How the 2024 MLS Playoffs shape up: teams eliminated, fixtures, bracket

Plenty of drama was served up over the weekend in the second Game of the first round of the 2024 MLS Playoffs as four teams were eliminated as part of the best of three series.

The biggest surprise came at Red Bull Arena where reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew were dumped out in dramatic fashion by New York Red Bulls.

The Crew had their backs to the wall following the game one home defeat and appeared to be heading for an early exit before Christian Ramirez offered Wilfred Nancy’s side a lifeline with a 96th minute header which took the tie to a penalty shoot-out. In the ensuing shoot-out, the home side prevailed 5-4 on spot kicks and will now face the winners of FC Cincinnati or NYCFC in the single match Eastern Conference semi-final.

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Five Stripes push Miami all the way

A goal in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time by substitute Xande Silva gave Atlanta United a 2-1 win over visiting Inter Miami on Friday night in Game 2 of a first-round MLS Cup playoff series. The best-of-three set is now tied at 1-1.

Silva, who entered the match in the 89th minute, received a pass about 3 yards outside of the 18-yard box. He dribbled up to the top of the box and drilled a shot into the left side of the net, putting it past diving Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.

Messi had a chance to put Inter Miami up in the 83rd minute when a loose ball came his way. But at the top of the goalkeeper’s box, the Argentine sent the ball high over the crossbar, keeping the match tied at 1.

Miami scored first, doing so in the 40th minute. That’s when Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan stepped up to punt the ball away. After dropping the ball to kick it, Guzan stopped his motion, sensing the presence of Federico Redondo.

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Exits for four teams

At this stage of the comPetition, four teams have said farewell to MLS Cup 2024 following Game 2 eliminations, with Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo joining Columbus at the exit door.

Inter Miami-Atlanta, NYCFC-Cincinnati, LAFC-Vancouver and Orlando-Charlotte will be decided in the third and final game.

MLS Playoffs: Game 3 times and dates

Conference Semi-finals

Eastern Conference

Inter Miami/Atlanta United vs Orlando/Charlotte

FC Cincinnati/NYCFC vs NY Red Bulls

Western Conference

LAFC/Vancouver vs Seattle

Minnesota vs LA Galaxy

*Dates and kick-off times for the Conference semi-finals yet to be confirmed