MLS Cup PLayoffs: Red Bulls, Crew Advance In East; Hoops and Timbers Likewise In West

The second round of the Major League Soccer Playoffs concluded with four games on Sunday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Harrison, New Jersey:

Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the only goal of the match in the second minute of second-half stoppage time as the New York Red Bulls scored a second 1-0 victory over DC United and won their two-game conference semifinal series 2-0 on aggregate.

At Columbus, Ohio:

Kai Kamara scored twice (4', 111') as the Columbus Crew, after taking game two of their series with the Montreal Impact, 2-1 in regulation to square their two-match conference semifinal series at 3-3 on aggregate, won the series 4-3 on aggregate.  Ethan Findlay scored for the Crew in the 77th minute to force overtime.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Frisco, Texas:

With the two-game conference semifinal series score at 3-3 on aggregate after regulation of the second game, and after 30 scoreless overtime minutes, Mauro Diaz, Ryan Hollingshead, Tesho Akindele, and Walker Zimmerman (whose goal in the opening minute of second-half stoppage time forced overtime) all converted their spot kicks as FC Dallas won the penalty-kick shootout 4-2 over the visiting Seattle Sounders.  Hoops goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez saved two shots during the shootout.

At Vancouver, British Columbia:

Fenando Adi (31') and Diego Chara (90'+4) each scored a goal as the Portland Timbers knocked out the hosts Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0, both in game two and on aggregate for the two-game conference semifinal series.



Here are the match-ups for the conference finals with the hosts listed first and all time Pacific Standard:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Game One:

Sunday, November 22:

Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls, 2:00 PM (ESPN)

Game Two:

Sunday, November 29:

New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Game One:

Sunday, November 22:

Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas, 4:30 PM (Fox Sports 1)

Game Two:

Sunday, November 29:

FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers

The MLS Cup Final will be played on Sunday, December 6 at the home stadium of the conference playoff champion with the better record.

The winner, unless it is New York or FC Dallas, will qualify for the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League.