MLS Cup Playoffs - Conference Semifinals
We’ve reached the Conference semifinals and the feeling after the first round is that anything can happen in this season’s Playoffs. Toronto FC, the team that’ve been in three of the last four MLS Cups, are out and we can all agree on that we haven’t witnessed the last turn-around in the Playoffs yet. Make sure to not miss any of the remaining games of the 2020 season and use Livesportsontv.com to get information on when and where to watch the action live on TV or stream.
Orlando City vs New England Revolution
Exploria Stadium
What did just happen? That’s the question most of us are asking ourselves after been watching Orlando City’s first round game against New York City. The penalty shoot-out was something we have never witnessed before. Entertaining, complete madness and most probably the strangest shoot-out in the MLS history.
Orlando City will be without goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and defender Ruan for the game against the Revs. New England Revolution on the other hand will go into the Conference semifinals full of confidence after winning against the Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union. This will be an interesting encounter where Orlando City are held as favourites.
Columbus Crew vs Nashville SC
MAPFRE Stadium
Nashville SC stood for one of this season’s biggest surprises when they knocked out Toronto FC in the first round, Toronto FC who’ve been in three of the last four MLS Cups. Now, the expansion team is looking to take on their next task which will be Columbus Crew who’re top seeded of the remaining teams from the East. Columbus Crew managed to hold off New York Red Bulls in the first round and won by 3-2. Sunday’s meeting between Columbus Crew and Nashville SC is a tough one to predict where the Crew now are the highest ranked team from the East as both Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC saw their dreams about an MLS Cup trophy disappear in the first round. Nashville SC proved that anything is possible when they won over Toronto FC and will not fear any team as they continue their impressive season.
Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas
Lumen Field
With Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union not being in contention for the MLS Cup anymore, Seattle Sounders are even bigger favourites to win the trophy this season. They showed their class against LAFC in the first round and are now up for a game against last season’s first round opponents, FC Dallas.
FC Dallas pulled off a late victory against Portland Timbers in the first round when they equalized the Timbers opening goal in the 95th minute. The game went on to penalties where FC Dallas showed great nerves as they scored all of their eight 11-meter shoots.
Sporting Kansas City vs Minnesota United
Children’s Mercy Park
Last Conference semifinal to be played is the one between the top seeded team from the West, Sporting Kansas City, and Minnesota United. Sporting Kansas City showed great fighting spirit in their game against San Jose Earthquakes in the first round. The game finished 3-3 and went on to extra time and penalty shootout. Sporting Kansas City proved to be the cooler team and while the Earthquakes didn’t manage to score a single penalty, Sporting Kansas City scored all of theirs. Now they face a Minnesota United that overcame Colorado Rapids by 3-0 in the first round. Impressive win by Minnesota United who’ll have to repeat that performance in the semifinals against a much tougher opposition. Sporting Kansas City are favourites here and should be able to make it through this round and book a spot in the Conference final where either FC Dallas or Seattle Sounders awaits.
Author: Dan Anderson