The MLS Cup Playoffs continue this evening with a trio of decisive third matches from the Eastern Conference, including Atlanta United’s trip to Miami in search of a major upset.
Here is what has gone down so far.
FC Cincinnati 0-0 NYCFC
NYCFC stunned the higher-seeded FC Cincinnati in a penalty shootout to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Silky attacking football was not the theme of the opening 45 minutes as both sides searched for footing in the game.
The best chance of the opening interval fell to Luca Orellano, but the Cincinnati man’s close-range effort was denied in style by Matt Freese in the NYCFC net.
High quality scoring chances remained few and far between in the dying minutes of the match, seeing the affair go to penalties to decide the series.
It was the goalkeepers’ show in the penalty shootout, as the two shot-stoppers matched each other’s saves on multiple occasions before a final Cincinnati miss saw the hosts crash out in dramatic fashion.
The result sets up an Eastern Conference semi-final showdown between New York rivals NYCFC and New York Red Bulls.
Still to come
Orlando City vs Charlotte FC
Inter Miami vs Atlanta United
© Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
