MLS Review: Villa helps New York City into conference semi

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New York City and Portland Timbers moved into their respective conference semi-finals in the MLS play-offs.

David Villa helped New York City past Philadelphia Union in the MLS play-offs, while Portland Timbers also advanced on Wednesday.

Villa scored as City beat Union 3-1 at Yankee Stadium, moving into an Eastern Conference semi-final against Atlanta United.

Maximiliano Moralez's lobbed finish sealed City's win with 12 minutes remaining, despite Cory Burke's tap in for Union.

In the Western Conference, the Timbers set up a meeting with Sporting Kansas City after a 2-1 win over Dallas.

Diego Valeri opened the scoring for Portland with a fine 25-yard free-kick midway through the first half.

However, their task was made difficult approaching the hour-mark, when Larrys Mabiala was sent off.

But Valeri doubled the Timbers' lead in the 71st minute and they held on despite Matt Hedges' late goal for Dallas.