The 2016 MLS Playoffs are already two weeks old, and 12 matches are in the books. However, with the international break arriving, the road to the MLS Cup takes a brief hiatus. Luckily for a few teams dealing with injuries, the extra time off to prepare for the 2016 MLS Conference Championships is exactly what’s needed.
A slug fest in Colorado and a back and forth affair in Texas bookended the action on Sunday. Let’s take a look at the results from both second leg matches, TV schedule information for the conference finals and an updated prediction.
Quarterfinals: Leg 2 Results
Colorado Rapids 1 - 0 LA Galaxy (Agg. 1-1, Rapids advance 3-1 on PKs)
Things we’d seen throughout the 2016 season manifested themselves in this match. The Rapids were solid in defense and talented enough to find one sensational goal, and Tim Howard was a monster in net during the penalty shootout.
The Rapids are now the highest seed remaining in the playoffs and can dream of lifting the Cup at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Meanwhile, the Galaxy imploded as this year’s hodgepodge of players could not live up to the club’s legacy. They never were a cohesive unit and are headed for major changes during the off-season.
Timmy's time. #Rapids96
Full Episode: https://t.co/2UpvtjPj7r https://t.co/rcj8Tg7glS— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 8, 2016
FC Dallas 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders (Agg. 2-4, Sounders advance)
FC Dallas reminded everyone how they claimed a Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup double this season with a brilliant first half. On the other end, the Sounders experienced their entire season in this one game.
A poor start led to giving away an early goal, and then they suffered a devastating injury to Jordan Morris at the midpoint. However, a massive away goal from their new talisman, Nico Lodiero, sealed the match and knocked out the West’s best team.
.@ALCATEL1TOUCH Play of the Match | We're not sure what's better: That Nico Lodeiro finish or that stunning Tyrone Mears assist! #ThisMoment pic.twitter.com/cEZ47gXsx6
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 8, 2016
Dallas pressed aggressively and could have easily scored four or five goals on the night. However, Seattle did just enough to push on to the next round and continue their impressive turnaround.
2016 MLS Western Conference Final TV Information
The Western Conference field has been narrowed from four to two. The action returns after the international break but for a midweek and weekend set of fixtures this time. The two conference championship legs will take place around the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.
Tuesday, November 22 (11/22): Colorado Rapids at Seattle Sounders - 10 pm (EST) - FOX Sports 1
Sunday, November 27 (11/27): Seattle Sounders at Colorado Rapids - 4 pm (EST) - ESPN
Predictions
Two for two in the West and one for two in the East, the semifinal predictions proved respectable. Down to two in the West now, so who gets the nod to the 2016 MLS Cup?
There are injury question marks on both sides that will be addressed over the break. Both teams saw their leading attackers substituted at half time. Seattle’s Morris seemed to be the lighter of the injuries, but his status and Shkelzen Gashi’s remain unclear.
If both return, Seattle host the opening leg and should come out as strong as they did against Dallas, getting the first leg victory. However, they will need at least a two-goal cushion in order to survive leg two in Colorado. The elevation and the Rapids’ defense will be too much for Seattle’s makeshift lineup to overcome.
The edge has to go to Seattle at this point, with the momentum of their entire late-season run and being able to host the first leg. The early match has proved the difference in three of the four ties this year.
