MLS playoffs: Conference Semifinals Second Round Leg

The 2018 MLS Cup playoffs continue, after an exciting opening knockout round matches, with conference semifinal action tonight, with quadruple header of second legs in the conference semifinals.

      Seattle Sounders FC vs  Portland Timbers FC

The Portland Timbers will visit the Seattle Sounders tonight in a second leg round at CenturyLink Field stadium. As we know the Portland Timbers beat the Seattle Sounders in the first leg round. Seattle Sounders took the lead in the first half thanks to the goal from Raul Ruidiaz. But that wasn’t enough due to injuries during the game. Seattle Sounders weren’t able to clutch the win. The Portland Timbers come back and win it 2-1, thanks to the two goals from Jeremy Ebobisse and Sebastian Blanco. This time it is a different game for both side teams. My prediction is Seattle Sounders will win 3-1.

     Sporting Kansas City vs Real Salt Lake

Sporting Kansas City, who finished atop in the Western Conference with three straight wins and five games unbeaten, are favored to advance to the Western Conference Championship after substitute Diego Rubio’s equalizer secured a 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday night at Rio Tinto Stadium. The home team took the lead, but Sporting Kansas City did not stop fighting and finally were able to equalize in the 60th minute. RSL will also be without Rusnak, arguably their best player, for the second leg in Kansas City. He picked up a yellow card in the knockout round against Los Angeles FC, then got booked again on Sunday night. Prediction 2-0 in favor of Sporting Kansas city and that they advance to the Conference Championship.            

      Atlanta United  vs New York City

As we know Atlanta United have defeated New York City 1-0 in the first leg semifinals. Atlanta United’s Daian Remedi was the man of the match and secured the game with a goal. With the help of Almiron and Martínez. Atlanta United are also looking very good this season with the likes of Miguel Almiron and Josef Martínez leading the attack. Atlanta United will hopefully get the win. Can Josef Martínez or David Villa make a difference? Prediction 2-0 Atlanta United and one goal from Martínez and one from Almiron. 

        New York Red Bulls vs Columbus Crew

New York Red Bulls lost 1-0 in first leg round against their appointment Columbus Crew. This means nothing for the Red Bulls because they are at home this time. The New York Red Bulls are seen as favorites to win this game. The Red Bulls are hot right now and they have been arguably the most dominant team in MLS this season, finishing atop in place in MLS this season with 71 points and winning the Shield Cup. Columbus Crew finished the regular season in fifth place, getting into the playoffs. They set up a meeting with the Metros by beating DC United on penalties. Prediction 3-1 in favor of New York Red Bulls. 

Remember to tune into MLS conference semifinals! You can also see updates on MLSSoccer.com, ESPN, and FOX Sports GO.