A wild week 29 saw three Eastern Conference teams punch their tickets to the 2016 MLS playoffs. Here is the week 29 MLS Eastern Conference playoff picture update:
Contenders:
This Week: New York Red Bulls – 1 vs. Montreal Impact – 0
Next Week: Saturday October 1 vs. Philadelphia
For the seventh consecutive season the Red Bulls are headed to the MLS Playoffs. The Red Bulls clinched their playoff berth after a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Impact. Mid-season acquisition Daniel Royer scored the lone goal for the NYRB. The Red Bulls also moved into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference. The team got news that defender Ronald Zubar will be out 2-3 weeks after undergoing hernia surgery. The team will play a midweek Champions league match in Guatemala before returning home to host the Union next weekend.
Always head it down.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 25, 2016
Royer gives @NewYorkRedBulls the lead. #NYvMTLhttps://t.co/9KmALpHx2J
This Week: TFC – 1 vs. Philadelphia Union – 1
Next Week: Wednesday September 28 vs. Orlando City, Saturday October 1 vs. D.C. United
The Reds clinched their second consecutive postseason appearance this week. A second half equalizer from Justin Morrow salvaged a point for the Reds in their match against the Philadelphia Union. Keeper Clint Irwin made his return to the starting XI and was impressive making three saves. In addition, Benoit Cheyrou registered his first 90 minute performance since July 23.
The hosts are level! #TORvPHIhttps://t.co/STeG68bVkM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 24, 2016
This Week: NYCFC – 4 vs. Chicago Fire – 1
Next Week: Friday September 30 at Houston
City clinched their first playoff appearance in franchise history this week after their impressive 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire. David Villa scored twice to lead the offence. The Spanish striker now has 19 goals on the season and sits just one goal behind Bradley Wright-Phillip for the MLS Golden Boot. Frank Lampard missed the match due to a calf injury he suffered in the team’s last game.
All out of adjectives.@Guaje7Villa does it AGAIN. #NYCvCHI#NYCFChttps://t.co/jDkjttaysq
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 24, 2016
Safe Bets:
This Week: Philadelphia Union – 1 at Toronto FC – 1
Next Week: Saturday October 1 at New York Red Bulls
The Union took a big step towards securing their place in the MLS playoffs with their performance at BMO Field on Saturday. Alejandro Bedoya opened the scoring with a wonderful chip shot goal, the first in his MLS career. The Union now sits six points clear of the last playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Maurice Edu made his return to the 18 for the Union, and could play a big role down the stretch for the team.
Oh my goodness.@AleBedoya17 with the beautiful chip for @PhilaUnion. #TORvPHIhttps://t.co/zMsmey8tJE
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 24, 2016
Bubble Teams:
This Week: Montreal Impact – 0 at New York Red Bulls – 1
Next Week: Wednesday September 28 vs. San Jose, Sunday October 2 at Orlando City
The Impact failed to get all three points for the fourth consecutive match. Montreal has only won one game in the last eight. Despite numerous first half chances, the Impact was unable to find the back of the Red Bulls net. The Impact is just two points clear of the red line in the Eastern Conference. The team will now travel back to Montreal to host San Jose in an important midweek clash, before heading to Orlando in what will be a must win for both teams.
This Week: D.C. United – 4 vs. Orlando City – 1
Next Week: Wednesday September 28 vs. Columbus, Saturday October 1 at Toronto FC
D.C. moved into sixth place this week after their 4-1 win over Orlando City. The red-hot Patrick Mullins would score twice to help lead United to the victory. The mid-season acquisition now has seven goals in his eleven games since joining United. D.C. will look to carry the momentum into their vital midweek home game against the Columbus Crew.
Have yourself a night, @pmullins14! #DCvORLhttps://t.co/ZuVlagTsfF
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 25, 2016
This Week: New England – 0 at Columbus Crew – 2
Next Week: Saturday October 1 vs. Sporting KC
The Revolution lost a crucial match against the Columbus Crew this week. The Revs had turned their playoff chances around after knocking out three consecutive wins. However, they put together a poor performance against Columbus. Brad Knighhton made a career best seven saves in the match. The Revs no longer control their own destiny and will need to win, and get some help if they are to make the playoffs this season.
This Week: Orlando City – 1 at D.C. United – 4
Next Week: Wednesday September 28 at Toronto FC, Sunday October 2 vs. Montreal
Orlando City’s playoff chances took a huge blow this week. The loss was the team's third consecutive and they have conceded twelve goals over that stretch. The team will now travel to BMO field, where they went 0-2-0 and were outscored 9-1 in 2015.
Long Shots:
This Week: Columbus Crew – 2 vs. New England – 0
Next Week: Wednesday September 28 at D.C. United, Saturday October 1 vs. Chicago
The Crew kept their playoff hopes alive with their victory over New England on Sunday. Ola Kamara continued his strong form scoring two goals to pace the Crew. For Kamara, he now has five goals in his last three MLS matches. He has put together a nice debut season in the MLS with 15 goals in 22 games. The Crew will travel to RFK stadium in a must win game against D.C. United.
HT: Ola Kamara gives @ColumbusCrewSC the lead just before the break: https://t.co/ZTpFdcqsbO#CLBvNEhttps://t.co/JRWuYU28aS
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2016
This Week: Chicago Fire – 1 at. New York City – 4
Next Week: Wednesday September 28 at Seattle, Saturday October 1 at Columbus
The Fire was outdone by NYCFC on Friday. The team is now ten points out of a playoff spot and would require a perfect 5-0-0 finish to even have an outside chance at the playoffs.
Stay tuned for weekly MLS playoff picture updates here at torontofc.ca
