The Daily Dirt: Seattle Sounders, DC United advance

If the first night of the 2015 MLS Playoffs was any indication, the next few weeks should produce some high drama. Seattle Sounders ended the evening with a wild 3-2 win over LA Galaxy in a game that saw a goal disallowed and a 2-2 scoreline after 22 minutes. Erik Friberg provided the winning margin in the 73rd minute after some sloppy Galaxy defending.

It was Seattle's first-ever playoff victory over LA. With the win, Sounders move on to a two-legged Western Conference semifinal against FC Dallas or the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Galaxy loss ends their run of three MLS Cups in four years.

Chris Rolfe keeps D.C. United's playoff run alive with late winner in 2-1 win over the New England Revolution [Black & Red United]

The first game of the night wasn't bad, either. New England Revolution made most of the Dirty South Soccer staff look good early, taking a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute when Juan Aguedelo executed a bicycle kick to perfection.

Can't do it any better than that. But, DC would not be denied. Chris Pontius leveled the score right before halftime, and Chris Rolfe bagged the winner in the 83rd minute. United moves on to the next round.

Coming up Thursday night: Montreal Impact host Toronto FC at 7 p.m., and Sporting Kansas City travels to Portland Timbers at 10 p.m.

Wayne Rooney and Manchester United put in dire performance against Middlesbrough [The Busby Babe]

Another Premier League giant crashed out of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday. Manchester United and Middlesbrough finished scoreless after 120 minutes, and Middlesbrough advanced to the tournament's quarterfinals with a 3-1 win in the penalty shootout.

Of the last eight teams remaining, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Southampton, and Stoke City represent the Premier League.

Abby Wambach is more than her goals or her mistakes [SSFC]

Fine takes on what Wambach means to U.S. women's soccer.

Meet the candidates: The eight vying to become FIFA president [SI]

When the best possible result for the candidates' integrity test is "no skeletons emerged around the last election," FIFA is obviously in good hands.

What's happening in The A?

The Hawks look for their first win of the season Thursday night at the New York Knicks, but they're already shorthanded with Mike Muscala and Thabo Sefolosha ruled out.

Coming off a close win at the Tennessee Titans, the Falcons are seven-point favorites for their Sunday home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Talking Chop takes a look back at Game 3 of the 1995 World Series.