USA

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.

Football has evolved over the last few decades with domestic leagues around the world gaining more prominence — as well as trying to set themselves apart by being completely original or unconventional.

Every country around the world is always trying to find new and innovative ways to make their national league unique, whether that means changing the rules from year to year or giving in to fan demands. Regardless of the reason, there's a growing list of competitions from Asia to North America that constantly leave people wondering just how you win the league.

The long MLS playoff grind continued with another marathon day Sunday, as the Eastern Conference was narrowed down from four teams to two. It was a big day for the Canadian sides, and one that the city of New York will want to quickly forget. 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

Of all the big name, designated players on show during Sunday’s Western Conference semifinal between the Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy (Tim Howard, Jermaine Jones, Steven Gerrard, Giovani dos Santos and Robbie Keane), it was the least-celebrated DP who made the biggest difference: Swiss attacking midfielder Shkelzen Gashi.

Gashi scored his 10th goal in MLS, and it was an absolute stunner. With the Galaxy enjoying a 1-0 aggregate lead following their victory in Los Angeles in the first leg, Gashi’s 36th minute wonder goal evened the score for Colorado.

The United States kicks off the hexagonal round of FIFA World Cup qualifying with two of the most difficult matches they’ll face on the road to Russia. On Friday, the USA host Mexico at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Four days later, they face Costa Rica at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. 

The beautiful game is grabbing hold of America. The World Cup comes around every two years, and the general US public look up to see how America performs on the biggest stage. MLS grows in teams, player status, and TV ratings each year, as the focus of the success or failure of US soccer.

However, deep below those two shiny properties lies the future of soccer in America: the United Soccer League. 

The Harvard men’s soccer team has been suspended for the remainder of the season by the University following an investigation over an appalling "scouting report" that ranked women’s team players.

Unlike the East, the West has felt wide open from the knockout rounds. No upsets in the early round, but some surprises on Sunday. Here's a look at the results from each match, TV schedule information for leg two games and updated predictions.

Knock-Out Results

LA Galaxy 3 - Real Salt Lake 1: I’m not sure anyone outside of Salt Lake City believed RSL could beat the Galaxy in LA. Even with several stars out due to injury or being rested LA still easily rolled past RSL. 

We wish every soccer fan was like Leslie Jones.

Yo I've been watching soccer all day!! Lol

— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) October 31, 2016

Four matches and two eliminated teams have made for a very busy five days for the Eastern Conference. Here's a look at the results from each match, the upcoming TV schedule and information for this week's games, and updated predictions.

Knock-Out Results

Toronto 3 - Philadelphia 1: Hosting their first-ever playoff match, Toronto struck early through Sebastian Giovinco and never let go. This is a great confidence-booster after being eliminated by rivals Montreal in Toronto's first playoff appearance last season.