MLS
MLS Cup Playoffs: Quarterfinal Catchup
Upsets, the most anticipated MLS Cup playoff match of all time, and the end of an era for an MLS legend. The quarterfinals of the MLS Cup playoffs did not disappoint.
Another decent goal haul as 15 goals were scored across the 4 matches. This year’s edition of the playoffs may be what the MLS needs to make the next step as a league. The leagues two highest goal scorers facing off, as Will Ferrell watches on. Big names on the field and off will push the league to new heights and attract viewers and players from all over.
Pozuelo Double Propels Toronto FC
Toronto FC travelled to face Eastern Conference winners NYCFC in the first match of the quarterfinals, following their thumping of DC United. The game was held at Citi Field instead of their typical of Yankee Stadium which proved to be an omen for the hosts.
Toronto’s movement in attack was a real handful for the hosts. Toronto carved out quite a few opportunities in the first half but they couldn’t find their finishing boots. Furthermore, a fine save from Sean Johnson kept out a certain goal for Jonathan Osorio, finishing the half with honors even.
NYCFC were ultimately the architects for their own demise. A long ball lead to a series of defensive errors in the backline. Maxime Chanot’s back pass was left short and he played Alejandro Pozuelo through on goal. The Spaniard simply slotted the ball past Johnson and put TFC on the front foot.
NYCFC grew into the game as their playoff chances dwindled. Maxi Moralez put a ball into the box that went over everyone. A late run into the box from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi turned out to be vital. The Libyan winger was in acres of space and took his chance on the half volley, bringing NYCFC back level.
NYCFC’s season crumbled from an individual error at the death. In the 88th minute a rash challenge inside the box, from Ronald Matarrita on Richie Laryea, sealed their fate. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Up steps Alejandro Pozuelo. Pozuelo scores his second of the night from the spot with an emphatic chip from the penalty spot, straight down the center.
NYCFC once again fall short in the playoffs and will now have to regroup for next season. Toronto FC will now turn their attention towards current MLS Cup holders Atlanta United.
Sounders Dominate Dismal Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake struggled heavily against the Sounders failing to create anything at CenturyLink Field. Seattle start off flying with Nicolas Lodeiro hitting the post with the first 5 minutes. The onslaught continued for the rest of the match with Seattle having 20 total shots and 10 shots on target despite only having 39% of the possession at home. On the other hand, RSL only managed 1 shot on target for the entire match.
A Lodeiro corner in the 64th minute proved to be the first blow to Real Salt Lake. The near post corner was met by the head of Gustav Svensson. The Swedish midfielder deftly met the cross and fired pass Rimando.
The match was sealed by Nicolas Lodeiro, who was the star of the match and the Sounders best player on the night. A wonderful through ball from Svensson played in Raul Ruidiaz. The Peruvian striker simply laid the ball off for Lodeiro who curled a left footed effort into the far corner.
Desperate to elongate his career as much as possible, Nick Rimando pulled out all the stops. He mustered up 7 saves doing his part to keep Salt Lake in the match. The American has made 514 appearances in the MLS and he showed that at 40 years old he’s still got it. However, the poor performance from the offense put RSL to the sword. Rimando will be remembered as an MLS legend and one of the best goalkeepers the league has ever season.
RSL head home for their season after a disappointing display. The Sounders look to build on this victory as they face Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC.
Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union
Frank De Boer’s men go off to the perfect start. A series of quick passes by Atlanta gave Gonzalo Martinez space on the edge of the box. The dangerous Josef Martinez drew all the attention from the defenders, leaving Julian Gressel free on the right side. Gonzalo Martines found the German who deftly chipped the ball over an on rushing Andre Blake that went in off the crossbar.
The first half crawled to a mostly uneventful close. Atlanta United happily conceded possession after their goal and forced the Union to try to break them down. However, Philadelphia was struggling to create any real chances and the Five Stripes were happy to try to nick a second goal through counter attacks.
The second half picked up where the first left off. The match was very stop-start due to frequent fouls and misplaced passes for both teams. Suddenly, Atlanta turned it up a notch and a double save by Andre Blake kept the Union’s hopes alive.
Similarly to the match against the New England Revolution, Josef Martinez had a handful of opportunities to seal the victory. However, in the 79th minute a ball over the top from Julian Gressel found the Venezuelan and he slammed the ball into the top corner from a tight angle. Although he found the back of the net, Atlanta will be hoping that a misfiring Martinez regains his confidence after two off matches in a row.
It appears that tired legs got the best of the Union after playing 120 grueling minutes against the New York Red Bulls. Atlanta United make it two tight home victories in a row. They will now host Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference finals next week.
El Trafico Lights up Los Angeles
As expected, this match was lightning in a bottle. In the first 15 minutes, both teams were thwarted by the woodwork. Just moments after his free kick hit the post, Carlos Vela broke the deadlock with a cool finish. His opportunity came from effective high pressing by LAFC winning the ball back just on the edge of the area.
In typical Bob Bradley fashion, LAFC allowed the Galaxy to have most of the possession and looked to threaten them on the counter attack. However, Carlos Vela taps in from close range in the 40th minute, despite Brian Rodriguez being offside in the build up to the goal.
The Galaxy instantly respond with a wonderful pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Christian Pavon who slotted cooly passed Tyler Miller. Surprisingly, Ibrahimovic was anonymous for most of the first half. However, one moment of brilliance brought the LA Galaxy back into the match before halftime.
After a bout of pressure by LAFC, Zlatan was gifted a goal to bring it level. A defensive error by Tristan Blackmon put the Swede through on goal and then Tyler Miller generously let hit slip between his legs.
After a quiet spell, things got typically out of hand. Diego Rossi found the bottom corner after a ridiculous bit of play from Carlos Vela. After that, substitute Adama Diomande found the net twice on either side of a Rolf Fletscher header for Galaxy.
Sadly, this could be potentially be Zlatan’s last MLS game as transfer rumors swirl about his future. LAFC sealed their first victory over the LA Galaxy in the most important El Trafico to date. They take on the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final on Tuesday October 29th.
Where to Watch MLS Cup Conference Finals:
- Western Conference Final: LAFC vs Seattle Sounders: Tuesday, October 29th at 10:00 pm on ESPN
- Eastern Conference Final: Atlanta United vs Toronto FC: Wednesday, October 30th at 8:00 pm on FS1
Written by Chase Brittingham
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Photo credit to MLS via Twitter
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