Sixth-seeded New York City FC stunned FC Cincinnati on penalties on Saturday to advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals of the MLS Cup playoffs. After the two teams had drawn their first two games in the best-of-three first-round series, Saturday's decider ended in a 0-0 stalemate after 90 minutes, sending the match to a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. New York emerged victorious 6-5, with Mitja Ilenic scoring the winning penalty into the top corner. Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano had kept his side in the game with key saves, denying match-winning shots from Thiago Martins and Kevin O'Toole. However, the shoot-out swung in New York’s favor when goalkeeper Matthew Freese saved Teenage Hadebe's attempt, allowing Ilenic to seal the win and send City into a semi-final derby against the New York Red Bulls.
 
In another thrilling encounter, Orlando City SC advanced to the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a 4-1 win in a penalty shoot-out against Charlotte. Charlotte appeared to be heading for victory after Polish international Karol Swiderski put them ahead in the 81st minute. But Orlando equalized in the 12th minute of stoppage time when Facundo Torres scored from the rebound of a penalty awarded for a foul on Duncan McGuire. In the shootout, Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese saved Charlotte's first two penalties, and Rafael Santos converted the decisive kick, securing the win for Orlando. Charlotte will face either Lionel Messi's Inter Miami or Atlanta in the semi-finals.