MLS Playoffs Conference Semifinals rules : Single elimination takes emotions to a new high level . In the four spots in the Conference finals is a must win , no aggregate , no second chance , it must have a winner . If the regular time ends in a draw , it ’ ll be 2 extra times of 15 minutes each . If the draw persists will be decided on Penalties .
The Semifinals would be considered Quarterfinals in another tournament , but not on a long road to Championship like MLS . The 8 teams qualified , 4 from each Conference will play to decide the two winners that will advance to the respective Conference Final , no 3rd Place considered .
On November 25 , 2023 , Saturday at 5:30 pm , Orlando City couldn ’ t stop his visitor Columbus Crew at Exploria Stadium losing by 0 x 2 . CLB beat the Lions in their own den to advance to the Eastern Conference final .
Regular 90 minutes 0 x 0 and went to 2 extra time of 15 minutes each . CLB got 1 x 0 with Ramirez pushing a left over from a cross to inside the three poles upsetting Galese ’ s save effort .— The desperation took over , and Orlando short of a man since minute 76 , Galese ( GK ) came to the middle of the field to help a massive Orlando attack that CLB held well to the middle circle and left Galese behind . Cucho didn ’ t think twice , seeing Orlando City big empty goal with wide open mouth screaming for goal , Cucho must send the ball there , and from the middle of field he sent aiming right to the middle of goal sealing the victory and 2023 ownership of Eastern Conference . What a goal !!! What victory ’ s seal !!!
On November 26 , 2023 , Sunday at 9:30 pm , Vela , Bouanga and company , took care business in the Seattle ’ s fortress keeping a clean sheet and scoring one goal which end up to be the victory goal . Final 1 x 0 . With the win LAFC go to face Houston Dynamo FC for the Western Conference title .
Timmy Tillman , who had only one assist in 25 matches in the regular season , set up Los Angeles FC ' s lone goal in its 1 x 0 victory at the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday , Nov . 26 . The 24-year-old midfielder pinpointed a pass from the LA end of the center circle through the defense to an onrushing Denis Bouanga on the left flank . Bouanga beat goalkeeper Stefan Frei from eight yards in the 30th minute .
On November 25 , 2023 , Saturday at 8:00 pm , Cincinnati – The Supporters Shield 2023 winners - took care business at home dispatching Philadelphia Union at TQL Stadium by 1 x 0 . A tight margin but in regular time and enough to advance to the Eastern Conference final .
On November 26 , 2023 , Sunday at 7:00 pm , Houston Dynamo 1 x 0 Kansas City at Shell Energy Stadium . Houston is back on the Conference finals since 2017 . Houston stood their turf playing at home getting a victory over Sporting Kansas City . Also a lean result of 1 x 0 but enough to send SKC home and out of the competition , and Houston to the Conferences final to face LAFC .
The CONFERENCE FINALS on Saturday , December 2 , 2023 , will feature Cincinnati vs . Columbus in EASTERN and LAFC vs . Houston Dynamo on WESTERN .
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