LA Galaxy's odds of winning another MLS Cup just increased

The Los Angeles Galaxy know about patience. The expression "Good things come to those who wait," certainly applies to this soccer franchise. They appeared in the first ever MLS Cup in 1996 and lost out in the Finals to DC United, 3-2.

Three seasons later, the LA Galaxy fell short once more against the same team, 2-0. In 2001, the Galaxy were defeated a third time. This time, they were subdued by in-state rival, the San Jose Earthquakes.

That very next season, the LA Galaxy finally their first MLS Cup title against the New England Revolution. Against the same team, the Galaxy tasted championship glory in 2005.

As we know, the MLS Western Conference juggernauts would go on to win three more in the span of four years (2011, 2012 and 2014). Ten years later, the LA Galaxy are primed to win a sixth championship.

How did their chances increase over the weekend?

Prior to this weekend, Real Salt Lake was upset in the first round after being swept by Minnesota United FC. The sixth seed is now the LA Galaxy's next opponent instead of the third seed.

While LAFC and the Seattle Sounders FC are both alive this postseason, the LA Galaxy's chances to win their sixth MLS Cup increased significantly.

On the same weekend that Real Salt Lake was eliminated, so were the defending champions, Columbus Crew. They, too, were swept by a lower seed.

This weekend, the Eastern Conference's other top seeds were ousted. Suffering the same fate as Columbus, the other Ohio-based MLS team found themselves removed from the postseason. They, too, lost to a team from New York.

Perhaps an even bigger shocker was Inter Miami FC losing Game 3 against Atlanta United FC. With the top three teams failing to make it out of the first round, Orlando City SC is now the highest seed (fourth) remaining in the Eastern Conference. They sixth, seventh and ninth seeds remain.

"I think the team is a contender. I think the team certainly looks to be back. We've had a very consistent year. When we've had down moments, we've bounced back with positive moments and wins. I think those are signals of good teams. "

Greg Vanney, LA Galaxy Head Coach

The LA Galaxy have not played Orlando City SC or the New York Red Bulls during the regular season. However, they have won against the NYFC and Atlanta United FC, both by a score of 2-0.

The five-time MLS Cup winners have a pair of wins over Seattle. They also have one win (but two losses) against LAFC.

The Galaxy did win and tie in the two games against Minnesota during the regular season. Marco Reus was not with the team for either match against the sixth seed. He recorded an assist and a goal in his league-debut against Atlanta.

If they can make it out of the Western Conference bracket this postseason, they have a very strong chance to win another MLS Cup.