NYCFC Dominates FC Cincinnati to Force Game 3
The first MLS playoff match of the night kicked off at 5:00 PM EST, with FC Cincinnati facing NYCFC at Citi Field. The NYCFC home crowd brought an electric atmosphere, pushing the boys in blue to deliver a strong performance. NYCFC, determined to extend the series and head back to Cincinnati, came out aggressively, hunting for an early goal.
After just over 20 minutes, NYCFC’s Mitja Ilenic executed a brilliant move, finding Alonso Martinez, who scored to put NYCFC in the lead. The action continued as NYCFC kept creating chances, and by the 40th minute, Santi Rodriguez delivered a well-placed set piece. Thiago Martins capitalized with a free header, doubling the advantage to 2-0.
In the second half, FC Cincinnati fought back. Luca Orellano broke through the NYCFC defense, firing a powerful shot from the edge of the 18-yard box to make it 2-1. As both teams traded scoring opportunities, NYCFC secured a penalty in stoppage time when Rodriguez was fouled in the box. Rodriguez himself stepped up to finish, sealing the 3-1 victory and sending the series back to Cincinnati.
Atlanta United Outlasts Inter Miami in Last-Second Thriller
In the second MLS playoff match of the evening, Inter Miami traveled to face Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta, having posed problems for Miami all season, looked to maintain their dominance. The first half was evenly matched, but Atlanta created most of the chances.
In the 40th minute, a critical error by Atlanta’s veteran goalie Brad Guzan allowed Inter Miami’s Hector Martinez to capitalize, chipping the ball into an open net to give Miami a 1-0 lead at halftime. However, Atlanta responded in the second half. Derrick Williams connected on a set piece, leveling the game at 1-1.
The closing minutes saw both sides push for the win, and in the 94th minute, Atlanta’s Xande Silva found the back of the net, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory and erupting Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This thrilling finish forces a decisive Game 3 in Miami.
Minnesota United Secures Conference Semi-Final Spot with Penalty Shootout Win Over Real Salt Lake
In the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake visited Minnesota United at Allianz Field, hoping to recover from their Game 1 penalty shootout loss. The match remained deadlocked until the second half when Minnesota’s Kelvin Yeboah found Joseph Rosales, who finished clinically to put the home side ahead 1-0.
Real Salt Lake soon leveled with a goal from Emeka Eneli, forcing yet another penalty shootout. Allianz Field fans played a crucial role, rattling Real Salt Lake as they struggled at the spot. After misses from Diogo Goncalves and Matt Crooks, Minnesota’s Sang-Bin Jeong stepped up and scored, securing a 2-1 penalty win and advancing to the conference semi-finals against the LA Galaxy.
