MLS Cup Playoffs: Red Bulls, Impact, Sounders Take Series Openers; Timbers and Whitecaps Register Series-Opening Goose Eggs In Rose City

Four conference semifinal series opened on Sunday as the MLS Cup Playoffs resumed.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Washington:

Dax McCarty scored the only goal of the match in the 72nd minute as the New York Red Bulls took the opening match of their two-game conference semifinal series with DC United 1-0 on the road.

At Montreal:

Patrice Bernier (37') and Johan Venegas (77') each tallied once as the Montreal Impact defeated the visiting Columbus Crew 2-1 in game one of their two-game series.  Federico Higuain scored what might still be an important road goal for the Crew in the 33rd minute.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Portland, Oregon:

The opening contest between the Portland Timbers and the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

At Seattle:

Andreas Ivanschitz (67') and Clint Dempsey (86') produced the second-half scoring as the Seattle Sounders came from behind to overtake visiting FC Dallas 2-1.  Fabian Castillo scored what might still be a precious away goal for the Hoops in the 18th minute.


Here's the schedule for the four return contests, all to be played next Sunday with the hosts listed first and all times Pacific:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

New York Red Bulls vs. DC United, 12:00 Noon (ESPN)

Columbus Crew vs. Montreal Impact, 2:00 PM (ESPN)



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

FC Dallas vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 4:30 PM (Fox Sports 1)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers, 7:00 PM (Fox Sports 1)