Conference quarterfinals: Upsets, history, and more!

There was no shortage of excitement in the MLS NEXT Pro Conference Quarterfinals. 

Both independent clubs made history with their first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff wins, stunning upsets took place on both sides of the bracket, and a pair of last-minute decisive goals saved the day for their club. 

Here's a closer look at how the quarterfinals unfolded.

Chattanooga FC make history in 3-1 win over NYCFC II

The Scenic City will see another round of playoff soccer. 

Alex Krehl carried his red-hot form into the postseason. He headed in the opener in the 31st minute. NYCFC II came out of the second half strong with a 53rd-minute goal from Jacob Arroyave. 

Things were nervy until CFC pulled ahead with an 86th-minute match-winner from Anton Sorenson. Things were nervy again with an extended period of second-half stoppage time that saw NYCFC II making a push for a late equalizer until Yuval Cohen found the ball on the break and buried an empty-net walk-off goal.

CT United also make history with 1-0 win over Atlanta United 2

An Eastern Conference upset!

Taking down third-seed Atlanta United 2, CT United extended their inaugural season thanks to a fifth-minute goal from winger Barnabás Tanyi. A strudy defensive shift only forced goalkeeper Gunther Rankenburg into two saves on the evening. 

Now, a battle of independents will go down as the Coywolves head to southern Tennessee for a showdown with Chattanooga FC.

Austin FC II stun Quakes II with late golazo

Top Western seed Austin FC II's playoff bid was in real jeopardy before a late rally. 

Quakes II got on the board via Zachary Bohane in the 24th minute and maintained that lead well into the second half. 

Ibrahima Sall lost his marker on the break in the 58th minute and he drove the ball into the box to finish a blistering run to level things up. That set the stage for an audacious game-winner from supersub Patrick Gryczewski in the 88th minute.

LAFC 2 rally for upset at Dynamo 2

A true tale of two halves and then some. 

Fresh off winning the MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Year, Jude Terry fired in another highlight-reel goal to open things up for LAFC 2. Striker Marius Aiyenero doubled the lead in the 54th minute, ostensibly setting up a big upset. 

Gratification was delayed, though, as Dynamo Dos midfielder Gilberto Rivera's brace set up extra time.

After two 15-minute frames, they went to the spot to decide it via shootout, and LAFC 2 'keeper Ethan Scally came up clutch with two saves to send his side to the next round.

Crew 2 outlast Revs II in nail-biter

The Capybaras famously never say die. 

That rang true in a 2-1 win over New England Revolution II. 

Crew 2 got on the board first with an opportunistic goal at point-blank from Brent Adu-Gyamfi in the 12th minute. A long-range golazo from Revs II midfielder Makai Wells evened the score minutes later, but centerback Nico Rincón had the final say as he closed out the first half with a goal to put Crew 2 ahead. 

A nervy second half saw the sides exchange momentum as Crew 2 closed out the win.

Ventura County FC leave it late to top MNUFC2

A four-goal first half set the stage for a thrilling finish. 

Ventura County FC got on the board first with goals from Daniel Ittycheria and Riley Dalgado, but MNUFC2 striker Mamadou Dieng fought back with a brace to leave things 2-2 at the end of the first half. 

Playing supersub hero, Arnau Vilamitjana bagged a winner in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Timbers2 blank CITY2 in front of the masses

Soccer City USA showed up for Timbers2's clash with fellow Western Conference powerhouse St Louis CITY2. 

Max Kissel and Noah Santos delivered the goals, and Goalkeeper of the Year Sam Joseph held his end of the bargain with a five-save clean sheet in the 2-0 win.

Crown Legacy oust defending champs

Big players showed up in big moments as Crown Legacy FC topped Red Bull New York II in a 2-1 home win.

Continuing a breakout season, CLFC winger Nathan Richmond opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and Adrian Mendoza doubled the lead in the 31st. 

Work was far from over, though, as RBNY II amassed 20 shots as goalkeeper Jahiem Wickham stood on his head for eight saves, not letting anything pass until Tanner Rosborough pulled one back in the 78th minute for RBNY II.