MLS: Earthquakes, Rapids clinch play-off spots

The San Jose Earthquakes and Colorado Rapids booked their spots in the MLS play-offs on Wednesday.

The 10-man Earthquakes held on for a 3-2 win over Los Angeles FC.

Latif Blessing tapped in the opener for LAFC midway through the first half, but an Eduard Atuesta own goal from a corner brought San Jose level.

Chris Wondolowski’s side-footed finish from a Cristian Espinoza cross put the Earthquakes ahead eight minutes before half-time.

However, San Jose’s chances took a hit when Jackson Yueill was sent off for a rash challenge in the 61st minute.

But Espinoza delivered an excellent finish to make it 3-1 and the Earthquakes held on despite Diego Rossi’s late goal.

Cristian Espinoza extends the lead for @SJEarthquakes! #SJvLAFC pic.twitter.com/91PbemPhkj

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 5, 2020

San Jose have earned 14 points from losing positions this season, including four come-from-behind wins, and both are the most in MLS in 2020, according to Opta.

Kellyn Acosta’s 83rd-minute winner saw the Rapids edge the Portland Timbers 1-0 to reach the play-offs.

Acosta produced a fine finish into the top corner from inside the area after a pass from Diego Rubio to secure three points for Colorado.

Kellyn Acosta! @ColoradoRapids take the lead with minutes to go! #PORvCOL pic.twitter.com/QJwt1jwvDP

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 5, 2020

It was just the Rapids’ second MLS victory at Portland, ending a nine-match winless run dating back to 2011, according to Opta.

Colorado moved into the MLS play-offs for the first time since 2016.

Nani was sent off as Orlando City recorded a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew.

Chris Mueller had put Orlando ahead before Nani was harshly sent off for a sliding challenge.

Harrison Afful equalised for Columbus, but the 10-man Orlando found an 84th-minute winner through Benji Michel.

Orlando have won four straight matches against Columbus, the first time they have managed that against a single team in their MLS history.

Javier Hernandez scored but LA Galaxy were held to a 1-1 draw by the Seattle Sounders.

 CHICHARITO @CH14_ subs in & scores to put #LAGalaxy ahead, 1-0. #LAvSEA pic.twitter.com/UWCZwtaVTj

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 5, 2020

Hernandez’s goal saw him end a 433-minute scoring drought dating back to July.

Elsewhere, Dallas beat Nashville 1-0 and Minnesota United and the Chicago Fire drew 2-2.