The first two games of the MLS postseason are set for Wednesday and Thursday night, with the new wild card format meaning that for two teams it's win and advance, and for two others it's lose and go home.
New York and Dallas open the MLS playoffs Wednesday night at Pizza Hut Park in a meeting of two teams that had serious title aspirations entering the season. The Red Bulls will have to cope without the injured Luke Rodgers, but Thierry Henry & Co. get a new lease on life after sneaking into the postseason as the 10th and final seed. Brek Shea-led Dallas, meanwhile, is setting out to return to the MLS Cup final after coming up short in the title game a season ago.
Colorado and Columbus meet Thursday night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference semifinals, which the Rapids took in penalties after the two played to a 2-2 aggregate draw over two legs. The Rapids used that series to launch themselves to the MLS Cup title, while Columbus revamped its roster in the offseason only to make a return to the playoffs. Both will have to overcome central midfield absences as Colorado captain Pablo Mastroeni (concussion) and Columbus' Emmanuel Ekpo (suspension) won't be available.
Who do you think will win the wild card matchups? Cast your vote after the jump:
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How did you vote? Who do you see winning the wildcard games? Do you think any of the wild card contenders has a shot at reaching MLS Cup?
Share your thoughts below.