MLS Golden Boot winner Valentin Castellanos scored as New York City clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a 2-0 home win over Atlanta United on Sunday.
Castellanos, who netted 17 regular-season goals, opened the scoring in 49th minute with a miscued volley which bounced in fortunately over Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Alexander Callens doubled New York City s lead four minutes later, heading in unmarked from close range after Guzan tipped Maxi Moralez s effort on to the frame of the post.
Atlanta defender Alan Franco was sent off late for dissent to rub salt into the wounds, as New York City secured a fifth semi-final berth in the past six seasons.
New York City will next play Eastern Conference top seed and Supporter s Shield winners New England Revolution.
It s that Golden touch
— New York City FC (@NYCFC)
Sebastian Blanco netted a second-half double as Portland Timbers came from behind to beat Minnesota United 3-1, clinching four consecutive wins and a Western Conference semi-final date with Colorado Rapids.
Franco Fragapane gave Minnesota an 11th-minute lead, but Portland rallied with Larrys Mabiala heading in the equaliser before half-time.
Blanco rifled in a low drive early in the second half before opening a two-goal lead with a spectacular 66th-minute long-range strike.
brb watching this on repeat forever.
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC)
