Portland are turning back the clock, and more from MLS semis

The final four are set as we look toward the MLS conference championships. What did we learn during the semifinal round?

There’s nothing quite like playoff soccer. And with the next round of games coming in two weeks, it gives us time to look at all the incredible action that just unfolded. Across eight games, let’s take a look.

Portland are turning back the clock

After two incredible games, the Timbers were able to overcome the Seattle Sounders on penalties in one of the best playoff ties in MLS history. Manager Giovanni Savarese has done extremely well in his first season in charge, with this being his biggest feat to date.

Jeff Attinella has been remarkable this postseason, saving two penalties in the second leg. More impressive is that Portland were able to keep calm after going down twice in the game. Dairon Asprilla claimed hero status after scoring twice in extra time and the game-winning penalty. Suddenly there are 2015 vibes about this group.

Seattle will surely bounce back next season. Raul Ruidiaz will be more dangerous next season with Jordan Morris returning from injury. But for now it’s about Portland, who will face Sporting Kansas City in what should be a very interesting Western Conference final.

Peter Vermes stakes claim as league’s best manager

First of all, give credit to Real Salt Lake. They came into this game having beaten LAFC on the road and earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg against SKC. Plus, they were really close to advancing via away goals before ultimately losing in the final moments of added time. Hats off to Mike Petke and his team, who are on the rise with great young talent ahead of next season.

On the flip side, Sporting used their great home-field advantage to turn the tide in their favor. Two quick first-half goals from Diego Rubio and Daniel Salloi made it an uphill battle for Real Salt Lake. But give kudos to manager Peter Vermes, whose tactics throughout gave SKC a leg up on their opponents. Knowing when to press and take advantage kept RSL on their toes until they were finally knocked over.

Sporting are favorites against Portland, and will be hopeful of playing in their first MLS Cup since winning it in 2013.

Atlanta outclass NYCFC, who face an uncertain offseason

NYCFC knew they had to come away with something in the first leg to give themselves a chance in the second. They failed, losing 1-0. The second leg, a 3-1 loss, went even worse, and now there are questions to answer?

What’s the future of David Villa? Will Dome Torrent turn it around next season? Who comes and who goes within the squad? This team was seen as one of the best in MLS under Patrick Vieira, and are now a shell of themselves. Torrent won only two games during his tenure this season, so  it’ll be interesting to see what he and management do to reload this squad for next year.

As for Atlanta, they’re in the Eastern Conference final in just their second year. Tata Martino is on the way out, and Miguel Almiron may be too. Their offseason is also one to watch.

Daniel Royer plays hero in dominant victory

In truth, it took a total team effort to effectively shut out the Crew in the second leg. Alex Muyl’s opener calmed down an anxious Red Bull Arena, and from there, the Red Bulls dominated. Wave after wave of attacks; it was relentless and the Crew had no answer.

Kaku delivered his first assist since late July, and Daniel Royer stepped up when the team needed him most, scoring two wonderful goals. The Red Bulls now face an Atlanta team that haven’t beaten New York in four meetings all-time. The top two teams in MLS face off for the chance to host MLS Cup.