Another week of Eastern Conference play is said and done. Let's see how the East stands after week 8.
1. Philadelphia Union – 12 pts. | 2-0 win vs. New York City FC, next: vs. San Jose
Philly dominated the first half against NYCFC with a pair of goals by Chris Pontius (26th) and C.J. Sapong (41st). The Union maintained its 2-0 lead through the second half and for the first time in club history won its first three home games at Talen Energy Stadium. Philly will aim to make it four out of four at home when it hosts the San Jose Earthquakes next.
2. Montreal Impact - 12 pts. | 2-0 loss vs. Toronto, next: at NYCFC (4/27)
Didier Drogba's return to Stade Saputo was overshadowed by Sebastian Giovinco's two-goal performance. Drogba managed to fire off six shots, but only one was on target as the Impact were shut out by Toronto. Montreal will travel to New York City to face NYCFC on Wednesday evening.
3. Toronto FC – 11 pts. | 2-0 win vs. Montreal, next: at Portland
In the first meeting of the season between the Canadian rivals, reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco lifted Toronto over Montreal and himself atop his club's all-time scoring list with 28 goals. Giovinco put Toronto ahead with a penalty kick in the 40th minute and sealed the victory with a well-placed strike from the top of the box in the 81st. Toronto will head to Portland next to take on the reigning MLS Cup champions.
4. Orlando City SC – 9 pts. | 3-2 loss at New York Red Bulls, next: at New England Revolution
Orlando started the scoring early with a Cyle Larin goal in the third minute. The Lions maintained their lead through the first half but lost their defensive thunder after the break. Orlando City gave up three goals between the 65th and 75th minutes and couldn't overcome that deficit in the final 15. Karl Ouitmette's goal in the 84th was too little too late.
5. D.C. United – 9 pts. | 3-0 win vs. New England Revolution, next: at Chicago Fire
D.C. United shut out the Revolution on Saturday night, picking up its second win of the season. Three different players found the back of the net for D.C. Lamar Neagle put United in front in the 33rd, followed by two goals late in the second half. D.C.’s Luciano Acosta celebrated his MLS debut with a goal in the 86th off an assist by Alvaro Saborio, who scored in the 90th to top it off for D.C. Next, United will travel to Chicago to take on the Fire.
6. Columbus Crew SC – 8 pts. | 1-0 vs. Houston Dynamo, next: at Seattle
Crew SC stuck to its game plan and earned its second win of the season at home against the Houston Dynamo. After a red card was called on the Dynamo’s goalkeeper Tyler Deric for a foul on Federico Higuain, Kei Kamara converted the penalty kick in the 21st to give Columbus its second win in a row. Crew SC hopes to continue its winning-streak when it heads to Seattle to face the Sounders.
7. New England Revolution – 8 pts. | 3-0 loss at D.C. United, next: vs. Orlando City
New England was handed its second loss of the season on Saturday night at D.C. United. The Revolution fired off 13 shots, but could not execute as only three of them went on target. Next, the Revolution will head south to take on Orlando City.
8. New York Red Bulls – 6 pts. | 3-2 win vs. Orlando City, next: vs. FC Dallas (4/29)
After a four game losing-streak, the Red Bulls were able to earn their first win of the season against Orlando City. After trailing at the break, the Red Bulls scored three goals within 10 minutes in the second half. Mike Grella found the equalizer in the 65th minute and Bradley Wright-Phillips ended his goal scoring drought with a brace between the 69th and in 75th. Next, the Red Bulls will host FC Dallas.
9. Chicago Fire – 6 pts. | Bye, next: vs. D.C. United
The Fire will return to Eastern Conference play after a bye week to host D.C. in hopes of earning their second win of the season.
10. New York City FC – 6 pts. | 2-0 loss at Philadelphia, next: vs. Montreal Impact (4/27)
After being held scoreless in Philadelphia, New York City FC remains winless since its 2016 regular season opener victory over the Chicago Fire. NYCFC will hope to find its winning ways when it hosts the Montreal Impact midweek.