West.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. NYCFC
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Location: Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Live stream: Apple TV with MLS Season Pass
