The MLS Cup semi-finals conclude tonight as the final two teams book their place in the last four.
Here’s what happened in Orlando and Los Angeles.
LA Galaxy 6-2 Minnesota United
Shooters: Pec 1′, 50′, Jovelić 18′, 89′, Painstil 37′, 86′; Yeboah 6′, 45+4′ (P)
The Galaxy’s firepower was on full display as they dispatched Minnesota United in an eight-goal thriller.
The goals flew from the jump when Gabriel Pec collected a great ball from Riqui Puig and fired home within 30 seconds, but the lead did not last long.
Minnesota responded well and needed just five minutes to pull level through Kelvin Yeboah’s stunner from an acute angle.
Parity was again short-lived, however, as Dejan Jovelić headed home Marco Reus’ free-kick to give the visitors a fresh lead before Joseph Painstil doubled the advantage.
But a late penalty from Kelvin Yeboah pulled the Loons back within touching distance just before half-time to end a thrilling opening 45 minutes.
While the drama continued in the second half, the goals dried up after Pec put on a show of his own as he dribbled past a handful of Minnesota United defenders to slot home.
Despite the fact that Dayne St. Clair denied Gabriel Peco his hat-trick from the penalty spot, any resistance was quelled when Jefferson Díaz was sent off for a second yellow card.
The Galaxy took advantage and hammered home two more goals in the final minutes to increase the score and book a ticket to face the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference finals.
Orlando City 1:0 Atlanta United
Shooters: Enrique 39′
After knocking out Inter Miami in the opening round, Atlanta United’s shock run to the conference semi-finals ended at the hands of Orlando City.
It was always going to be more difficult for the Five Stripes against an Orlando side that filled the gaps in transition better than their Miami counterparts.
And things got more complicated when Ramiro Enrique dived into the box before the break to fire home the opener.
Atlanta’s effort to break down a solid backcourt was evident after the break as they had few ideas on how to find their way and carve out opportunities to equalise.
On the other hand, Orlando showed a high level of professionalism when he saw the close result without a single scratch.
Óscar Pareja’s team will meet the New York Red Bulls in the conference finals.
© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images