The MLS Cup conference semifinals will conclude tonight, with the final two teams set to book their spots in the final four.
This is what happened in Orlando and Los Angeles.
LA Galaxy 6-2 Minnesota United
Scorers: Pec 1′, 50′, Jovelić 18′, 89′, Painstil 37′, 86′; Yeboah 6′, 45+4′ (P)
The Galaxy’s firepower was on full display as they demolished Minnesota United in an eight-goal thriller.
The goals flew in from the jump, as Gabriel Pec collected a beautiful Riqui Puig ball before firing home inside 30 seconds, but the lead did not last long.
Minnesota responded well and needed just five minutes to level with a Kelvin Yeboah stunner from an acute angle.
Once again the parity was short-lived as Dejan Jovelić headed in Marco Reus’ free-kick to give the hosts another lead before Joseph Painstil doubled the lead.
However, a late penalty from Kelvin Yeboah put the Loons back within reach just before half-time, capping off an exciting first 45 minutes.
As the drama continued in the second half, the goals dried up after Pec put on a solo show, dribbling through a handful of Minnesota United defenders to get home.
Despite Dayne St. Clair denying Gabriel Pec his hat-trick from the penalty spot, any fightback was quelled as Jefferson DÃaz was sent off for his second yellow card.
The Galaxy took advantage and fired two more goals in the final minutes to increase the score and book their ticket to a showdown with the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Final.
Orlando City 1-0 Atlanta United
Scorers: Enrique 39′
After eliminating Inter Miami in the opening round, Orlando City ended Atlanta United’s shock exit to the conference semifinals.
Things were always going to be tougher for the Five Stripes against an Orlando team that could plug the gaps in transition better than their Miami counterparts.
And things went from difficult to more difficult when Ramiro Enrique burst into the penalty area and kicked in the opener before half-time.
Atlanta’s struggle to break a solid backline became apparent after the break as they had few ideas on how to find a way through and create chances to level the score.
Orlando, on the other hand, showed a high level of professionalism as they got through the close result with barely a scratch.
Óscar Pareja’s team will face the New York Red Bulls in the conference final.
