MLS Rivalry Week saw multiple fixtures with important playoff implications. Here is your MLS Eastern Conference Playoff Picture for Week 25.
Contenders:
This Week: Toronto FC – 2 at Orlando City – 1, Toronto FC – 0 vs. Montreal – 1
Next Week: OFF
Toronto FC’s week was a tale of two matches. Their first game saw Toronto FC extend their unbeaten streak to seven games with a 2-1 victory over Orlando City. The win also moved the Reds into first place in the Eastern Conference. Their weekend fixture did not go as well for the Reds who lost to bitter rivals Montreal Impact 1-0 at BMO field. The match also saw Golden Boot leader Sebastian Giovinco leave with an injury. However, there was some good news on the injury front as keeper Clint Irwin made his return to professional action with Toronto FC II on the weekend.
This Week: NYCFC – 1 at Orlando City – 2
Next Week: Thursday September 1 vs. D.C United
New York City will be frustrated with their result this week. NYCFC saw their unbeaten streak snapped at four games to expansion rivals Orlando City. New York City did receive a boost from Steven Mendoza, who made his first start since June 2 and scored the lone goal for the team. City will have a short turn around as they head back home to host a hot D.C United offence on Thursday.
This Week: NYRB – 1 vs. New England – 0
Next Week: Saturday September 3 at Vancouver
The Red Bulls extended their unbeaten streak to nine games with their victory over New England. Forward Bradley Wright-Phillips continued his strong run of form scoring in his third straight match. The goal moved BWP into a tie for the Golden Boot lead. The Bulls will play their last out of conference game this weekend vs. the struggling Vancouver Whitecaps.
This Week: Union – 2 at Columbus – 1, Union – 2 vs. Sporting Kansas City – 1
Next Week: Saturday September 3 at Chicago Fire
The Union was this week’s biggest mover. The team picked up all 6 points available. The week was capped off with an impressive win over Sporting KC. Andre Blake continued his impressive season putting up another clean sheet against SKC. The Union will be without Blake for their next match as he has been called to duty with the Jamaican National team. Defender Maurice Edu is also close to returning to action, as he will be loaned out to USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC sometime this week.
Safe Bets:
This Week: Montreal – 1 vs. D.C United – 1, Montreal – 1 at Toronto FC – 0
Next Week: OFF
The Impact had a very strong Rivalry Week as they defeated Toronto FC at BMO field. The win was the franchise's first at the Reds’ home. Nacho Piatti scored his league leading ninth road goal of the season. The rivals will meet once again on Decision Day.
Bubble Teams:
This Week: D.C United – 1 at Montreal – 1, D.C United – 6 vs. Chicago – 2
Next Week: Thursday September 1 at New York City FC
United saw their offence breakout in their drubbing of MLS basement dwellers Chicago Fire. Newly acquired Patrick Mullins continued his strong form scoring D.C’s first hat trick in 3 seasons. United will be without defender Steven Birnbaum for their upcoming match vs. NYCFC as has been called into the US National Team Camp.
This Week: Orlando City – 1 vs. Toronto FC – 2, Orlando City – 2 vs. New York City – 1
Next Week: OFF
Orlando City put together an impressive victory over expansion rivals New York City FC. Superstar Kaka put together a two-goal performance in the match. It was his first brace in his MLS career. The huge win moves Orlando within one point of D.C United for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Long Shots:
This Week: New England – 0 at San Jose – 0, New England – 0 at New York Red Bulls – 1
Next Week: Saturday September 3 vs. Colorado Rapids
The Revs playoff push took another huge blow this week after the team was only able to secure 1 point. The team’s scoring struggles continued as they failed to find the back of the net for the fourth consecutive game.
This Week: Columbus – 1 vs. Philadelphia – 2, Columbus – 2 vs. San Jose – 0
Next Week: Saturday September 3 at LA Galaxy
The Crew picked up an important three points in their match versus San Jose. Ethan Finley scored his sixth of the season in the victory. Their playoff push gets tougher as they travel to the Stubhub Center to take on MLS powerhouse LA Galaxy this weekend.
This Week: Chicago – 2 vs. LA Galaxy – 2, Chicago – 2 at D.C United – 6
Next Week: Saturday September 3 vs. Philadelphia Union
Any momentum from an impressive draw vs. LA Galaxy was short lived as a 10-men Fire lost large to D.C United. It will take an unprecedented finish for the Fire to qualify for this year’s MLS Playoffs.
Stay tuned for weekly MLS playoff picture updates here at torontofc.ca
