Portuguese talent, including coaches and key players, is poised to make a notable impact as the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs begin, even as some prominent figures contend with significant injuries.
Three of the four teams participating in the opening playoff matches feature Portuguese individuals in key roles. This includes an assistant coach and several influential players.
Filipe Çelikkaya serves as the assistant coach for Chicago Fire, working alongside head coach Gregg Berhalter. The team is making its first playoff appearance in eight years, with Çelikkaya expressing confidence in their progress.
“We are very satisfied to be in the playoffs, something that hasn’t happened since 2017,” Çelikkaya said. “The knockout games begin, and we hope to smile at the end. It will be a difficult game against an experienced team, but we are convinced that we can take a step forward.”
The Chicago Fire, however, will face their challenge without two Portuguese players, Leonardo Barroso and André Franco, both sidelined by injuries. Franco suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in early October and is expected to miss several months. Barroso is out with muscular complaints, with his return timeline unclear.
In another key matchup, Portland Timbers features Portuguese player David Costa, who has scored five goals since joining the team in February. He will face Real Salt Lake, which counts former Benfica player Diogo Gonçalves as one of its main figures. Gonçalves has contributed four goals and six assists this season.
The MLS playoffs kick off early Thursday morning. Chicago Fire will host Orlando City, while Portland Timbers will travel to face Real Salt Lake.
Winners of these initial matches will advance to face top-seeded teams. The victor between Chicago and Orlando will play Philadelphia Union, the Eastern Conference’s top team. The winner of the Portland versus Real Salt Lake clash will take on San Diego FC, the Western Conference leader.