NYCFC latest No. 1 seed to crash out of Audi MLS Cup Playoffs

Sure, every team in MLS wants to be the No. 1 seed, but with Halloween right around the corner, could the top seed be cursed?

It's a question worth asking, after New York City FC crashed out of the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs on Wednesday, falling 2-1 to No. 4 seed Toronto FC at Citi Field. NYCFC's own history of playoff futility continues, as they've yet to advance beyond the Eastern Conference Semifinals for four straight years, but a No. 1 seed struggling in the postseason isn't confined simply to them.

In fact, since the MLS Cup Playoffs were expanded in 2011, only two No. 1 seeds have reached MLS Cup – the LA Galaxy in 2011 and Toronto FC in 2017. Both of those teams went on to win MLS Cup. The seed most likely to reach MLS Cup since 2011? It's No. 2, which has happened eight times. That could be a good omen for this season's second seeds, Seattle Sounders and Atlanta United...if they advance beyond the Conference semifinals, of course.