POLL: Who does NYCFC have a better chance against in the Eastern Conference Semifinal?

So, the date has been set. On October 23, New York City FC will host either Toronto FC or D.C. United — depending on their first-round outcome — in the Eastern Conference Semifinal phase of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Where that game will take place is still a mystery (though it’s looking likely that NYCFC will play this game at Citi Field due to the New York Yankees making quick work of the Minnesota Twins in a three-game ALDS sweep), but we have a date and two potential opponents.

The only other question that remains of the Eastern Conference Semifinal is this: which matchup gives NYCFC the best chancing to the Eastern Conference Final?

Let’s go through the options.

On one hand, there is the fourth seed Toronto FC. Toronto gave NYCFC fits this season, handing them their first loss in an ugly 4-0 blowout at BMO Field back in March. In their second meeting at Yankee Stadium, the two fought their way to a 1-1 draw in a game that could’ve easily resulted in a TFC win had Jozy Altidore been... well, actually good.

And on the other, you have D.C. United who are led (tentatively) by Wayne Rooney. The two met twice in regular season play this season and played to a 0-0 draw in NYCFC’s first home game of the season, as well as a 2-0 win in favor of City at Audi Field a month later. The two clubs would meet a third time in the USOC Round of 16, where NYCFC once again defeated DCU on the road in a 2-1 matchup.

When you lay it out like this, it would appear obvious who you’d rather face in a do-or-die game. Still, the landscape is ever changing in MLS and it’s very possible that neither team are the same as what they were when NYCFC last played them.

So, I ask you guys and girls this: who would you rather play in the Eastern semi?

The poll will run until noon on October 29, the day of TFC and DCU’s first-round game. Cast your vote and definitely let us know how you feel in the comments!