A busy week 27 saw lots of movement all over the Eastern Conference. Here is your updated MLS Eastern Conference playoff picture:
Contenders:
This Week: TFC – 2 at Chicago Fire – 1
Next Week: Sunday September 18 vs. New York Red Bulls
The Reds moved back into top spot in the Eastern Conference after an impressive win over the Chicago Fire on Saturday. The Reds were without Sebastian Giovinco for just the second time all season, but were able to generate offense without their superstar. Jozy Altidore continued his recent scoring form, finding the back of the net in the first half. Jonathan Osorio scored his long awaited first of the season off a turnover by keeper Sean Johnson. The win is the team's third straight on the road, and the first win in Chicago in franchise history. Clint Irwin made his return to the 18 and could be match ready for next weekend’s game. Armando Cooper also made his debut and was impressive in his limited minutes. The Reds return home to defend their first place position on Sunday when they host the New York Red Bulls.
Watch it again: @JozyAltidore is on. #TFCLive#CHIvTORpic.twitter.com/aJ758afyaG
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) September 11, 2016
This Week: NYRB – 2 vs. D.C United – 2
Next Week: Sunday September 18 at Toronto FC
The Red Bulls will be disappointed with their match on Sunday as they conceded two late goals to draw with D.C United. Bradley Wright-Phillips took over the MLS Golden boot lead with his 54th minute strike. The striker has now scored in four consecutive MLS appearances. With the draw, the Red Bulls are now undefeated in a franchise record eleven games. The Red Bulls play a midweek Champions league match before their first place showdown with Toronto.
Who else?! @TheRealBWP doubles the lead for #RBNY. #NYvDChttps://t.co/Twnk0cpbUO
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 11, 2016
This Week: NYCFC – 1 at. New England – 3
Next Week: Saturday September 17 vs. FC Dallas
City dropped an important match against playoff outsiders New England Revolution. The league’s worst defensive team could not hold off a relentless Revolution attack. Frank Lampard found the back of the net yet again. It was the Englishman’s seventh goal in his last seven matches. New York will be in tough next week as they host Supporters Shield leader FC Dallas.
Speaking of in-form...Lampard pulls one back for @NYCFC. #NEvNYChttps://t.co/8T7KJXs5Nx
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 11, 2016
Safe Bets:
This Week: Philadelphia – 1 vs. Montreal – 1
Next Week: Saturday September 17 at Portland
The Union has slipped down the standings a bit the last two weeks. They now sit five points behind Toronto FC. However, they are still eight points clear of the final playoff spot. A goal of the week nominee from Tranquillo Barnetta gave the Union the lead but they conceded a last minute goal to draw with Montreal. Philadelphia will be in tough next week as they travel to Providence Park to take on the Timbers.
HT: Tranquillo Barnetta's strike gives the @PhilaUnion a 1-0 lead. #PHIvMTLhttps://t.co/WYBNocTMpU
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 11, 2016
This Week: Montreal – 1 vs. Orlando – 4, Montreal – 1 at Philadelphia – 1
Next Week: Saturday September 17 vs. New England
The Impact had a pretty deflating week. It all started with a midweek home loss to Orlando City. Keeper Evan Bush received a red card for a foul in the box early in the second half and Orlando scored off the ensuing penalty kick. Didier Drogba also had a night to forget. After scoring a free-kick goal to give the Impact the early lead, the Ivorian would be stopped on a second half PK. Their weekend match went a little better as they scored late to pull out the draw at Philadelphia.
One minute in. One goal for @didierdrogba#MTLvORLhttps://t.co/yHFPjyHL2m
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 7, 2016
Bubble Teams:
This Week: Orlando – 4 at Montreal – 1, Orlando – 2 at La Galaxy – 4
Next Week: Saturday September 17 vs. Columbus
Orlando City’s week started on a very high note. The Lions beat Eastern Conference foe Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo. The win moved the team into the final playoff spot in the Eastern conference. Kaka scored a brace in the victory. However, they could not carry the momentum as they lost big to LA Galaxy at the Stubhub Center to close out their week.
HT: 2-1 @OrlandoCitySC at the break.@Jtbendik came up huge to hold on to the lead https://t.co/MhnROQ7mZP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 8, 2016
This Week: New England – 3 vs. New York City 1
Next Week: Saturday September 17 at Montreal
The Revolution picked up a huge three points this weekend with their victory over New York City FC. The win put the Revs just one point behind the final playoff spot. It was the team's second win in a row. The Revolution has seemed to find their offence again as three different players found the back of the net. They will play a midweek game against FC Dallas for the US Open Cup. Then the team travels to Montreal for a crucial Eastern conference matchup on the weekend.
The dummy. The finish. Sensational.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 11, 2016
2-0 @NERevolution. #NEvNYChttps://t.co/Wrwb9zZVkG
This Week: D.C United – 2 at New York Red Bulls – 2
Next Week: Friday September 16 at Chicago
United kept their playoff aspirations alive with a wild come from behind draw against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday afternoon. Last minute goals from Steven Birnbaum and Lamar Neagle secured the crucial point for United. They now sit one point behind Orlando City for the final playoff position. They will have a short week as they travel to Chicago to take on the Fire on Friday in a must win match. Sean Franklin suffered right calf injury and will undergo MRI exam in coming days.
FT: What. A. Game. #DCU come from 2-0 down to earn an important point on the road. #NYvDChttps://t.co/r5kGl4MiKE
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 11, 2016
Long Shots:
This Week: Chicago – 1 vs. Toronto FC – 2
Next Week: Friday September 16 vs. D.C United
The Fire’s playoff chances took a big blow this week as they lost to Toronto FC at home. The Fire saw their 12 home game unbeaten streak snapped at the hands of the Reds. The Fire now sit eight points out of the final playoff spot.
This Week: Columbus – 1 vs. Vancouver – 3
Next Week: Saturday September 17 at Orlando
The Crew has now lost back-to-back matches against Western conference teams. They have just one win in their last four matches and have conceded seven goals over that span. Ola Kamara did score for the Crew; the striker now has eleven goals in 20 games. Designated Player Federico Higuain was held out for the match.
Stay tuned for weekly MLS playoff picture updates here at torontofc.ca
