RADIO
The first leg of the Major League Soccer (MLS) play-offs was an entertaining round as the eight remaining teams dished out some exciting matches. As we prepare for the last leg of the play-offs, let’s look ahead to what’s in store and who may end up advancing to the conference finals.
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New York Red Bulls vs D.C. United
The Red Bulls are one of the most revered teams in the MLS. For many, they are the most complete team and should be in the Eastern Conference final already. They got one foot there with a 1-0 win in the first leg, but a first leg win isn't any guarantee of their progress.
The home side is oozing confidence after winning the Supporters’ Shield and that was evident in the first leg and at this stage it will be quite challenging for DC United to stop their march. Will Bill Hamid dish another master class in the goal? He might, but it won't be enough. Hamid alone will not be enough to thwart the New York team, and the Red Bulls look strong enough to make it to the Eastern Conference final.
Columbus Crew vs Montreal Impact
Columbus Crew should be mighty pleased with what was achieved in the first leg. A 2-1 win over a red-hot Didier Drogba and Montreal Impact was just the perfect result.
Montreal must be disappointed with their winning streak coming to an end, but all’s not lost as there is so much still to play for. Crew kept Drogba silent in the first leg and that proved to be the game changer. Will they be lucky once more?
Drogba is crucial for Montreal’s passage and we feel he should drive his side to their first ever trip to the Eastern Conference Championship.
FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders FC
FC Dallas missed out on the Supporters’ Shield to Red Bulls but were considered to be a serious contender. Their hopes were dented with a 1-2 reverse in the first leg against Seattle, but they will be happy to have scored an all-important away goal.
How much will that help against Sounders, which are clearly the momentum side in the play-offs? The knock-out win over LA Galaxy has certainly lifted their confidence which then found greater heights after the first leg win over Dallas.
If the first leg loss hasn't dented their confidence much, Dallas should find their way back into the contest but, Seattle will progress with a draw here and this is probably what they will play for.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs FC Portland Timbers
Another exciting match that could go until the last minute of action! Vancouver surprised the most ardent of its fans with a creditable draw in the first leg and home comfort this time should give them some hope of coming out trumps. However, their Cascadia rivals would be coming at them hard.
Timbers fluffed their chances and couldn't find a breakthrough in the last leg and thus they need to be sharper in the final third to harbour any hopes of making the Western Conference final.
Timbers have a good record on the road and should fancy their chances but don’t discount Vancouver completely. They could spring a surprise.
All in all, the action promises to be riveting and will keep soccer fans across the country and beyond, spellbound. With a place in the Conference finals at stake, expect the teams to leave nothing in the dressing rooms - they will be displaying their hearts and souls on the fields.
