An abbreviated Week 26 did see some movement in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Here is your updated Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Contenders:
This Week: NYCFC – 3 vs. DC United – 2
Next Week: Saturday September 10 at New England
NYCFC regained the top spot in the Eastern Conference this week with an improbable win over DC United. David Villa's first half goal moved him into the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race and fellow designated player Frank Lampard added two goals himself, including the last minute extra time winner. The victory over DC was the team’s fifth straight at Yankee Stadium.
Game-winner. #NYCvDChttps://t.co/vcIzsv0yQi
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 2, 2016
This Week: NYRB – 1 at Vancouver – 0
Next Week: Sunday September 11 vs. DC United
The Red Bulls extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games with their victory over Vancouver. Bradley Wright Phillips scored the lone goal in the match to move himself into a tie with Villa for the Golden Boot. Even without star Sacha Kljestan, who is with the USMNT, the team was able to pull off the road victory.
He only needs one chance. @TheRealBWP gives @NewYorkRedBulls the 1-0 lead. #VANvNYhttps://t.co/awzVVd4YgG
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 4, 2016
This Week: OFF
Next Week: Saturday September 10 at Chicago
The bye week could not have come at a better time for the banged up Reds. Jay Chpaman and Sebastian Giovinco will both enjoy the week off well healing their injuries. Clint Irwin made his second rehab appearance for Toronto FC II making two saves while playing the full 90 minutes. The team also had multiple players out with international teams. Jozy Altidore continued his recent form by scoring for the USMNT in their victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Newly acquired Armando Cooper started for the Panamanian national team in their World Cup qualifying victory.
Highlight: Irwin with another stop! #TORvCLT#TFCLivepic.twitter.com/ke1XwRMA40
— Toronto FC II (@TorontoFCII) September 4, 2016
This Week: Union – 0 at Chicago Fire – 3
Next Week: Saturday September 10 vs. Montreal
The Union put together a disappointing effort against basement dwellers Chicago Fire. The Fire torched the Union for a season high three goals. Some good news for the Union this week was that designated defender Maurice Edu made his first competitive appearance this season with the Union’s USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC. The 30-year-old played 33 minutes before being subbed off.
Safe Bets:
This Week: OFF
Next week: Wednesday September 7 vs. Orlando City, Saturday September 10 at Philadelphia.
The Impact enter a very important week with two matches against key Eastern Conference opponents. Captain Patrice Bernier returned to training this week and could return to game action soon. The team also got news that Callum Mallace’s red card was rescinded.
Bubble Teams:
This Week: DC United – 2 at New York City – 3
Next Week: Sunday September 11 at. New York Red Bulls
United will be thoroughly disappointed they did not leave New York with a point. After scoring a 90th minute equalizer, DC conceded an extra time winner to City. The team currently sits just one point ahead of Orlando City for the final playoff spot, however the Lions do have a game in hand. Lloyd Sam scored his first goal with United against NYCFC. The team will need to get at least a point this weekend when they visit Red Bull Arena.
This Week: OFF
Next Week: Wednesday September 7 at Montreal, Sunday September 11 at LA Galaxy
Orlando City will be in tough this week as they travel to both Montreal and Los Angeles. Sitting just one point out of a playoff position, the Lions need to get points on this road trip.
This Week: New England – 2 vs. Colorado – 0
Next Week: Saturday September 10 vs. New York City
The Revs were this week’s biggest winners. The victory over Colorado moved the Revs within two points of the final playoff spot. The win was the team’s first victory in six matches. Forward Femi Hollinger-Janzen made his first appearance since July 16 in the match.
Passing clinic.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 4, 2016
Chris Tierney doubles the lead for @NERevolution. #NEvCOLhttps://t.co/1iBKULPs1b
Long Shots
This Week: Fire – 3 vs. Philadelphia Union – 0
Next Week: Saturday September 10 vs. Toronto
The Fire put together an impressive victory against the Philadelphia Union as they extended their home-unbeaten streak to 12 games. The Fire sit six points out of the final playoff spot.
What a run, step over and finish from Arturo Alvarez. 3-0 Chicago #cf97#CHIvPHIhttps://t.co/lxsASX4h7c
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 4, 2016
This Week: Columbus Crew – 1 at LA Galaxy – 2
Next Week: Saturday September 10 vs. Vancouver
The Crew’s slim playoff chances took another blow this week in a tough loss to LA Galaxy. All-Star Will Trapp missed the match due to injury. The midfielder was pulled from his most recent match just 13 minutes in.
Stay tuned for weekly MLS playoff picture updates here at torontofc.ca
