Late flurry sees Toronto past NYCFC
Two late goals saw Toronto FC pick up a crucial 2-0 win over New York City FC in the first leg of their MLS Cup Eastern conference semi-final on Monday (AEDT).
NYCFC was forced to make do without star midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who was a late scratch from the side after picking up a calf injury.
Despite a host of chances for Tornoto throughout the match, it looked set to end in a scoreless draw, before striker Jozy Altidore took the lead for the Reds in the 84th minute.
NYCFC's misery was compounded soon after, when substitute Tosaint Ricketts sealed the dramatic victory in stoppage time.
Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders scored three goals in eight minutes to set up an emphatic 3-0 win over FC Dallas in the first leg of their Western Conference semi final at CenturyLink Field.
Seattle carved out the first opportunity in the fourth minute, with Chris Seitz making a desperate save off his line to deny Nelson Valdez.
From there, Seattle didn't look back and when Nelson Valdez eventually broke the deadlock with a header in the 50th minute, the floodgates opened with Nicolás Lodeiro scoring two goals in three minutes.
The win puts Seattle in pole position ahead of its trip to Dallas for the conference semi final second leg on Monday (AEDT).
Eastern Conference high-flyer New York Red Bulls suffered a late 1-0 defeat to Montreal Impact.
The Red Bulls, who topped the east in the regular season, succumbed to Mancosu's stunning 61st-minute half-volley.
Omer Damari was sent off late in Montreal, with the Red Bulls midfielder now set to miss the return leg in New York.
LA Galaxy also posted a first-leg play-off win, with Giovani dos Santos the hero as the Galaxy edged Colorado Rapids 1-0.
