MLS Conference Semifinals preview: Stars collide as Toronto faces NYCFC

Eight teams remain in the hunt for the 2016 MLS Cup as the Knockout Round came to a close midweek and on Sunday, those eight teams will kick off a home-away series in the MLS Conference Semifinals.

In the East, the Montreal Impact take on the New York Red Bulls, while Toronto FC squares off against New York City FC; over in the West, the LA Galaxy face the Colorado Rapids while the Seattle Sounders clash with FC Dallas.

Here's what to watch for in the Conference Semifinals:

Montreal Impact vs. NY Red Bulls

• First leg: Saputo Stadium (Sunday, Oct. 30 - 3:00 p.m. ET)
• Second leg: Red Bull Arena (Sunday, Nov. 6 - Time TBD)
• Past results: 3-0 Montreal win (Mar. 12), 3-1 Red Bulls win (Aug. 13), 1-0 Red Bulls win (Sept. 24)

The Montreal Impact went into the playoffs with plenty of off-field turmoil but Ignacio Piatti reminded the league that this Canadian outfit is a tournament side through and through.

The New York Red Bulls are on fire though, and enter the playoffs on a 16-match unbeaten streak in league play, so while Montreal could win the first leg, the Red Bulls should take this series comfortably in the end.

Aggregate score prediction: Montreal 1-3 Red Bulls

LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids

• First leg: StubHub Center (Sunday, Oct. 30 - 5:00 p.m. ET)
• Second leg: Dick's Sporting Goods Park (Sunday, Nov. 6 - Time TBD)
• Past results: 1-0 Colorado win (Mar. 12), 0-0 draw (June 22), 1-1 draw (Aug. 13)

The LA Galaxy welcome back a few more familiar faces as Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane are set to figure in this series ... not that Bruce Arena's side were in desperate need of attacking options.

The Colorado Rapids' league-leading defense will have quite a task on their hands in holding the Galaxy off over two legs and the showdown between Landon Donovan and Tim Howard in particular will be a pleasure to watch. The Galaxy might just have the edge here on experience.

Aggregate score prediction: LA Galaxy 2-1 Colorado

Toronto FC vs. New York City FC

• First leg: BMO Field (Sunday, Oct. 30 - 7:00 p.m. ET)
• Second leg: Yankee Stadium (Sunday, Nov. 6 - Time TBD)
• Past results: 2-2 draw (Mar. 13), 1-1 draw (May 18)

This is the highlight clash of the Conference Semifinals stage as there is little separating Toronto FC and New York City FC on both the scoresheet and in substance, but the Reds have yet to defeat NYCFC in league play, losing twice last season and drawing three of the five total meetings between the two.

All eyes will be on each side's star trio as David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard take on Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley. While the attackers will certainly command more of the attention, it is Bradley and the TFC back four that might prove the biggest difference-maker here.

Aggregate score prediction: Toronto FC 4-3 NYCFC

Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas

• First leg: CenturyLink Field (Sunday, Oct. 30 - 7:30 p.m. ET)
• Second leg: Toyota Stadium (Sunday, Nov. 6 - Time TBD)
• Past results: 2-0 Dallas win (May 14), 5-0 Seattle win (July 13), 3-1 Dallas win (Oct. 16)

Choosing a winner between FC Dallas and the Seattle Sounders requires a bit more guesswork, as past results have been wildly inconsistent.

Seattle, sans Clint Dempsey, will rely on Nicolas Lodeiro and Jordan Morris to power the team through; as impressive as they have been, the Sounders are still placing their faith in a newcomer and a rookie. Dallas should be the favourite, yet without the injured Mauro Diaz in midfield, that's not a surefire bet, either.

Aggregate score prediction: Seattle 3-2 Dallas