The MLS Cup Playoffs continue tonight with Charlotte hosting Orlando City and Colorado taking on the Galaxy in the second game of their series.

Goalscorers: Larraz 19′; Pec 8′, Painstil 45+3′, Puig 90+1′, 90+4′

The Galaxy truly established themselves as the contenders with a 4-1 win in Colorado, edging the Rapids in two games.

It was the worst possible start for Colorado when an unsuccessful shot from Zack Steffen was deflected into the Rapids net by Gabriel Pec, but they were spared the blushes after just 11 minutes.

After the ball fell to Oliver Larraz, the hometown boy fired into the top corner to bring the home side level and reopen the tie.

Larraz’s hard work came to an end just before half-time, when Joseph Paintsil sent a beautiful shot into the bottom corner with almost the last kick of the first half.

But unfortunately for the home side, the drama came to a screeching halt at half-time and despite some late pressure, the Galaxy held on relatively comfortably thanks to Riqui Puig’s two goals in injury time and booked their ticket to the second round in style. .

Kristijan Kahlina was the shootout hero, making two big saves as Charlotte forced a third game in the series after the shootout.

After last week’s defeat in Orlando, it was Charlotte’s responsibility to draw the series and they were ahead from the first whistle.

Although they had the lion’s share of scoring chances, they were defeated by heroic defending and superb goalkeeping from Pedro Gallese.

Facundo Torres appeared to have won the game for Orlando in the fifth minute of extra time when he found the back of the net amid stunned silence around Bank of America Stadium, but the linesman’s flag saved Charlotte’s blushes just before the incident went to penalties.

After misses from Nico Lodeiro and Robin Jansson, Charlotte took their spot kicks with confidence and forced a third and decisive game in Orlando.

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