After a weekend of thrilling Conference semi-finals, only four teams remain in the hunt for post-season honours.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Nov 27th, 2023 00:16 EST
Maria LysakerUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The MLS Cup Playoffs continued over the weekend with four tantalising semi-final fixtures.
The knock-out stage of the playoffs moved onto straight elimination phase with a single-legged format, meaning plenty of drama with teams battling it out for a place in the Conference semi-finals.
On Saturday it was all about the East, with Columbus Crew beating Orlando City and FC Cincinnati advancing past Philadelphia Union. Columbus and Cincinnati will meet next weekend in the Eastern Conference final.
The action continued on Sunday as Houston Dynamo and LAFC booked their places in the Western Conference final. Houston saw off Sporting Kansas City, while LAFC secured an impressive road victory against in-form Seattle Sounders.
The Conference Finals are locked in. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/JRkCwGpZjl
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 27, 2023
Columbus and Cincinnati progress in the East
The semi-final fixtures got off to a thrilling start on Saturday with two dramatic games in the Eastern Conference. First up Orlando City, who finished the regular season as Supporters Shield runners-up, took on Columbus Crew.
Both teams had chances at Exploria Stadium but a second half red card for Rodrigo Schelegel tipped the game in the Crew’s favour. Orlando made it to extra time but goals from Christian Ramirez and Cucho Hernandez secured the victory for Columbus.
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Substitute Christian Ramirez gave his side the lead in the semi-final.Nathan Ray SeebeckUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
That was followed by a tense game at TQL Stadium as Cincinnati faced Philadelphia Union. After a pulsating 90 minutes the game looked to be heading for extra time, until Cincinnati defender Yerson Mosquera fired home a late winner.
When are the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference finals?
Both Conference finals will take place next weekend, on Saturday, 2 December.
