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Overturned verdict
Thanks to some shootout heroics from star goalkeeper Tim Howard, Colorado were the only team to rally from a first-leg deficit in Sunday's Conference Semifinals. Following their 1-0 win and ensuing PK's triumph, beaten visitors LA Galaxy were left to rue their inability to produce any attack on the day.
The magnificent seven
Toronto FC posted a stunning 5-0 victory at New York City FC on Sunday to complete a 7-0 aggregate win over the No. 2 seed in the East. Sebastian Giovinco bagged a hat trick to continue his role as the Reds' driving force toward MLS Cup. As for NYCFC, star man David Villa admitted their was nothing to be proud of in their performance.
Knocked off
Despite a 2-1 return leg loss on Sunday, the Seattle Sounders finished off the ouster of Supporters' Shield winners FC Dallas. The excitement of advancement was somewhat tempered by the injury suffered by rookie ace Jordan Morris, but that disappointment was nothing compared to the feelings of failure endured by Dallas.
Bull-ed over
The Montreal Impact scored a 2-1 win away to the New York Red Bulls to complete a Conference Semifinal upset sweep. Before any of Sunday's goals were scored at Red Bull Arena, Impact netminder Evan Bush provided a boost to the visitors with a big penalty save on Sacha Kljestan, who couldn't help feeling like a letdown to his team.
A look back
Per usual, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle weighs in with his review of the playoff round that was.
Trend analysis
Now that the Conference Championships are set, we can offer up a snapshot of both season series in the West and the East.
Hex specs
In addition to the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs, US manager Jurgen Klinsmann also summoned 26 players for the first two games of the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. With Stoke City defender Geoff Cameron held out due to na injury, Charles Boehm wonders who will step in to fill his place on the national team's back line.
Good sports
Philadelphia Union rookie standout Keegan Rosenberry and Columbus Crew SC were announced as the MLS Fair Play Award winners for 2016.
Keane to return
Robbie Keane insists he'll be back playing next season, whether it's with the LA Galaxy or elsewhere, but some of his teammates and boss Bruce Arena can't make such a promise at this time.
Crew cuts?
Columbus boss Gregg Berhalter says he's unsure over the returns of lone Designated Player Federico Higuain and skipper Michael Parkhurst.
Mr. Popular
Having already been linked with interest from Colorado and Philadelphia, Dundalk midfield ace Daryl Horgan is now reportedly a target for a third MLS club and five English Championship sides.
Third time's a charm?
Sean Okoli has earned a pair of previous MLS cups of coffees, but Playing For 90 says it's high time the 2016 USL MVP to gets a real shot at sticking in the top flight.
Wooten, there it is
Red-hot Sandhausen forward Andrew Wooten hit for the fifth time in six games on Sunday, bagging the late winner against 2. Bundesliga guests 1860 Munich.
The running man
Former Real Madrid and Spain star Raul ran his first New York Marathon on Sunday, finishing with a very solid time of just under three-and-a-half hours.
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Armchair Analyst: Toronto FC pressed NYCFC to death
