FC Cincinnati booked their place in the semi-finals of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday after defeating New York Red Bulls on penalties to complete a 2-0 first-round series victory.

An absorbing contest at the Red Bull Arena was decided on spot-kicks after top seeds Cincinnati came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw and send the match straight to a shootout.

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Cincinnati's Argentine goalkeeper, Roman Celentano, was the hero for the visitors, diving to save New York's 10th penalty from Andres Reyes to seal an 8-7 victory.

The defeat was cruel on eighth-seeded New York, which saw midfielder John Tolkin and teenage substitute Serge Ngoma both miss penalties that would have secured a victory and forced a decider in the best-of-three series.

The result sends Cincinnati into a semi-final against either Philadelphia Union or New England Revolution.

Cincinnati had almost won the game in 90 minutes when a corner from captain Luciano Acosta deep into stoppage time was bundled into the net with what appeared to be the final kick of the match.

Cincinnati's players celebrated but the goal was chalked off after VAR ruled that New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel had been impeded in the six-yard box.

Earlier, New York had taken the lead in first half added time after Tom Barlow prodded home from close range.&nbsp;

That goal itself was tinged with controversy, with Barlow fortunate to be on the field after escaping a red card for a wild tackle on Yerson Mosquera moments earlier.

Cincinnati, which finished 26 points ahead of New York in the regular season standings, launched a furious second-half onslaught as New York battled to hold onto the lead.

Eventually the Cincinnati pressure told, with Acosta surging forward from midfield on the counter attack before slipping a pass to Aaron Boupendza, whose low-angled shot across goal beat the diving Coronel to make it 1-1.

FC Cincinnati booked their place in the semi-finals of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday after defeating New York Red Bulls on penalties to complete a 2-0 first-round series victory.

FC Cincinnati booked their place in the semi-finals of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday after defeating New York Red Bulls on penalties to complete a 2-0 first-round series victory. An absorbing contest at the Red Bull Arena was decided on spot-kicks after top seeds Cincinnati came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw and send the match straight to a shootout. Also Read: Defending champions England exit the tournament, lose by 33 runs against Australia Cincinnati's Argentine goalkeeper, Roman Celentano, was the hero for the visitors, diving to save New York's 10th penalty from Andres Reyes to seal an 8-7 victory. The defeat was cruel on eighth-seeded New York, which saw midfielder John Tolkin and teenage substitute Serge Ngoma both miss penalties that would have secured a victory and forced a decider in the best-of-three series. The result sends Cincinnati into a semi-final against either Philadelphia Union or New England Revolution. Cincinnati had almost won the game in 90 minutes when a corner from captain Luciano Acosta deep into stoppage time was bundled into the net with what appeared to be the final kick of the match. Cincinnati's players celebrated but the goal was chalked off after VAR ruled that New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel had been impeded in the six-yard box. Earlier, New York had taken the lead in first half added time after Tom Barlow prodded home from close range. That goal itself was tinged with controversy, with Barlow fortunate to be on the field after escaping a red card for a wild tackle on Yerson Mosquera moments earlier. Cincinnati, which finished 26 points ahead of New York in the regular season standings, launched a furious second-half onslaught as New York battled to hold onto the lead. Eventually the Cincinnati pressure told, with Acosta surging forward from midfield on the counter attack before slipping a pass to Aaron Boupendza, whose low-angled shot across goal beat the diving Coronel to make it 1-1.

Cincinnati advances to MLS East Playoffs after win over New York Red bulls

Elias Manoel scored a hat-trick as the New York Red Bulls defeated Charlotte FC 5-2 to advance to the first round of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference playoffs on Wednesday.

Brazilian forward Manoel struck in the 10th and 37th minutes either side of a superb free-kick by defender John Tolkin to set New York on the road to victory at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

The Red Bulls will now face Eastern Conference top seeds Cincinnati in a best-of-three first round series, with game one set for Sunday.

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Manoel fired the Red Bulls into the lead early on, chesting down a lofted pass from Daniel Edelman before shooting low into the corner.

Tolkin then added a brilliant second on 26 minutes, curling a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Good work from Tolkin then set up the Red Bulls' third goal, with the fullback bombing down the left flank and picking out Manoel in the penalty area.

The Brazilian coolly curled his shot up and over Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina for 3-0.

Charlotte raised hopes of a fightback early in the second half when Kerwin Vargas's overhead kick made it 3-1 on 49 minutes.

But Tolkin then set up another goal with an assist for Tom Barlow to make it 4-1 on 56 minutes and restore New York's three-goal lead.

Substitute Patrick Agyemang pulled a goal back for Charlotte in the 64th minute but Manoel completed his hat-trick with a fine individual effort in the 78th minute to complete the scoring.

In Wednesday's Western Conference wild card game, Sporting Kansas City advanced to the first round of the playoffs after defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

Hungary international Daniel Salloi struck the winning spot-kick for Kansas City after the game finished 0-0 after 90 minutes. Kansas City will play top seeds St. Louis in the first round of the playoffs.

Elias Manoel scored a hat-trick as the New York Red Bulls defeated Charlotte FC 5-2 to advance to the first round of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference playoffs on Wednesday.

Elias Manoel scored a hat-trick as the New York Red Bulls defeated Charlotte FC 5-2 to advance to the first round of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference playoffs on Wednesday. Brazilian forward Manoel struck in the 10th and 37th minutes either side of a superb free-kick by defender John Tolkin to set New York on the road to victory at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The Red Bulls will now face Eastern Conference top seeds Cincinnati in a best-of-three first round series, with game one set for Sunday. Also Read: Liverpool's Andy Robertson undergoes shoulder surgery Manoel fired the Red Bulls into the lead early on, chesting down a lofted pass from Daniel Edelman before shooting low into the corner. Tolkin then added a brilliant second on 26 minutes, curling a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to make it 2-0. Good work from Tolkin then set up the Red Bulls' third goal, with the fullback bombing down the left flank and picking out Manoel in the penalty area. The Brazilian coolly curled his shot up and over Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina for 3-0. Charlotte raised hopes of a fightback early in the second half when Kerwin Vargas's overhead kick made it 3-1 on 49 minutes. But Tolkin then set up another goal with an assist for Tom Barlow to make it 4-1 on 56 minutes and restore New York's three-goal lead. Substitute Patrick Agyemang pulled a goal back for Charlotte in the 64th minute but Manoel completed his hat-trick with a fine individual effort in the 78th minute to complete the scoring. In Wednesday's Western Conference wild card game, Sporting Kansas City advanced to the first round of the playoffs after defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Hungary international Daniel Salloi struck the winning spot-kick for Kansas City after the game finished 0-0 after 90 minutes. Kansas City will play top seeds St. Louis in the first round of the playoffs.

Football: New York Red Bulls beat Charlotte FC to advance to East playoffs in MLS

Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored as Inter Miami began their push for the Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 win at New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

After a week in which Miami won the Leagues Cup and reached the final of the US Open Cup, Messi was left on the bench by coach Gerard "Tata" Martino but came into the game on the hour mark.

The Argentine World Cup winner had limited involvement after entering with former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets but made his mark on his regular season debut with an 89th minute goal.

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Jordi Alba acrobatically hooked the ball into the box to Messi who twisted and turned then slipped a sublime pass with the outside of his foot to Benjamin Cremaschi whose low first-time cross was tapped in by the seven-times Ballon d'Or winner.

Messi has now scored 11 goals in nine appearances in all competitions since joining Inter Miami.

"He's unbelievable, every day it's something new, on and off the field," said Miami's 19-year-old defender Noah Allen.

"He's an amazing person to play with and I am so blessed to play with him."

Martino had indicated that several of his players were in need of a break after an intense run of eight games inside a month and stuck to his word with his team selection, to the disappointment of the capacity crowd at Red Bull Arena.

A makeshift Miami had taken the lead in the 37th minute when Noah Allen played in a cross from the left and Paraguayan Diego Gomez was given time to turn and then slot home a left-foot effort.

Miami keeper Drake Callender had to make a series of saves to keep his side in the lead but with Red Bull pressure mounting, Martino opted to bring on his star man and the momentum of the game inevitably shifted.

The win lifts Miami off the bottom of the Eastern Conference and reduces the gap to the last playoff sport to 11 points with 11 games remaining.

<h2>Cincy bounce back</h2>

Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati bounced back from their US Open Cup last four loss to Miami on Wednesday with a &nbsp;3-0 victory over New York City.

Aaron Boupendza nodded the Ohio side ahead in the 6th minute and Junior Moreno doubled the lead in the 52nd minute with a side-foot finish at the end of a swift counter.

A 59th minute header from Nick Hagglund wrapped up the win for Cincinnati who remain 11 points clear of second-placed Philadelphia.

Philly enjoyed a 3-1 win at Wayne Rooney's D.C. United with all their goals coming in the first half through Mikael Uhre, Jack McGlynn and a penalty from Hungarian international Daniel Gazdag.

The New England Revolution, third in the East, fell to a 1-0 loss at Montreal with George Campbell grabbing the 86th minute winner.

Champions Los Angeles FC suffered a surprise 2-1 loss at Charlotte with former Burnley midfielders Ashley Westwood and Scott Arfield on target for the North Carolina side.

Westwood opened the scoring with a clever finish at the near post in the 29th minute before Mario Gonzalez levelled for LAFC in the 67th only for Arfield, a recent signing from Scotland's Rangers to grab the 75th minute winner.

It was a day of surprises in the Western Conference where leaders St.Louis City fell to a 2-1 defeat to Orlando City with Facundo Torres settling the encounter with a stoppage time penalty after Anthony Markanich handled in the box.

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Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored as Inter Miami began their push for the Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 win at New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored as Inter Miami began their push for the Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 win at New York Red Bulls on Saturday. After a week in which Miami won the Leagues Cup and reached the final of the US Open Cup, Messi was left on the bench by coach Gerard "Tata" Martino but came into the game on the hour mark. The Argentine World Cup winner had limited involvement after entering with former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets but made his mark on his regular season debut with an 89th minute goal. Also Read: Premier League: Manchester United rally to beat Forest 3-2, Arsenal held by 10-man Fulham Jordi Alba acrobatically hooked the ball into the box to Messi who twisted and turned then slipped a sublime pass with the outside of his foot to Benjamin Cremaschi whose low first-time cross was tapped in by the seven-times Ballon d'Or winner. Messi has now scored 11 goals in nine appearances in all competitions since joining Inter Miami. "He's unbelievable, every day it's something new, on and off the field," said Miami's 19-year-old defender Noah Allen. "He's an amazing person to play with and I am so blessed to play with him." Martino had indicated that several of his players were in need of a break after an intense run of eight games inside a month and stuck to his word with his team selection, to the disappointment of the capacity crowd at Red Bull Arena. A makeshift Miami had taken the lead in the 37th minute when Noah Allen played in a cross from the left and Paraguayan Diego Gomez was given time to turn and then slot home a left-foot effort. Miami keeper Drake Callender had to make a series of saves to keep his side in the lead but with Red Bull pressure mounting, Martino opted to bring on his star man and the momentum of the game inevitably shifted. The win lifts Miami off the bottom of the Eastern Conference and reduces the gap to the last playoff sport to 11 points with 11 games remaining. Cincy bounce back Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati bounced back from their US Open Cup last four loss to Miami on Wednesday with a 3-0 victory over New York City. Aaron Boupendza nodded the Ohio side ahead in the 6th minute and Junior Moreno doubled the lead in the 52nd minute with a side-foot finish at the end of a swift counter. A 59th minute header from Nick Hagglund wrapped up the win for Cincinnati who remain 11 points clear of second-placed Philadelphia. Philly enjoyed a 3-1 win at Wayne Rooney's D.C. United with all their goals coming in the first half through Mikael Uhre, Jack McGlynn and a penalty from Hungarian international Daniel Gazdag. The New England Revolution, third in the East, fell to a 1-0 loss at Montreal with George Campbell grabbing the 86th minute winner. Champions Los Angeles FC suffered a surprise 2-1 loss at Charlotte with former Burnley midfielders Ashley Westwood and Scott Arfield on target for the North Carolina side. Westwood opened the scoring with a clever finish at the near post in the 29th minute before Mario Gonzalez levelled for LAFC in the 67th only for Arfield, a recent signing from Scotland's Rangers to grab the 75th minute winner. It was a day of surprises in the Western Conference where leaders St.Louis City fell to a 2-1 defeat to Orlando City with Facundo Torres settling the encounter with a stoppage time penalty after Anthony Markanich handled in the box. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Major League Soccer: Messi scores after coming off bench as Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls striker Dante Vanzeir has been handed a six-match suspension and fined by Major League Soccer for making a racist remark during a game, the league announced on Thursday.

Belgian Vanzeir had apologized on Monday after San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse said that a New York player used a racist epithet early in the second half of Saturday's game, without naming the player.

MLS said that as well as missing the next six league games Vanzeir is "prohibited from participating in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, MLS NEXT Pro games, and exhibition matches until the suspension is completed."

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In addition to the fine, Vanzeir will have to undergo training and education sessions, as well as join a 'restorative practices program'.

In his apology on Monday, Vanzeir vowed to learn from the incident.

"I made a mistake and will take all the necessary steps to grow," he said.

"I accept full responsibility for my actions. While I did not intend to cause any harm or offense with my language, I know that I did and for that I am deeply sorry."

Red Bulls said they "wholeheartedly apologize for the unacceptable events that transpired on Saturday night".

"The words and inaction was inexcusable, and we believe there is never a place for it," the team said.

The club's Austrian coach Gerhard Struber said that he regretted not immediately taking Vanzeir off the field following the incident.

Vanzeir has played for his country once and moved to the Red Bulls in February from the Belgian league.

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New York Red Bulls striker Dante Vanzeir has been handed a six-match suspension and fined by Major League Soccer for making a racist remark during a game, the league announced on Thursday.

New York Red Bulls striker Dante Vanzeir has been handed a six-match suspension and fined by Major League Soccer for making a racist remark during a game, the league announced on Thursday. Belgian Vanzeir had apologized on Monday after San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse said that a New York player used a racist epithet early in the second half of Saturday's game, without naming the player. MLS said that as well as missing the next six league games Vanzeir is "prohibited from participating in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, MLS NEXT Pro games, and exhibition matches until the suspension is completed." ALSO READ | IPL 2023: R Ashwin fined 25% of match fees after RR's narrow win over CSK! Here's why In addition to the fine, Vanzeir will have to undergo training and education sessions, as well as join a 'restorative practices program'. In his apology on Monday, Vanzeir vowed to learn from the incident. "I made a mistake and will take all the necessary steps to grow," he said. "I accept full responsibility for my actions. While I did not intend to cause any harm or offense with my language, I know that I did and for that I am deeply sorry." Red Bulls said they "wholeheartedly apologize for the unacceptable events that transpired on Saturday night". "The words and inaction was inexcusable, and we believe there is never a place for it," the team said. The club's Austrian coach Gerhard Struber said that he regretted not immediately taking Vanzeir off the field following the incident. Vanzeir has played for his country once and moved to the Red Bulls in February from the Belgian league. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

MLS: Red Bulls' Dante Vanzeir handed six-match suspension for racist remarks towards Jeremy Ebobisse

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