Eastern Conference Roundup: Week 28

Another week of action-packed MLS play is in the books. Let’s take a look at how the Eastern Conference stacks up after week 28.

1. Toronto – 47 pts. | 3-3 draw vs. New York Red Bulls, next: vs. Philadelphia (9/24)
   In a battle between the top two teams in the East, Toronto walked away with a point and that’s all the Reds needed to clinch the first spot in the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Thanks to two Jozy Altidore scores in the second half, Toronto didn’t leave empty handed. Next up, TFC will host the Philadelphia Union.
   
2. New York Red Bulls – 45 pts. | 3-3 at Toronto FC, next: vs. Montreal Impact (9/24)
   The story of the night for the Red Bulls was yet another impressive performance for Bradley Wright-Phillips. He found the back of the net twice against the Impact, making him the first player in League history to have two seasons with 20 + goals scored. Despite leading the Reds 3-1 at one point, New York could not hold off Toronto from coming back and had to settle for a point. The Red Bulls will have to try again next week to secure their postseason spot when they host the Montreal Impact.
   
3. New York City FC – 45 pts. | 2-2 draw vs. FC Dallas, next: vs. Chicago Fire (9/23)
   New York City FC struggled against Western Conference opponent FC Dallas. Despite Tommy McNamara starting off the scoring for NYCFC early in the eighth, NYC would not score again until the 78^th. Khiry Shelton equalized after FC Dallas scored back-to-back goals allowing NYC to walk away with a point. Their next opponent at Yankee Stadium? The Chicago Fire.
   
4. Philadelphia Union – 41 pts. | 2-1 loss at Portland, next: at Toronto (9/24)
   It was all Portland when the Union traveled to Providence Park on Saturday night. The lone goal for Philadelphia was thanks to Chris Pontius, however the Timbers put on a show and forced Philly to leave empty handed, besides adding another L to its current winless streak. Next, the Union will hit the road to face the current leaders of the East, Toronto FC on Saturday night.
   
5. Montreal Impact – 38 pts. | 3-1 loss vs. New England Revolution, next: at New York Red Bulls (9/24)
   No luck for the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo Saturday night as the Revs handed the hosts a 3-1 loss. The only goal of the night for the Impact was from Didier Drogba in minute 50 off of a PK. The Impact will hope to stay above that red line and keep their playoff hopes alive as they head to Red Bull Arena on Saturday night.
   
6. New England Revolution – 36 pts. | 3-1 win vs. Montreal Impact, next: at Columbus Crew SC (9/25) – TICKETS.
   The Revs came into Montreal swinging after their loss to FC Dallas in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final. The Revolution had an impressive showing on both sides of the ball and got an early lead with a Kei Kamara goal in the first minute. Perhaps the most impressive performance of the night for the Revs was by Kelyn Rowe whose brace sealed New England’s big win on the road. Next, the Revolution will head to MAPFRE Stadium to face Columbus on Sunday evening at 7.
   
7. D.C. United – 34 pts. | 2-2 draw at Chicago Fire, next: vs. Orlando (9/24)
   D.C. United escaped what could have been a disappointing loss to the Chicago Fire thanks to an equalizer by Bobby Boswell in stoppage time to make it 2-2 at the final whistle. D.C. took the early lead, then conceded two goals, before making a late push for a point that could prove to be valuable in the postseason race. Next, D.C. will host Orlando in hopes of getting three points to move above the red line.
   
8. Orlando City SC – 34 pts. | 4-1 loss vs. Columbus Crew SC, next: at D.C. United (9/24)
   Orlando City SC was stunned at home when it hosted Columbus on Saturday night. The Lions struggled to get anything going against Crew SC and made some costly mistakes, including an own goal by Seb Hines in the 22nd minute. Orlando will hope to bounce back as they head to D.C. on Saturday night.
   
9. Columbus Crew SC – 29 pts. | 4-1 win at Orlando, next: vs. New England Revolution (9/25)
   The dream is still alive for Crew SC who traveled to the Sunshine State and put on an impressive show in its 4-1 victory over Orlando. With a brace and an assist by Ola Kamara, plus a goal and two assists by Ethan Finlay, the Black & Gold walked away with a much-needed three points. Next up, Columbus is back at home to host the New England Revolution on Sunday night at 7.
   
10. Chicago Fire – 27 pts. | 2-2 draw vs. D.C. United, next: at New York City (9/23)
    Despite leading 2-1 for the majority of the match, the Fire could not pull off a victory. Conceding a stoppage time goal, they had to settle for a point at home. The Fire will head to Yankee Stadium next to face New York City FC.