The Conference semi-finals in the MLS play-offs conclude on Sunday with what is an absolute treat of a night for those around the world who enjoy this competition. We have three matches one after the other and they are all wonderfully poised ahead of the second leg of each tie.
We already know that they reigning champions Seattle Sounders are into the Conference finals and by the end of Sunday night we will know the identity of the other three sides who will progress past the international break to battle it out for the MLS Cup.
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Toronto FC vs New York Red Bulls (First leg: 2-1)
The opening match of the night comes from the Eastern Conference as the Supporters’ Shield winners Toronto FC look to maintain the advantage they built up from the first leg when they host the New York Red Bulls.
Having lost the first leg 2-1 the Red Bulls are under pressure going into this second leg. They cross the border knowing they need to score at least twice to have any chance of keeping their season alive. Toronto FC can even afford to lose this match 1-0 and still progress so they really are in the box seat.
I’ll be interested to see how the home side approach this match. If they look to put the tie beyond any doubt I think we’ll get goals but I’ll just see how it begins before I part with my hard earned on it.
New York City FC vs Columbus Crew (First leg: 1-4)
We remain in the Eastern Conference for the second match of the night when the second placed finishers New York City FC have it all to do when they take on the Columbus Crew. The Crew were fantastic in the first leg and will hope to ride out the tie from here.
While losing 4-1 in the first leg is never ideal if there is a positive to come from it then they can focus their minds on the need to attack in order to get back into the tie. There are times especially in the past where they look unsure whether to stick or twist but their minds have been made up here. They must attack.
That should suit Columbus Crew who will most likely look to continue to attack. That is the side they are. They know no other way so I’m expecting a really entertaining match here and if NYC can get the first goal and then a second things will get really interesting. Whichever order the goals come in I do think they will come purely because of the way the tie is poised so over 3.25 looks good to me.
Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo (First leg: 0-0)
It is all to play for in the one Western Conference match of the evening when the Portland Timbers host the Houston Dynamo with the winners progressing to take on the Seattle Sounders in the Conference final.
It was a tight and if we are honest a drab first leg last week and this second leg may follow suit. I say that because both sides are suffering with key injuries and in the case of Houston they have lost their keeper to a domestic abuse allegation suspension.
If both sides were at full strength I would believe this would be an end to end crazy play-off type match but the fact that both may lack confidence going forward in light of who they are missing they could revert to keeping it tight and making sure one goal counts. There is probably value on under 2.5 but even with the injuries that would be going against the natural instincts of the sides which is not an appealing thought. I’ll sit this out.
Tips
Back New York City FC vs Columbus Crew – Over 3.25 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.85 with BetVictor
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