Conference semifinals: Drama and upsets galore!

The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs continue to be defined by drama. 

We're down to four after a thrilling round of conference semifinal action that eliminated top seeds in both conferences. 

Read more for a closer look at each semifinal result.

Chattanooga FC prevail in battle of independents

This year's cup will run through Chattanooga FC. 

The Eastern Conference second seed holds hosting priority thanks in large part to their 3-1 win over fellow independent side CT United FC. 

Sunday's clash marked the first-ever playoff clash of independent teams, and it was a nail-biter until Chattanooga defender Tate Robertson broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with a direct free kick. CT United responded minutes later when they crashed the box on the counter, which set up Barnabás Tanyi's second playoff goal.

After finishing second in this year's Golden Boot race, striker Alex Krehl continues to come up clutch for Chattanooga. Cool from the spot in the 70th minute, Krehl has scored in both of CFC's playoff wins. He also dished the assist in the 83rd minute for Steeve Louis Jean to add insurance.

Crew 2 take down top-seeded Crown Legacy FC

The other part of Chattanooga earning hosting priority came courtesy of Columbus Crew 2 topping Crown Legacy FC in a 2-1 upset. 

Midfielder Prince Forfor opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a seeing-eye strike that went past four CLFC defenders. But it wasn't enough to start the celebrations. 

A 58th-minute penalty for Crown Legacy striker Hugo Mbongue evened the score to set up a thrilling finish, and Forfor came up clutch again as he assisted Brent Adu-Gyamfi for the stunning game-winner in the 72nd minute. Adu-Gyamfi has added goals in both of the Capybaras' playoff wins so far.

LAFC 2 stun Austin FC II

It only took one goal in the second upset of the weekend, arguably creating the moment of the weekend. 

After conceding the fewest goals (by a wide margin) in the regular season, Austin FC II got caught when it mattered most, in second-half stoppage time, to Los Angeles FC 2. 

Tommy Mihalić sent a prayer into the mixer, and it was nearly cleared out by the ATXFC II backline. Enter scene Sebastian Nava, who took his chance for the winner at point-blank to send LAFC 2 on to the Western Conference Final.

Ventura County chop down Timbers2

Meeting LAFC 2 in the Western Final, El Trafichico rival Ventura County FC. 

In similar fashion to their rivals, a late goal against an elite defensive unit was enough for an up 1-0 win over Timbers2 at a raucous Providence Park.  

For the second week in a row, Arnau Vilamitjana played super sub hero with a late header.