MLS Playoff Watch: D.C. United ousted, Atlanta snags an away goal

This week the MLS Cup Playoffs kicked off. First came the knockout round, followed by the first leg of the conference semi-finals. Sure, Toronto FC aren’t in the playoffs this year, so maybe you’re swearing them off. Here’s what you may have missed.

Knockout Round

D.C. United 2-3 Columbus Crew SC

The final score of the D.C. United and Columbus Crew match came in penalty kicks after a full-time draw. Frederic Brillant struck first for United at 21’. Federico Higuain had his first of two goals of the match at 30’, tying it up. He would score again at 96’ in extra time making it seem like Crew were advancing. But, D.C. United had one more trick up their sleeve. Nick DeLeon scored at 116’ of extra time. The game then went to penalties, where Wayne Rooney failed to find the net. Niko Hansen, Federico Higuain, and Wil Trapp all scored for Columbus to advance them.

Los Angeles Football Club 2-3 Real Salt Lake

LAFC’s lucky inaugural season has come to a close after they lost to Real Salt Lake in a knock out match. Damir Kreilach scored two goals for Real Salt Lake at 21’ and 58’. The second goal tied it up after LAFC’s Danilo Silva (31’) and Christian Ramirez (54’) scored. A mistake by LAFC’s Walker Zimmerman would cost them the match, though, when he gave Real Salt Lake an own goal at 69’. Real Salt Lake advanced.

Conference Semi-finals: Leg One

Columbus Crew SC 1-0 New York Red Bulls

The Crew are on a roll. They shut out the New York Red Bulls in leg one to take the lead. Gyasi Zardes had the lone goal of the match at 61’. They only had two shots on target and scored on one of them. They also controlled the ball most at 57%.

Portland Timbers 2-1 Seattle Sounders

Raul Ruidiaz got the Seattle Sounders on the scoreboard early with his strike at 10’. That would be the only shot that would land for Seattle, though. Jeremy Ebobisse would respond with a Portland goal at 17’. Sebastian Blanco would then give the Timbers the lead after he scored at 29’.

New York City FC 0-1 Atlanta United

Low-scoring games across the league this weekend—yet another shutout, this time from Atlanta United. New York City FC controlled the ball more, but had a total of zero shots on target. Eric Remedi scored an ugly one at 37’ to give Atlanta the advantage on the road.

Real Salt Lake 1-1 Sporting Kansas City

We have a draw, ladies and gents. Real Salt Lake maintained possession at 67%, but couldn’t score more than one goal. Salt Lake’s Albert Rusnak scored first at the 51’ mark. Diego Rubio responded with a Sporting KC goal at 60’. SKC will head home for the second leg with an away goal in their pocket.

Leg two kicks off on Thursday and the rest of the games will take place on Sunday. Ready for some rematches?