The MLS playoffs are down to just eight teams, with LAFC and the LA Galaxy the top contenders. Here's what you need to know.

Since the MLS Cup doesn't take place at a neutral location, the host team is determined by the Supporters' Shield rankings. Due to the Eastern Conference losing the top three representatives, it means that the odds are quite slim for an Eastern Conference side to host the Cup.

The MLS Cup Playoffs resume on Saturday, with the second round taking place over a month after the regular season concluded. Viewers will return to a bracket in a state of relative carnage, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and defending champion Columbus Crew having exited in the first round.

On the West Coast, LA Galaxy met expectations with a convincing sweep of Colorado Rapids. The Galaxy's El Tráfico rivals LAFC took down Vancouver Whitecaps in three games to keeps its MLS Cup dreams alive. Minnesota United and Seattle Sounders prevailed in their matchups to give themselves a chance in the postseason.

The MLS Cup playoffs have been unpredictable so far, with the shock exits of Inter Miami and Columbus Crew. Who's going to win it now?

The MLS regular season needs more urgency. But nixing the MLS Cup Playoffs for a European league model would actually hurt the product further.

Lead by Facundo Torres and a star-studded set of substitutes in to call on, Orlando came into the playoffs as arguably the hottest team in MLS and the vibe around Inter & Co Stadium is that they continue to ride that wave now deep into November.

When Inter Miami were dumped out of Major League Soccer's playoffs in the first round, their former Spain international full-back Jordi Alba questioned the fairness of the post-season format.

The MLS Cup Playoffs are finally back after an extended break between rounds one and two. With a place in the conference finals on the line, the games have officially become do or die. Let's dig