A bizarre week 28 in the MLS saw little movement atop the Eastern Conference. Here is your updated Eastern Conference playoff and Supporters Shield picture:
Contenders:
This Week: TFC – 3 vs. New York Red Bulls – 3
Next Week: Saturday September 24 vs. Philadelphia Union
Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore lead an impressive comeback on Sunday night at BMO Field. Toronto FC trailed the Red Bulls 3-1 early in the second half before Altidore scored two unanswered goals to salvage a point for the Reds. The striker now has seven goals in his last seven MLS matches. The team was without Sebastian Giovinco for the second match in a row. However, the Reds did get some good news this week as the Italian returned to full training. TFC will look to continue their push for the playoffs when they host the Philadelphia Union next Saturday.
#TFCLive#TORvNYpic.twitter.com/bA9hAqIkR6
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) September 18, 2016
This Week: NYRB – 3 at Toronto FC – 3
Next Week: Saturday September 24 vs. Montreal Impact
Despite blowing a two-goal lead, the Red Bulls were able to extend their franchise-record unbeaten streak to 12 games. Golden Boot leader Bradley Wright-Phillips continued his red-hot form scoring two goals in the match at BMO field. Wright Phillips has now scored in his last six MLS games. He also became the first player in MLS history to score 20+ goals in two seasons. Dax McCarty returned to MLS action after missing the Red Bulls last game vs. D.C. United with a groin injury.
There's no stopping @TheRealBWP, who now has TWENTY goals in his last 23 games. https://t.co/9DvO6XVO8K
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 18, 2016
This Week: NYCFC – 2 vs. FC Dallas – 2
Next Week: Friday September 23 vs. Chicago
City will be happy with their result against recently crowned US Open Cup Champion and Supporters Shield leaders FC Dallas. Khiry Shelton was able to get his head on a Jack Harrison cross to steal a point for NYCFC. Some bad news for City as Frank Lampard left the match in the 41st minute with an apparent Calf injury. Patrick Vieira’s club is undefeated in their last six games at Yankee Stadium. City will look to continue their strong play at home when they host last place Chicago Fire on Friday night.
.@Harrison_Jack11's delivery deserved a finish. @khiryshelton14 obliged. #NYCvDALhttps://t.co/HNTLGVJHjW
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 18, 2016
Safe Bets:
This Week: Philadelphia Union – 1 at Portland Timbers – 2
Next Week: Saturday September 24 at Toronto FC
The Union lost a tough match to the reigning MLS cup champions on Saturday at Providence Park. After a great start to the season, the Union has faltered recently and they have banked just one point in their last three matches. Despite not getting any points this weekend, Philadelphia remains seven points clear of the red line in the Eastern Conference. Maurice Edu took another step forward in his road to recovery as the defender played 59 minutes for USL side Bethlehem Steel FC on Sunday.
Bubble Teams:
This Week: Montreal Impact – 1 vs. New England Revolution – 3
Next Week: Saturday September 24 at New York Red Bulls
Montreal put up yet another disappointing performance at Stade Saputo on Saturday. The Impact has only been able to muster one point in their last four home matches. Didier Drogba did find his way on the score sheet giving him 10 goals on the season. The Impact now sits just four points clear of the final spot in the Eastern conference. The Impact will be in tough as they travel to New York to face the second place Red Bulls this weekend.
This Week: New England Revolution – 3 at Montreal Impact – 1
Next Week: Sunday September 25 at Columbus Crew
The Revolution is this week’s biggest mover after an impressive drubbing of the Montreal Impact on Saturday. The Revs got a goal from Kie Kamara and two from Kelyn Rowe in the victory. For Kamara, it is his first time finding the back of the net in over a month and a half. The Revolution has now won three consecutive games for the first time this season and moved into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
You don't start a match any better. @keikamara opens the scoring under 30 seconds in. #MTLvNEhttps://t.co/uJ1nAAbXpX
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2016
This Week: D.C. United – 2 at Chicago Fire – 2
Next Week: Saturday September 24 vs. Orlando
A late Bobby Boswell equalizer stole a point for United at Toyota Park. D.C. United kept their playoff hopes alive with the draw, staying just 2 points behind New England. This is the third consecutive match where United has scored a late equalizer. D.C. will now travel back home to host Orlando City in a crucial match with huge playoff implications.
Incredible sequence leads to stoppage time @dcunited equalizer. #CHIvDChttps://t.co/kdAao224l1
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2016
This Week: Orlando City – 1 vs. Columbus Crew – 4
Next Week: Saturday September 24 at D.C. United
Orlando City put together a poor performance at Camping World Stadium this weekend. The Lions were embarrassed by the Columbus Crew attack who abused the Orlando back line. Canadian Cyle Larin scored the loan goal for the Lions. The match did see the return of both Pedro Riberio and Rafael Ramos to the 18. The Lions now head to the nation's capital to face D.C. United in a must-win game.
Quality strike, Cyle.@CyleLarin brings one back to make it 3-1 #CrewSC. #ORLvCLB
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 18, 2016
https://t.co/QvKpDIuCkD
Long Shots:
This Week: Columbus Crew – 4 at Orlando City – 1
Next Week: Sunday September 25 vs. New England
The Crew put together a very impressive victory over Orlando City this weekend. Both Ola Kamara and Ethan Finley paced the Crew. Karama added a brace and an assist in the match. Despite the win, the Crew still sits seven points behind New England for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Columbus will return home to host New England in what is a must win game for the Crew if they wish to keep their playoff hopes alive.
HT: A dream first half for @ColumbusCrewSC as @OlaKamara makes it 3-0. #ORLvCLBhttps://t.co/n7kYdOS9lc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 18, 2016
This Week: Chicago Fire – 2 vs. D.C. United – 2
Next Week: Friday September 23 at New York City
The Fire got a good performance from David Accam but conceded a late equalizer to D.C. United. The Fire will now head to Yankee Stadium to face New York City FC on Friday night.
0-1 down.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2016
2-1 up.
Accam gives @ChicagoFire the lead. #CHIvDChttps://t.co/kOdqN6PYmd
Supporters Shield Update
Here is a quick update on the Supporters shield standings:
This Week: FC Dallas – 2 at New York City FC – 2
Next Week: Saturday September 24 at Real Salt Lake
FC Dallas punched their ticket to the 2016 MLS Cup playoffs with their draw at Yankee Stadium this weekend. The team also took home the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup this week after they defeated the New England Revolution. They also made a mid week transaction as they signed forward Carlos Ruiz to a contract. The 37 year old returns to Dallas and the MLS after being away since 2013. The forward has recorded 88 goals over 182 MLS matches. FC Dallas travels to Real Salt Lake this weekend as they try to maintain their supporters shield lead.
This Week: LA Galaxy – 2 at Sporting KC – 2
Next Week: Sunday September 25 vs. Seattle
The Galaxy stormed from behind to steal a point at Sporting Kansas City this weekend. Landon Donavon scored for the first time since coming out of retirement to equalize the match. Forward Gio Dos Santos was an unused substitute due to hip flexor tightness. The Galaxy is now undefeated in their last six matches and have lost only once in their last 16 games. The Galaxy will host Seattle at the Stub Hub Centre where they have yet to lose this season.
He's baaaaaaack. #SKCvLAhttps://t.co/HhmEuCUKeV
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 18, 2016
This Week: Colorado Rapids – 0 vs. San Jose – 0
Next Week: Saturday September 24 at Vancouver
The Rapids continued their strong defensive record this season with their nil-nil draw against San Jose. The Rapids have conceded just 24 goals this season. The Rapids have also yet to lose at home this season. Colorado has two games in hand over FC Dallas and the LA Galaxy in their chase for the Supporters Shield.
Stay tuned for weekly MLS playoff picture updates here at torontofc.ca
