The end of the 2016 MLS regular season is quickly approaching. Here is a look at the Eastern Conference playoff picture as we exit Week 24. All playoff percentage data is from sportsclubstats.com
Contenders (Playoff Percentage > 0.99)
Last Match: NYCFC 1 vs. LA Galaxy - 0
Next Match: Sunday August 28 at Orlando City
The current Eastern Conference leaders are coming off an impressive 1-0 victory over MLS powerhouse LA Galaxy on Saturday. David Villa found the back of the net yet again, recording his 16th goal of the season early in the first half. In addition, the clean sheet was a welcome sight for the team that has conceded the second most goals in the MLS. NYCFC is really hitting their stride and are undefeated in their last four matches.
Last Match: TFC – 3 at Philadelphia – 1
Next Match: Wednesday August 24 at. Orlando City
The Reds are riding high after a 3-1 victory over the Union. The win stretched the club’s unbeaten streak to six. The Reds got contributions from all around the pitch at Talen Energy Stadium. Sebastian Giovinco, Drew Moor and Jozy Altidore all scored for the Reds. The team also welcomed back midfielder Will Johnson, who was able to contribute an assist in his return to the lineup. Eriq Zavaleta and Steven Beitashour also made their returns to the starting eleven.
Last Match: NYRB - 2 at D.C United - 2
Next Match: Sunday August 28 vs. New England
After a slow start to the season, the Red Bulls have put together a strong second half. They are currently undefeated in their last eight matches. The Bulls will be disappointed with their result this weekend. However, New York had to settle for the single point after conceding two goals in the final quarter hour of the game at RFK Stadium.
Safe Bets (Playoff Percentage > 0.93)
Last Match: Union - 1 vs. Toronto FC - 3
Next Match: Wednesday August 24 at. Columbus Crew
The former Eastern Conference leaders have cooled off a bit lately. The team has only secured four points from their last five games. The Union were outclassed in their 3-1 defeat to TFC this weekend. However, the team did get some good news this week as forward C.J Sapong was cleared to play after suffering a concussion in their previous match.
Last Match: Montreal – 0 vs. Chicago Fire – 3
Next Match: Wednesday August 24 vs. D.C. United
The Impact conceded three goals for the second match in a row on Saturday as the Impact backline was torched by the speed of the Fire attack. Montreal was fortunate to have superstar forward Didier Drogba in the lineup for the match after he suffered a gastrointestinal infection earlier this week.
Bubble Teams: (Playoff Percentage < 0.50)
Last Match: D.C. United – 2 vs. New York Red Bulls – 2
Next Match: Wednesday August 24 at. Montreal
D.C. was able to gain a point after their come from behind 2-2 draw against the Red Bulls. United has been playing better of late and are undefeated in their last four matches, playing themselves into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Recently acquired Patrick Mullins was able to find the back of the net for the second time with United against RBNY.
Last Match: Orlando City – 0 at Colorado – 0
Next Match: August 24 vs. Toronto FC
The Lions currently find themselves tied for the final MLS playoff position. The Lions should be happy with their latest result, as leaving Colorado with points is always a difficult task. The team is dealing with an injury bug as of late. Midfielder Christian Higutia will miss 4 weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered in their previous match.
Long Shots (Playoff Percentage < 0.16)
Last Match: New England – 0 vs. Columbus -2
Next Match: Wednesday August 24 at San Jose
The Revs’ playoff chances took a big blow after a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Columbus Crew. The team has now lost four straight matches. Jay Heaps' side has struggled on both sides of the ball during this stretch. They have conceded thirteen goals while 2015 Golden Boot runner-up Kei Kamara has found the back of the net just once in his last six matches.
Last Match: Columbus – 2 at. New England 0
Next Match: Wednesday August 24 vs. Philadelphia
The Crew has had an issue with finishing matches this year. This weekend's win over New England was just the club's fourth of the season. The Crew has struggled to find scoring depth after the departure of Kei Kamara to New England. Ola Kamara has filled in nicely adding ten goals. However, the next closest scorers are Ethan Finlay and Federico Higuain with four.
Last Match: Chicago Fire – 3 at. Montreal – 0
Next Match: Wednesday August 24 vs. LA Galaxy
Finally, the drought is over. Chicago recorded their first win on the road in 36 attempts, trouncing the Montreal Impact 3-0 at Stade Saputo. The Fire currently sit dead last in the overall MLS standings and have scored the least amount of goals this year.
Stay tuned for weekly MLS playoff picture updates here at torontofc.ca
