The New York Red Bulls know they will face the lowest remaining seed of Philadelphia Union, D.C. United or Columbus Crew SC in the Eastern Confernence Semifinals, depending on who is victorious in Knockout Round play.
The fourth team in the Knockout Round, New York City FC, cannot play against the Red Bulls, due to being the No. 3 seed.
"When the field has been trimmed to eight teams, four per conference, the Knockout Round winners are re-seeded ahead of the Conference Semifinals based on regular-season performance," according to MLSSoccer.com. "The lowest remaining seed in each conference will play the No. 1 seed, while the No. 2 seed takes on the other team in Conference Semifinal matches set for Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. (For example, if the No. 6 seed sprung an upset against the No. 3 seed and the No. 5 seed did the same against the No. 4 seed, the conference semifinals would pit the No. 1 seed against the No. 6 seed and the No. 2 seed against the No. 5 seed.)"
Leg 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals will be played on the road in either Philly, D.C. or Columbus on November 4, at a time to be determined. Leg 2 will kick off on November 11, at Red Bull Arena, at a time to be determined.
Atlanta United FC, the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, will face the highest remaining seed following the knockout round.
