3 game-changing players to watch in the MLS Cup Playoffs

3 game-changing players to watch in the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs

HARRISON, NJ - SEPTEMBER 03: Andre Blake #18 of Philadelphia Union clears the ball in the second half of the Major League Soccer match against New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on September 3, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

CHARLOTTE, NC – JUNE 30: Sebastián Driussi #7 of Austin FC makes a run with the ball during a game between Austin FC and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

1. Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC)

The race for this season’s regular-season MVP has been dominated by speculation that Austin’s Sebastian Driussi is favored to take the prize. Whether Driussi can take what he’s done consistently over the past eight months and translate that into playoff momentum that leads to an MLS title remains to be seen.

Driussi, who scored 22 goals during the regular season, is one of many Argentines to have excelled in MLS over the years. The 27-year-old striker, who got his pro start with famed Buenos Aires club River Plate, signed with Austin FC last year.

Other Argentines have done exceptionally well in the playoffs. For example, the Columbus Crew won MLS Cup 2020 on the back of midfielder Lucas Zelarayan. Other notable Argentines who led their teams to the trophy include Guillermo Barros Schelotto for the Crew in 2008 and Diego Valeri for the Portland Timbers in 2015.

Next. Ranking the top 10 rising teenagers in MLS. dark

Home/MLS