Toronto FC moved one step closer to clinching their first playoff spot in franchise history on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Colorado Rapids 3-1 at BMO Field.

The rest of the Eastern Conference teams angling for a spot in the postseason, Montreal, New York City FC and Orlando, won their games, keeping pace with the Reds. Greg Vanney’s side must build on Saturday’s win as a result. A home playoff date is still within reach, with one pundit believing the Reds can secure fourth in the east with 12 points in their final five games.

TFC takes on the Chicago Fire this Saturday at BMO Field at 2:00 pm et. 

Here are the matches to look out for this week:

Sep 23 - Montreal Impact vs. Chicago Fire, 8:00 PM ET.

Sep 25 - New York Reds Bulls vs. Orlando City SC, 7:00 PM ET.

Sep 26 - Toronto FC vs. Chicago Fire, 2:00 PM ET (TICKETS).

Sep 26 - Montreal Impact vs. D.C. United, 5:00 PM ET.

Sep 26 - Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers, 7:30 PM ET.

Sep 26 - Vancouver Whitecaps vs. New York City FC, 10 PM ET.

News and Notes

• The Chicago Fire announced some major changes on Sunday. From the club’s website: “Chicago Fire Soccer Club today announced the appointment of former MLS veteran Nelson Rodríguez as General Manager. In addition, the Club has parted ways with Head Coach and Director of Soccer Frank Yallop, as well as assistant coaches Marc Bircham and Clint Mathis, naming Technical Director Brian Bliss as the Interim Head Coach and former Fire Captain Logan Pause as Interim Assistant Coach. Rodríguez will join the Fire on October 19, all other changes are effective immediately.”
• Bliss’s first game in charge of the Fire will be in Montreal against the Impact on Wednesday night.
• The Fire defeated TFC 3-2 in their first meeting this season. Jeff Larentowicz’s free kick from 30 yards out secured three points for the home team at Toyota Park.
• No MLS player has ever recorded 20 goals and 10 assists in a season. Sebastian Giovinco (19 goals, 14 assists) and Crew forward Kei Kamara (20 goals, eight assists) will likely become the first players to reach that mark.