MLS Conference Semi-Finals Leg 2 Preview

Nov 1, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Fabian Espindola (10) and New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty (11) battle for the ball in the second half of the first leg of the eastern conference semi-final at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The Red Bulls won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Here it is folks. One step closer to the MLS Final. There are four games to be played, with four teams making it to the Conference Finals. Here is a quick guide to who is in action and what to look out for:

New York Red Bulls vs D.C United (Game 1: NYRB 1-0 DC )

The Red Bulls midfield superiority should shine again, although the Red Bulls are without Damien Perrinelle in defense due to injury suffered in the first game. The Red Bulls also have the home advantage at Red Bull Arena and simply have the better team. D.C United should already be thinking about next year.

Remember that D.C did not record a shot on target in the first game; despite playing at home. So there won’t be many expecting them to come out of this with a good result.

Columbus Crew vs Montreal Impact (Game 1: Impact 2-1 Crew)

This game will come down to Didier Drogba versus the Crew backline which needs to have the strength to stop the Drog. But it will not just be Drogba searching for goals. Kei Kamara and Ethan Findley were less than impressive in the first-game so will be hoping to add their names into the mix.

The Impact will be able to overturn the home advantage that the Crew holds with their impressive counter-attacking play. It could end up being the perfect game for Montreal if they can push forward their counter-attacking game-plan effectively.

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FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders (Game 1: Seattle 2-1 FC Dallas)

Clint Dempsey will be running the show as usual for the Sounders. The attacking options are vast and can really pile up the pressure on a weakened FC Dallas defense.

However on the road, Seattle have been less than impressive and may struggle in Dallas as a result. FC Dallas can only hope this is the case. Dallas did not have a bad game, some may argue they were unlucky. But they cannot rely on luck alone to get them through this time.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers (Game 1: Portland 0-0 Vancouver)

Portland are looking strong, and should go into this one with a lot of confidence. They did not concede at home. They are against the weakest home team record in the play-offs and they are in fine form. Vancouver are 9-6-2 which gives Portland confidence.

Vancouver have not been brilliant with production in front of goal this year despite having a talented team to utilize. If there is a time to change that, that time is now or never. Plain and simple.

Next: Why Giovinco should not leave Toronto despite the rumors

The conference finals take place at the end of the month; with the MLS Final being held on December 6. Glory awaits one team only – but just who exactly will get the chance to take it?

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