Ramiro Enrique, Pedro Gallese lead Orlando City past Atlanta United 1-0 for trip to conference final

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Ramiro Enrique, Pedro Gallese lead Orlando City past Atlanta United 1-0 for trip to conference final

2024-11-25 07:14 Last Updated At：07:21

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Ramiro Enrique scored a first-half goal and that was all goalkeeper Pedro Gallese would need to lead Orlando City to a 1-0 victory over rival Atlanta United in an Eastern Conference semifinal at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday.

No. 4 seed Orlando City, in its first trip to the conference final, will host the seventh-seeded New York Red Bulls next Saturday or Sunday with a trip to the MLS Cup final on Dec. 7 on the line. The Red Bulls have made the playoffs in 14 straight seasons but never won the Cup.

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Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese celebrates in front of fans after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador reacts after being eliminated by Orlando City in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, left, and defender Robin Jansson celebrate after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, ltop, jumps over Orlando City's Duncan McGuire, bottom to control a head ball during the second half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Facundo Torres, left, moves the ball against Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Rafael Santos, left, and Atlanta United's Bartosz Slisz, right, battle for a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Robin Jansson (6) steals the ball from Atlanta United's Saba Lobzhanidze (9) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Wilder Cartagena, left, tries to get possession of the ball in front of Atlanta United's Aleksey Miranchuk (59) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, left, clears the ball away from Orlando City's Dagur Thorhallsson, center, and Cesar Araujo (5) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Ivan Angulo, right, moves the ball as Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, defends during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Cesar Araujo (5) tries to move the ball between Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, and Jamal Thiare (29) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Martin Ojeda, left, reacts after missing a shot on goal against Atlanta United during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Jamal Thiare (29) limps off the field after he was injured during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match against Orlando City, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, center right, and Orlando City's Facundo Torres, center left, go up for control of a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese celebrates in front of fans after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador reacts after being eliminated by Orlando City in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, left, and defender Robin Jansson celebrate after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, ltop, jumps over Orlando City's Duncan McGuire, bottom to control a head ball during the second half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Facundo Torres, left, moves the ball against Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Rafael Santos, left, and Atlanta United's Bartosz Slisz, right, battle for a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Robin Jansson (6) steals the ball from Atlanta United's Saba Lobzhanidze (9) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Wilder Cartagena, left, tries to get possession of the ball in front of Atlanta United's Aleksey Miranchuk (59) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, left, clears the ball away from Orlando City's Dagur Thorhallsson, center, and Cesar Araujo (5) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Ivan Angulo, right, moves the ball as Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, defends during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Cesar Araujo (5) tries to move the ball between Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, and Jamal Thiare (29) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Martin Ojeda, left, reacts after missing a shot on goal against Atlanta United during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Jamal Thiare (29) limps off the field after he was injured during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match against Orlando City, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, center right, and Orlando City's Facundo Torres, center left, go up for control of a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute on an unassisted goal by Ramiro Enrique, who scored off a corner kick that struck the chest of teammate César Araújo near the goal. It was the first goal contribution for Enrique in seven playoff appearances. He scored eight times in the regular season - his second in the league.

Gallese did not have to make a save in his 10th career postseason start — all with Orlando City. Three of his five shutouts in the playoffs have come in the past two seasons. He had eight clean sheets during the regular season.

Brad Guzan saved three shots for Atlanta United. He has started 18 times in the postseason for Atlanta United following four starts for Chivas USA in 2006-07.

Atlanta United lost Daniel Ríos to concussion protocol four minutes into the second half and Ronald Hernández replaced him.

Atlanta United has had the upper hand in the series during the regular season, posting an 11-4-7 record. Atlanta United won both matchups this regular season — 2-1 on the road and 2-0 at home.

The two clubs had never met in the postseason.

AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer

Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys

2024-11-25 07:15 Last Updated At：07:20

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert choked back tears taking responsibility for missing the extra point that would have tied the score in the final minute. Jeremy Reaves choked back tears blaming himself for a missed assignment that led to a kickoff return touchdown. And John Bates choked back tears talking about moving forward from his costly fumble.

All of those late mistakes contributed to the Washington Commanders' third consecutive loss, 34-26 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in a game that was wholly unremarkable until fourth quarter chaos. The teams combined to score 31 points in the final four minutes, the most in an NFL game in more than a decade, and the Commanders (7-5) came out on the wrong end of it in a defeat that further endangers their playoff chances.

“Any time you lose a game or you lose a game in that type of fashion, it’s very difficult and it’s tough, but it never comes down to one play,” rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels said. “There’s plays throughout the game where little things add up to big things.”

There were a lot of little things.

After Bates fumbled, the Cowboys (4-7) took an 11-point lead and the Commanders made a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three, Dallas' KaVonte Turpin returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. After Seibert made a 51-yard field goal, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard TD that made it 27-26 with 21 seconds left.

Coach Dan Quinn said no thought was given to going for 2 in that situation. Seibert, who missed the past two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt.

“I just wasn’t striking it well,” said Seibert, who added he felt fine and did not blame a low snap for his miss. "It didn’t make a difference at all. It was on me.”

Juanyeh Thomas returned the onside kick immediately after 43 yards for a touchdown to put Dallas up eight with 14 seconds left.

“I didn’t make the play when it was there to make, and it cost us,” said Reaves, one of the league's top special teams players and the All-Pro pick for that two seasons ago. "No excuse, man. I’ve made that play 100 times, and I didn’t make it today and it cost us the game. It’s unacceptable. It’s solely on me. It’s going to sting for a while. It’s going to hurt.”

The 31 combined points are the second most in a game since at least 2000, behind only Minnesota and Baltimore's 36 in their game Dec. 8, 2013. Cowboys-Commanders was the first game in the Super Bowl era to have two missed extra points, two kickoff return touchdowns and a blocked punt.

“We got down to the end there and it was a game-situational extravaganza,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “It was like Yahtzee. Everything was in there."

While Washington's skid continued, the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five thanks to strong play from QB Cooper Rush, a defense that forced two turnovers and, of course, special teams success. Rush was 24 of 32 for 247 yards and TD passes to Jalen Tolbert and Luke Schoonmaker.

“Lot of games left,” Rush said. “We’re sitting at 4-7. This is why you play them.”

The Commanders have some soul-searching to do after losing as a 10 1/2-point favorite in the meeting of NFC East rivals and doing so in a way that left players so emotional.

“The crazy games, I know they feel a little bit better whenever you win them,” punter and holder Tress Way said. “But that’s a tough pill to swallow.”

Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. ... RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game.

Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was concussed on a kickoff return in the final seconds and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. ... RB Brian Robinson Jr. left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. ... RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. ... C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. ... CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans.

Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas.

Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Ramiro Enrique, Pedro Gallese lead Orlando City past Atlanta United 1-0 for trip to conference final

Ramiro Enrique, Pedro Gallese lead Orlando City past Atlanta United 1-0 for trip to conference final

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese celebrates in front of fans after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador reacts after being eliminated by Orlando City in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, left, and defender Robin Jansson celebrate after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, ltop, jumps over Orlando City's Duncan McGuire, bottom to control a head ball during the second half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Facundo Torres, left, moves the ball against Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Rafael Santos, left, and Atlanta United's Bartosz Slisz, right, battle for a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Robin Jansson (6) steals the ball from Atlanta United's Saba Lobzhanidze (9) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Wilder Cartagena, left, tries to get possession of the ball in front of Atlanta United's Aleksey Miranchuk (59) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, left, clears the ball away from Orlando City's Dagur Thorhallsson, center, and Cesar Araujo (5) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Ivan Angulo, right, moves the ball as Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, defends during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Cesar Araujo (5) tries to move the ball between Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, and Jamal Thiare (29) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Martin Ojeda, left, reacts after missing a shot on goal against Atlanta United during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Jamal Thiare (29) limps off the field after he was injured during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match against Orlando City, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, center right, and Orlando City's Facundo Torres, center left, go up for control of a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese celebrates in front of fans after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador reacts after being eliminated by Orlando City in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, left, and defender Robin Jansson celebrate after defeating Atlanta United in an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, ltop, jumps over Orlando City's Duncan McGuire, bottom to control a head ball during the second half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Facundo Torres, left, moves the ball against Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Rafael Santos, left, and Atlanta United's Bartosz Slisz, right, battle for a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Robin Jansson (6) steals the ball from Atlanta United's Saba Lobzhanidze (9) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Wilder Cartagena, left, tries to get possession of the ball in front of Atlanta United's Aleksey Miranchuk (59) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Pedro Amador, left, clears the ball away from Orlando City's Dagur Thorhallsson, center, and Cesar Araujo (5) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Dax McCarty, left, moves the ball past Orlando City's Facundo Torres, right, during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Ivan Angulo, right, moves the ball as Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, defends during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Cesar Araujo (5) tries to move the ball between Atlanta United's Ajani Fortune, left, and Jamal Thiare (29) during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City's Martin Ojeda, left, reacts after missing a shot on goal against Atlanta United during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Jamal Thiare (29) limps off the field after he was injured during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match against Orlando City, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Atlanta United's Luis Abram, center right, and Orlando City's Facundo Torres, center left, go up for control of a head ball during the first half of an MLS Semifinal Conference playoff soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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