The MLS NEXT Pro playoffs threw out the seedings on Sunday. Both No. 1 seeds lost at home in the conference semifinals.
East
Columbus Crew 2 2, Crown Legacy FC 1. The fourth-seeded Crew 2 won at Sportsplex at Matthews. Both Columbus goals came in the second half, ending Crown Legacy's season as the top seed.
Chattanooga FC 3, CT United 1. Tate Robertson put Chattanooga ahead with a shot from nearly 30 yards that went in off the crossbar (61'). CT United's Barnabás Tanyi equalized four minutes later. Alex Krehl scored a penalty (70') and set up substitute Steeve Louis Jean (83'). It was the first playoff game between two independent clubs, and Chattanooga is now the first independent club to reach an MLS NEXT Pro conference final. CT United goalkeeper Gunther Rankenburg made seven saves.
West
LAFC2 beat Austin FC II. The sixth seed knocked out the top overall seed at Parmer Field.
Ventura County FC 1, Portland Timbers2 0. Arnau Vilamitjana scored the winner in the 84th minute, assisted by Jose Magana Jr., to end Timbers2's first playoff run.
What's next
East final: Chattanooga FC vs. Columbus Crew 2, Sunday, Nov. 1, 5 p.m. ET, Finley Stadium.
West final: Ventura County FC vs. LAFC2.
Three of the four teams left are MLS second teams, where the next homegrown signings come from. Chattanooga, the lone independent club, is proof that clubs outside MLS can compete at the top of the league.
Sources: MLS NEXT Pro, Chattanoogan.com, Timbers2 via OurSports Central, FOX Sports
