Eastern Conference Roundup: Week 25

With another action-packed week of MLS play is in the books, let’s take a look at how the Eastern Conference stands after Week 25.

1. Toronto FC – 43pts. | 2-1 win at Orlando (8/24), 1-0 loss vs. Montreal Impact (8/27), next: at Chicago (9/10)
   Toronto started its week with a big win in Orlando, thanks to a late goal by Jozy Altidore in the 86^th minute. Despite a loss to rival Montreal Impact on Saturday evening, Sebastian Giovinco and company put on a good showing this week, and a result jumped up to the top spot in the East. Next up, Toronto head to Chicago in Week 27 to take on the Fire.
   
2. New York City FC – 41 pts. | 2-1 loss at Orlando (8/28), next: vs. D.C. United (9/1)
   
   After weeks of sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, NYCFC was knocked down a notch after its 2-1 loss at Orlando. New York City’s Steven Mendoza equalized in the 55^th minute but NYCFC could not hold off Kaka and the Lions, giving up a penalty kick in the 63^th, sealing New York City’s loss. Next, New York City host D.C. United. 
   
3. New York Red Bulls – 40 pts. | 1-0 win vs. New England (8/28), next: at Vancouver (9/3)
   
   The Red Bulls added another to its unbeaten streak at home with its win versus New England, extending the streak to nine games. The one goal of the match came via Bradley Wright-Phillips, who earned his 16^th goal of the season against the Revs. Next, the Red Bulls head up north to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps.
   
4. Philadelphia Union – 40 pts. | 2-1 win at Columbus (8/24), 2-0 win vs. Sporting KC (8/27), next: at Chicago (9/3)
   
   Week 25 was good to the Philadelphia Union, who racked up six points after back-to-back wins. Philly started its week with a 2-1 win in Columbus, with goals by Fabian Herbers and another by Keegan Rosenberry in the second half. The Union ended its week on a high note, shutting out the West’s Sporting KC, 2-0. Next, Philadelphia heads to Chicago to take on the Fire.
   
5. Montreal Impact – 37 pts. | 1-1 draw vs. D.C. United (8/24), 1-0 win at Toronto (8/27), next: vs. Orlando City (9/7)
   
   Montreal had a busy week among many other teams in the East. On Wednesday night, the Impact escaped a loss against D.C. United thanks to a Hassoun Camara equalizer late in the second half. On Saturday night, the Impact traveled to Toronto and shut out rival Toronto FC 1-0, giving the Impact three points in a tough road game. Next, the Impact host Orlando City in Week 27.
   
6. D.C. United – 32 pts. | 1-1 draw at Montreal (8/24), 6-2 win vs. Chicago Fire (8/27), next: at New York City FC (9/1)
   
   Despite starting the scoring with a goal off a penalty kick by D.C.’s Lamar Neagle, United could not hold off the Impact in the second half, settling for one point in its 1-1 draw on the road. However, United ended the week at home with an a 6-2 win over Chicago, dominating the Fire throughout the match. Next, United heads to the big apple to face NYCFC.
   
7. Orlando City SC – 31 pts. | 2-1 loss vs. Toronto (8/24), 2-1 win vs. NYCFC (8/28), next: at Montreal (9/7)
   
   Orlando could not hold off Sebastian Giovinco on Wednesday evening, resulting in its 2-1 loss at home against Toronto. However, the Lions bounced back at home with a huge 2-1 win against NYCFC, due largely to an impressive performance by Kaka — who earned a brace against NYCFC. Next, Orlando City heads to Montreal to take on the Impact in Week 27.
   
8. New England Revolution – 27 pts. | 0-0 draw at San Jose (8/24), 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls (8/28), next: vs. Colorado (9/3)
   
   The Revs walked away from San Jose with a point in its 0-0 draw. The struggle continued for New England when it traveled to Red Bull Arena and were unable to find the back of the net. Next, the Revs host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening.
   
9. Columbus Crew SC – 26 pts. | 2-1 loss vs. Philadelphia (8/24), 2-0 win vs. San Jose (8/27), next: at LA Galaxy (9/3)
   
   Crew SC was unable to hold off Philly on Wednesday despite one of the newest members of the Black & Gold, Adam Jahn, equalizing late in the second half. The Union answered less than a minute later, resulting in Crew SC’s 2-1 loss. However, the Black & Gold bounced back on Saturday evening, shutting out the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0. Ethan Finlay started the scoring for the Black & Gold in the first half, continuing to be a force on the pitch.  A goal off a Justin Meram penalty kick added to the score and Crew SC earned a much-needed three points at MAPFRE Stadium. Next, the Black & Gold will head to the west coast to take on LA Galaxy.

HIGHLIGHTS: Crew SC 2 - San Jose Earthquakes 0

10. Chicago Fire – 23 pts. | 2-2 draw vs. LA Galaxy (8/24), 6-2 loss at D.C. United, next: vs. Philadelphia Union (9/3)
    
    The tough times for Chicago do not seem to be going away any time soon. Despite traveling to LA and earning a point in its 2-2 draw, the end of the week was far from impressive for the Fire. Chicago gave up six goals to D.C. United, tacking another loss to its record this season. Next up, the Fire will host Philly.