MLS NEXT Pro Conference semifinal qualifiers set

NEW YORK – The field is set for the MLS NEXT Pro Conference Semifinals after six teams advanced from the Conference Quarterfinals this weekend, including two lower-seeded teams that upset their opponents on the road to move on in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.

With the new pick-your-opponent playoff format, the two No. 1 seeds – Colorado Rapids 2 (West) and Crown Legacy FC (East) – will now select who they will face in the Conference Semifinals from the two lowest-seeded teams remaining in their conferences.

The Conference Quarterfinals, where the No. 2 and No. 3 teams selected their opponents, kicked off in the West on Friday. No. 3 Sporting KC II hosted No. 4 Austin FC II because of Sporting’s surprising maneuver to choose the highest seed available to play. The move backfired for the home team, as Austin FC II emerged victorious, 2-0, off a stellar display by Los Verdes’ staunch defense, anchored by 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year Damian Las.

? DAMIAN LAS SAYS NO ?

What a save by the Goalkeeper of the Year! pic.twitter.com/NTdt4etBrN

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) September 30, 2023

The first round continued on Sunday with the remaining five Quarterfinal matchups. No. 4 New York Red Bulls II welcomed No. 6 Chicago Fire II to MSU Soccer Park, where the Red Bulls scored three first-half goals on their way to a commanding 4-1 victory. New York was led by 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honoree Ibrahim Kasule, who notched two goals in the win.

Defending League Champions, No. 3 Columbus Crew 2, also selected their opponent out of traditional order, choosing to host No. 5 Orlando City B. Their fiercely contested match seemed bound for extra time before 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Cup MVP Marco Micaletto converted a penalty kick in the final minutes (90’+1’) to capture a 2-1 victory.

The final Eastern Conference match on Sunday saw No. 2 New England Revolution II face off against No. 7 Philadelphia Union II. The home team looked to have an easy 3-0 win in hand behind a brace from Esmir Bajraktarevic before Union II fought back to score twice within four minutes late in the second half. New England was able to hold on for a 3-2 win.

GOLAZO! ?

Esmir Bajraktarevic launches a rocket from inside the box for ✌️. @NERevolution2 pic.twitter.com/KYOXL6y2YR

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) October 2, 2023

The Western Conference dramatics from Friday continued Sunday evening when No. 5 St Louis CITY2 hosted the best road team in the League, No. 6 Earthquakes II. Scoreless at halftime, the close matchup saw the visitors separate themselves in the second half. Earthquakes II scored twice in the final frame to secure the 2-0 win.

In the last match of the night and of the Quarterfinals, No. 2 Tacoma Defiance faced No. 7 Houston Dynamo 2. Tacoma raced out to a 3-1 lead at halftime that they eventually increased to 4-1 early in the second half. However, the visiting Dynamo Dos would not give up, battling back to within a goal after scoring twice in two minutes in the waning minutes of the match. Houston’s comeback attempt came up short, as they fell by a 4-3 final score.

The weekend’s victors – Austin FC II, New York Red Bulls II, Columbus Crew 2, New England Revolution II, Earthquakes II and Tacoma Defiance – advance to the Conference Semifinal round. After earning a first-round bye, No. 1 seeds Colorado Rapids 2 and Crown Legacy FC, will now take their turn in selecting their opponents. They will choose from the two lowest seeds remaining in their conference after the Quarterfinals – No. 3 Columbus Crew 2 and No. 4 New York Red Bulls II in the East and No. 4 Austin FC II and No. 6 Earthquakes II in the West. The second highest seeded team (No. 2 New England Revolution II in the East and No. 2 Tacoma Defiance in the West) will face the remaining team.

The Conference Semifinals matchups and schedule are expected to be announced on Tuesday on mlsnextpro.com and @MLSNEXTPro on Twitter and Instagram. The second round will take place the weekend of October 6, with all matches airing live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.