MLS Cup Playoffs: Impact Too Much For Debutants Reds In First All-Canadian Playoff Match; Timbers Outlast SKC In PK Shootout Thriller To Get Crack At Caps

The knockout round of the Major League Soccer playoffs concluded on Thursday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Montreal:

In the first-ever playoff meeting between two Canadian clubs, Patrice Bernier (18'), Ignacio Piatti (33'), and Didier Drogba (39') each scored a goal in the first half as the Montreal Impact dominated visiting Toronto FC 3-0, ruining the Reds' playoff debut.  The Impact will open their Eastern Conference two-game semifinal series this coming Sunday at home against the Columbus Crew at 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (Fox Sports 1).



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Portland, Oregon:

After a 2-2 draw through 120 minutes, Nat Borchers, Liam Ridgewell, Maximiliano Urruti (whose overtime equalizer in the 118th minute forced the shootout), Dairon Asprilla, Darlington Nagbe, George Fochive, and (with the winner) Adam Kwarasey converted their spot kicks as the Portland Timbers won the penalty-kick shootout 7-6 in eleven rounds to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. The aforementioned Mr. Kwarasey saved a spot kick from fellow goalkeeper Jon Kempin to preserve the victory.

The Timbers will host the opening game of their two-match series with the Vancouver Whitecaps at home this coming Sunday at 2:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (ESPN).

Two other conference semifinal series start on Sunday as well with DC United hosting the New York Red Bulls in an Eastern Conference semifinal series opener at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time (ESPN) and FC Dallas visiting the Seattle Sounders in game one of their Western Conference semifinal series at 6:30 PM Pacific Time (Fox Sports 1).