The MLS Cup conference semifinals conclude tonight as the bottom two teams will reserve their spot in the final four.
This is what happened in Orlando and Los Angeles.
LA Galaxy 6-2 Minnesota United
Scorers: Pec 1′, 50′, Jovelić 18′, 89′, Painstil 37′, 86′; Yeboá 6′, 45+4′ (P)
The Galaxy’s firepower was on full display as they dispatched Minnesota United in an eight-goal thriller.
The goals came from the jump, when Gabriel Pec collected a magnificent ball from Riqui Puig before firing home within 30 seconds, but the lead did not last long.
Minnesota responded well, needing just five minutes to equalize through a Kelvin Yeboah stunner from an acute angle.
Once again, the tie was short-lived as Dejan Jovelić headed in a Marco Reus free-kick to give the hosts another lead before Joseph Painstil doubled the advantage.
However, a late penalty from Kelvin Yeboah put the Loons back within striking distance just before half-time, capping an exciting first 45 minutes.
While the drama continued in the second half, the goals petered out after Pec put on a solo show, dribbling past a handful of Minnesota United defenders to score.
Even though Dayne St. Clair denied Gabriel Pec his hat-trick from the penalty spot, any reaction was stifled when Jefferson Diaz was sent off for his second yellow card.
The Galaxy took advantage and scored two more goals in the final minutes to increase the score and book their ticket to a showdown with the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final.
Orlando City 1-0 Atlanta United
Scorers: Enrique 39′
After eliminating Inter Miami in the first round, Atlanta United’s surprising run into the conference semifinals came to an end at the hands of Orlando City.
It was always going to be tougher for the Five Stripes against an Orlando team that filled the gaps in transition better than their Miami counterparts.
And everything went from complicated to more complicated when Ramiro Enrique took advantage of a fight in the area to score the first goal before the break.
Atlanta’s difficulties in breaking down a solid rearguard were evident after the break as they had few ideas to find a way to break through and create opportunities to equalize.
Orlando, for its part, showed a high level of professionalism by achieving the narrow result without even a scratch.
Óscar Pareja’s team will face the New York Red Bulls in the conference final.
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