The MLS Cup playoffs are set to kickoff so the big question is who will be the winners at the end of the day? Chicago Fire are set to host the New York Red Bulls as the Cup begins on Wednesday.

There is widespread belief that Toronto would do enough to win the Cup this time. They were very close the last time and with their current team, they could really go all the way this time. While history does not favour them that much, Toronto FC have always been a consistent side in the league. The Reds could finally make history this time.

While many seem to agree that they would go as far as the final, there are fears that they do enough to lift the Cup this time. With their home team advantage and with possible revenge motivation, they are expected to see of Seattle Sounders. Sounders saw off Portland in the Western Conference final but they might not have enough to hold star Reds midfielder Victor Vazquez.

In other news, the MLS has released the final shortlists for its end-of-season awards. Sebastian Giovinco, Greg Vanney and Justin Morrow stand serious chances of picking up honours. In the MVP final list: David Villa, Diego Valeri, Miguel Almiron and Nermanja Nikolic join Giovinco.

Morrow would compete against Kendall Waston and Ike Opara for Defender of the Year while Veljko Paunovic and Gerardo Martino would face Vanney for the chance to win Coach of the Year.

Other awards up for grabs are: team fair play, individual fair play, humanitarian, referee of the year, assistant referee of the year, comeback player of the year, newcomer of the year, rookie of the year and goalkeeper of the year.