New York City FC will face the New York Red Bulls for a place in the Eastern Conference final after a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over FC Cincinnati.
In a shootout during which five spot-kicks were missed, Mitja Ilenic kept his cool to slam home and get NYCFC over the line after a 0-0 draw in Ohio.
Cincinnati, last season's Supporters' Shield winners, had the better of the chances at TQL Stadium, though NYCFC did have a goal disallowed midway through the second half, with Alonso Martínez having been flagged offside.
But Nick Cushing, who this week insisted he wanted to stay at NYCFC amid reported interest from Arsenal Women, saw his team get the job done in dramatic fashion.
NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, who made a crucial save to deny Luca Orellano on the half-hour mark, looked set to be the hero until his counterpart Roman Celentano thwarted Thiago Martins.
Freese's save from Gerardo Valenzuela then sparked a remarkable streak of five straight missed penalties, with Kevin O'Toole denied by Celentano, Chidozie Awaziem and Andres Perea blazing over, and Teenage Hadebe kept out by NYCFC's shot-stopper, before Ilenic finally showed how it was done.
NYCFC will now go up against their city rivals next week, while Cincinnati must lick their wounds heading into the offseason.
Data Debrief: Away form a concern for Cushing
While New York can celebrate making the Conference semi-finals, they have now won only one of their last 15 away games in all competitions.
Indeed, NYCFC have won just five of their last 41 road matches in all competitions since the start of the 2023 season.
Their meagre 0.28 expected goals (xG), compared to Cincinnati's 1.13, across the 90 minutes showed they were largely outplayed, and Cushing will be glad next week's semi-final will take place on home turf - with NYCFC the sixth seed, whereas the Red Bulls are the seventh.
Reggae Girl Kiki Van Zanten signs two-year extension with Houston Dash
Reggae Girl Kiki Van Zanten has signed a two-year contract extension with the Houston Dash, the club announced on Friday. The new deal will keep the 23-year-old midfielder with the NWSL side through the 2026 season, with a mutual option for 2027.
Van Zanten’s rookie season was cut short after just four appearances (one start) due to a season-ending foot injury in April. Despite the setback, the Dash remain confident in her potential and versatility.
"Kiki's resilience has stood out as she navigated her return from injury, and we are excited about what she can bring to the team next season," said interim general manager Erik Ustruck. "Her versatility is invaluable as we mold a new identity for the club, and players like Kiki will play a key role in building on the foundation we are establishing."
Drafted with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Van Zanten brought an impressive collegiate resume from Notre Dame, where she tallied 27 goals and nine assists in 95 matches between 2019 and 2023.
Internationally, the Illinois-born midfielder represents Jamaica, earning one goal in nine appearances for the Reggae Girlz, further showcasing her talent on the global stage.
The Dash are optimistic about Van Zanten's ability to make an impact upon her return in 2025, as they continue to shape their squad for the future. Her signing reflects the club’s commitment to fostering young talent and building a competitive roster.
With her blend of technical ability, international experience, and determination to overcome adversity, Van Zanten is set to play a pivotal role for both Houston and Jamaica in the coming years.
Inter 3-1 Parma: Mkhitaryan stars as hosts extend unbeaten run
Inter moved to within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli after easing to a 3-1 win over Parma at the San Siro, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions.
Simone Inzaghi's side moved up to 31 points after 14 games of their season, but Napoli could restore their four-point cushion over Inter with victory over Lazio on Sunday.
Inter were awarded a penalty with eight minutes on the clock after Mandela Keita clipped the heels of Lautaro Martinez, but after a VAR review, it was changed to a free-kick.
But the hosts found themselves in front five minutes before the break when Federico Dimarco sensationally took the ball on his back foot before firing past Zion Suzuki.
Inter doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute through Nicolo Barella, who picked up Henrikh Mkhitaryan's through ball before sitting down Emanuele Valeri, staying composed to roll the ball confidently home.
The victory was sealed just after the hour-mark when Yann Bisseck flicked Hakan Calhanoglu's corner to Thuram, who volleyed home his 10th league goal of the season.
Parma did, however, net a late consolation when Matteo Darmian tussled with Dennis Man following Hernani's ball forward, only for the former Manchester United defender to inadvertently bundle the ball beyond Yann Sommer.
Data Debrief: Mkhitaryan masterclass
Inter have now scored at least three goals in a Serie A match for the seventh time this season, with only Paris Saint-Germain (nine), Bayern Munich and Barcelona (both eight) scoring three or more goals more often than the Nerazzurri.
But their victory was inspired by the brilliance of Mkhitaryan, with the Armenian notching the assists for Dimarco and Barella on Friday.
Since his arrival at Inter in 2022, only Charles De Ketelaere and Luis Alberto (both 14) have registered more assists than Mkhitaryan (12), while he also created more chances (four) than any other player on the pitch during the game.
Michel urges Girona to rise to the occasion against out-of-form Madrid
Girona boss Michel has urged his players to prove themselves against "one of the best teams in the world" when they face Real Madrid in LaLiga on Saturday.
Michel's side, who finished third in the Spanish top-flight last season, have failed to replicate that form, currently occupying eighth place after 15 games of their campaign.
Girona come into the clash with Carlo Ancelotti's side on the back of a shock defeat to fourth-tier side Logrones in the Copa del Rey in midweek.
They have also failed to win any of their last three games in all competitions, scoring just two goals, which both came in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal in their last league match.
Though Girona have not lost any of their last four games in LaLiga (W3 D1), which is their longest unbeaten run in the competition this season, Michel highlighted his side's attack as an issue so far this term.
"We are a better team in defence than last year. However, we need to improve in attack, to finish plays," Michel told reporters.
"When you go down you have to get up as soon as possible and that day is tomorrow."
But Madrid have been in a slump of their own, losing four of their last seven games across all competitions, including a midweek defeat to Athletic Bilbao that saw their longest unbeaten run away from home in LaLiga come to an end (W13 D8).
Despite their recent form, Michel was under no illusions about the task at hand for his players, insisting his side must play a "perfect" game to get a result on Saturday.
"Tomorrow I expect what it is, the Champions League and LaLiga winners. A great team with great players," he added.
"We are playing against one of the best teams in the world, and we have to play a perfect game.
"There is no need to motivate the players for a game against Real Madrid."
And looking at recent meetings between the two sides, the odds are stacked against Michel's side.
Madrid have won their last two meetings with Girona in LaLiga, keeping clean sheets in both, and can make it three wins in a row against the Catalan side for the first time in the top-flight.
Michel has also struggled against Los Blancos in LaLiga. He has lost two of his four league meetings with Carlo Ancelotti (W1 D1).
Only against Diego Simeone (W1 L4) has he suffered more defeats as Girona boss in the competition (also two against Imanol Alguacil, Manuel Pellegrini and Quique Setien).
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