It was an incredible weekend in MLS as eight teams fought to advance to their respective conference finals. In case you missed any of the action we’ve got a wrap up for you below.
Red Bulls Hold Another Clean Sheet To Advance
The New York Red Bulls had a one goal lead on aggregate to protect as they took on DC United at home on Sunday. The top seed in the east controlled play for much of the night, applying heavy pressure offensively as United looked to equalize. As DC pushed up the field in the final moments Bradley Wright-Phillips put an end to any doubt, working his way around the keeper before finishing to send New York to the next round on an aggregate score of 2-0.
Columbus Crew SC Shock The Impact
It was a tall task for Columbus. They trailed 2-1 on aggregate as they returned home to face one of the hottest teams in MLS — the Montreal Impact. Kei Kamara set the tone early, giving Crew SC the 2-2 aggregate lead with a brilliant near post header in the fourth minute.
There was some controversy in the 40th minute. A corner kick rattled around the Columbus box before finding it’s way to Dilly Duka in front of net in what seemed to be an offside position. No call was made as the forward finished the chance to give Montreal the 3-2 aggregate lead.
After having a penalty saved in the 68th minute, Columbus drew even just nine minutes later when Ethan Finley pounced on rebound and pummeled it into the back of the net. With the teams level on aggregate after 90 minutes they went to extra time. In the 110th minute, Kei Kamara lofted a header over Evan Bush into the far corner to bring MAPFRE Stadium to their feet.
Crew SC would hold on, eliminating the Montreal Impact 4-3 on aggregate and advancing to the Easter Conference Finals to face the New York Red Bulls.
FC Dallas and Sounders FC Decided on PKs
Seattle took a 2-1 aggregate lead into Dallas on Sunday night in what could be one of the most thrilling games of this year’s playoffs. A late goal by Dallas substitute Tesho Akindele looked like it would send them into the next round on away goals — but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Just minutes later, in the 90th, Sounders center back Chad Marshall headed home a corner in traffic to put Seattle back into the lead. Exactly one minute later, Walker Zimmerman whipped in a header on the other side of the pitch tie the match 3-3 on aggregate and send the game to extra time.
Chances came in droves during the two extra periods, but nothing could be found to separate the two teams. They went to penalties and 20-year old FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez showed up big, making two saves as FC Dallas defeated Seattle Sounders FC 4-2 on PK’s.
Timbers Break The Stalemate In Vancouver
After battling to a scoreless draw in Portland last weekend, the Cascadia playoff showdown would all be decided in Vancouver. A strong left footed finish from Fanendo Adi gave the Timbers the lead in the 31st minute. The crucial away goal meant Vancouver would need two goals to advance.
The Whitecaps threatened throughout the second half, but the goals never came. With ten men pushing forward in stoppage time for Vancouver, Portland capitalized on a counter-attack to net their second goal of the night and seal their spot in the Western Conference Finals.
