After two weeks of Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoff action, we have our matchups for the Conference Championships. The winners of these duels will meet in the MLS Cup on December 6.
The Eastern Conference Championshp features two teams who have been around since the start of the league in 1996: Columbus Crew SC is set to face the New York Red Bulls. The two teams have faced off more than 50 times in the MLS regular season, most famously in the 2008 MLS Cup.
A less-storied, but no-less-intriguing matchup takes place in the West, where the Portland Timbers and FC Dallas play each other in the playoffs for the first time after 13 regular-season matchups (5 years). And yet there already have been high-profile moments in this rivalry, including an incident involving a tissue earlier this season.
Below you can find a complete history of the two matchups, including an in-depth look at this year's games.
New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew SC
All-time (regular season): Red Bulls lead 28-26-9
All-time (playoffs): Crew SC lead 2-0-1
All-time at MAPFRE Stadium: Crew SC lead 16-12-4
All-time at Red Bulls: Red Bulls lead 16-10-5
All-time at Red Bull Arena: Red Bulls lead 3-2-2
This season: Red Bulls won 2-1-0
March 28: New York Red Bulls 2, Columbus Crew SC 1 at MAPFRE Stadium
Goals: B. Wright-Phillips (NY) 49' (PK); Tchani (CLB) 58'; Grella 67' (NY)
July 4: Columbus Crew SC 2, New York Red Bulls 1 at MAPFRE Stadium
Goals: Abang (NY) 8'; Finlay (CLB) 33'; Finlay 74' (CLB)
October 3: New York Red Bulls 2, Columbus Crew SC 1 at Red Bull Arena
Goals: Meram (CLB) 9'; Sam (NY) 12'; B. Wright-Phillips (NY) 21'
FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers
All-time (regular season): Timbers lead 5-4-4
All-time at Toyota Stadium: Dallas lead 4-1-2
All-time at Providence Park: Timbers lead 4-0-2
This season: Series tied 1-1
April 4: Portland Timbers 3, FC Dallas 1 at Providence Park
Goals: Borchers (POR) 23'; Akindele (DAL) 29'; Urruti (POR) 62'; Chara (POR) 87'
July 25: FC Dallas 4, Portland Timbers 1 at Toyota Stadium
Goals: Barrios (DAL) 12'; Barrios (DAL) 22'; Acosta (DAL) 69'; Diaz (DAL) 87' (PK); Adi (POR) 93' (PK)
