MLS Review: Ibrahimovic and Galaxy earn LAFC date; Union win seven-goal thriller

LA Galaxy set up a blockbuster El Trafico derby showdown with rivals Los Angeles FC in the MLS Western Conference semi-finals after edging Minnesota United 2-1.

Second-half goals from Sebastian Lletget and Jonathan dos Santos saw the Galaxy past hosts Minnesota in the first round of the play-offs on Sunday.

After a scoreless first half at Allianz Field, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Galaxy broke the deadlock via Lletget – who bounced on a deflected shot by the former Manchester United striker with 19 minutes remaining.

Dos Santos doubled the lead four minutes later with a curling effort beyond Minnesota goalkeeper and ex-Arsenal shot-stopper Vito Mannone.

GOLAZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO@jona2santos, take a bow. #MINvLA pic.twitter.com/7iRKuLOe7R

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 21, 2019

Jan Gregus scored a late goal for Minnesota, but the Galaxy were not to be denied as they look ahead to a mouth-watering clash against Supporters’ Shield champions LAFC.

In Sunday’s other play-off match, Philadelphia Union prevailed 4-3 against New York Red Bulls after extra time in an historic victory.

The Union overcame the Red Bulls in a thriller for their first play-off victory, having lost their four previous post-season matches.

In extra time of the @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs, it doesn’t have to be pretty. Just needs to go in and the Boys in Blue are up!#PhillyOrNothing |#PHIvRBNY 4-3 pic.twitter.com/TuhPNYV7lm

— X – Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 20, 2019

Philadelphia trailed 2-0 and 3-1 but rallied on both occasions to force extra time as Marco Fabian’s 106th-minute goal sent the Union through to the next round.

Next up for the Union are defending champions Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference semis.