Another week of action-packed MLS soccer is in the books. Let’s take a look at how the Eastern Conference stacks up after week 27.
1. Toronto FC – 46 pts. | 2-1 win at Chicago (9/10), next: vs. New York Red Bulls (9/18)
Jozy Altidore and company showed no signs of slowing down against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night. Altidore started the scoring for the Reds in the first half then had the assist on a Jonathon Osorio goal that sealed Toronto’s 2-1 win over the Fire. Toronto hosts the New Red Bulls next in a battle between the first and second ranked Eastern clubs.
2. New York Red Bulls – 44 pts. | 2-2 draw vs. D.C. United (9/11), next: vs. Alianza (CCL) (9/15), at Toronto (9/18)
After an emotional memorial ceremony for the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the New York Red Bulls walked away with a point in its somewhat disappointing 2-2 draw against United. New York led D.C. 2-0 up until the 89th minute when D.C. fought back in five minutes to force a draw and crazy ending to the rivalry match. Next, the Red Bulls will face CCL opponent Alianza on Wednesday night before going on the road to face Toronto on Sunday night.
3. New York City FC – 44 pts. | 3-1 loss at New England (9/10), next: vs. FC Dallas (9/17)
NYCFC has appeared to cool from its dominance of a few weeks ago, losing 3-1 at New England. New York City has struggled on the road, losing three of the last five away from Yankee Stadium. NYCFC will look to get back to its winning ways at home on Saturday as it hosts FC Dallas.
4. Philadelphia Union – 41 pts. | 1-1 draw vs. Montreal (9/10), next: at Portland (9/17)
The Union started the scoring against Montreal with a goal by Tranquillo Barnetta in the 45th minute. The Union dominated throughout the match but could not hold on when a Montreal equalizer late in the 88th sealed its draw. Next, the Union head to Portland to take on the Timbers.
5. Montreal Impact – 38 pts. | 4-1 loss vs. Orlando (9/7), 1-1 draw at Philadelphia (9/10), next: vs. New England Revolution (9/17)
The Impact started its week on a sour note losing 4-1 at home to Orlando. Despite an early goal by Didier Drogba in the 2nd minute, it was all Orlando City for the rest of the match resulting in no points for the Impact. However, on Saturday night the Impact managed to get a point in its 1-1 draw to the Philadelphia Union thanks to a vital equalizer late in the 88th minute by Matteo Mancosu. Next, the Impact host the Revs on Saturday night.
6. Orlando City SC – 34 pts. | 4-1 win over Montreal (9/7) ,4-2 loss to LA Galaxy (9/11), next: vs. Columbus Crew SC (9/17)
The Lions were on fire on the road in Montreal racking in three points in its impressive 4-1 win against the Impact. After an early Impact goal, the Lions equalized two minute later with a Brek Shea strike. From then on, Orlando City capitalized with a brace from Kaka as well as a goal by Carola Rivas. The back half of the week was not as good for the Lions, who walked away empty-handed in a 4-2 loss on the road to Western opponent LA Galaxy. Next up, the Lions host Crew SC on Saturday night.
7. New England Revolution – 33 pts. | 3-1 win over New York City, next: Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final (9/13) at FC Dallas, at Montreal (9/17)
The Revs had a great night at home against one of the Eastern Conference leaders in NYCFC with Juan Agudelo (21st minute), Lee Nguyen (42nd) and Diego Fagundez (58th) all finding the back of the net for New England. Next, the Revs will head to Dallas for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final on Tuesday, before returning to MLS regular-season play to face the Montreal Impact on Saturday evening.
8. D.C. United - 33 pts. | 2-2 draw at New York Red Bulls (9/11), next: at Chicago Fire (9/16)
It was an exciting finish for D.C. United in its match against the New York Red Bulls. D.C. trailed the Red Bulls up until the last five minutes, when Steve Birnbaum found the back of the net for D.C. with one minute left to play in regular time. Following a corner kick, Lamar Neagle pulled a miracle for United drilling the ball into the back of the net, sealing United’s 2-2 draw at Red Bull Arena and giving them a much needed point on the road. Next, D.C. will head to Chicago.
9. Chicago Fire – 26 pts. | 2-1 loss vs. Toronto (9/10), next: vs. D.C. United (9/16)
The struggles continue for the Fire, who lost 2-1 at home to the East-leading Toronto on Saturday night. The lone goal for the Fire came from Michael de Leeuw in the 58th minute. Next, the Fire host D.C. United on Saturday night.
10. Columbus Crew SC – 26 pts. | 3-1 loss vs. Vancouver, next: at Orlando (9/17)
It was a tough night at MAPFRE Stadium for the Black & Gold. The lone goal of the night came from Ola Kamara who found the back in the 11th minute, earning his 11th goal this season. However, after the Kamara goal it was all Vancouver who scored three unanswered goals. The Black & Gold will shoot for the three as they head to Orlando next to face the Lions.
