With another exciting week of MLS action in the books, here’s how the Eastern Conference stacks up after week 24.
1. New York City FC – 41 pts. | 1-0 win vs. LA Galaxy, next: at Orlando City (8/28)
David Villa and company shut out the West’s LA Galaxy 1-0 in yet another home win for NYCFC. Villa’s lone goal early in the sixth minute, marked his 16th of the season and sealed New York City’s 11th win of the regular season. NYCFC will try to stay atop of the East as they head down south to face Orlando.
2. Toronto FC – 40 pts. | 3-1 win vs. Philadelphia Union, next: at Orlando City (8/24), vs. Montreal (8/27)
Toronto shined offensively against the Union with three different goal scorers. The League’s leader in scoring Sebastian Giovinco struck first for the Reds in the 18th, followed by a Philly equalizer in the 24th. However, Toronto responded with two more goals in the first half — one from Drew Moor off a Michael Bradley assist in the 30th, then another in the 44th by the dominant Jozy Altidore. Next up, Toronto will take a trip down to Orlando then head home to host Canadian rival Montreal.
3. New York Red Bulls – 37 pts. | 2-2 draw at D.C. United, next: vs. New England Revolution (8/28)
After a 75-minute weather delay in the Atlantic Cup, both the Red Bulls and United walked away with a point in this 2-2 draw. The Red Bulls led 2-0, thanks to Bradley Wright-Philllips and Felipe, up until the 70th minute. New York couldn't hold on and D.C. United found the back of the net twice in three minutes. Next, the Red Bulls will aim for three points as they host the Revs.
4. Philadelphia Union – 34 pts. | 3-1 loss at Toronto FC, next: at Columbus Crew SC (8/24), vs. Sporting KC (8/27)
Despite an equalizer by Philly’s Ken Tribbett after a Sebastian Gionvinco goal in the first half, the Union could not get anything going against the Reds, who found the back of the net two more times in the first 45. Next up, the Union will head to Columbus to face the Black & Gold on Wednesday night, then will head home to host western opponent Sporting KC on Saturday.
5. Montreal Impact – 33 pts. | 3-0 loss vs. Chicago Fire, next: vs. D.C. United (8/24), at Toronto (8/27)
The Montreal Impact were shut out 3-0 at home by the Chicago Fire. Despite beating the Fire in possession with 55 percent, the Impact could not get into the net and walked away with nothing. Montreal will be at home again on Wednesday to host D.C. United, then the Impact will head to Toronto on Saturday.
6. D.C. United – 28 pts. | 2-2 draw vs. New York Red Bulls, next: at Montreal Impact (8/24), vs. Chicago Fire (8/27)
D.C. United managed to walk away from its match against the Red Bulls with a point despite trailing late into the second half. Thanks to a penalty kick by D.C.’s Marcelo and a goal in the 73rd minute by Patrick Mullins, United avoided a loss at home. Next, D.C. will travel to Montreal on Wednesday, then head home to host the Fire on Saturday.
7. Orlando City SC – 28 pts. | 0-0 at Colorado Rapids, next: vs. Toronto (8/24) vs. NYCFC (8/28)
Despite a valiant effort by Orlando’s star-studded strikers, the Lions could not get any goals, ending the night with seven total shots — of which only two were on goal. The Lions hope to get a win on Wednesday as they head back home to host Toronto then at home again to face the leaders of the East, NYCFC, on Sunday.
8. New England Revolution – 26 pts. | 2-0 loss vs. Columbus Crew SC, next: at San Jose Earthquakes (8/24), at New York Red Bulls (8/28)
The Revolution could not get any momentum going against Columbus, struggling both defensively and offensively causing New England to walk away with nothing. Next, the Revs will hit the road first heading out west to face San Jose, then to New York to face the Red Bulls.
WATCH: Post-Match Press Conference
9. Columbus Crew SC – 23 pts. | 2-0 win at New England Revolution, next vs. Philadelphia Union (8/24), vs. San Jose Earthquakes (8/27)
Crew SC had a stellar night against the Revolution shutting out New England 2-0 sealing three points on the road. The Black & Gold put on a show, dominating on both sides of the ball. Crew SC’s Ethan Finlay found the net first in the 8th minute then later in the second half, Federico Higuain scored off an Ola Kamara assist, which locked in a much-needed win for Columbus. Next, Crew SC will have two big matches at home, hosting Philadelphia on Wednesday evening and then San Jose on Saturday.
HIGHGLIGHTS: Crew SC 2 - New England Revolution 0
GOALCAM: Finlay, Higuain find the back of the net
PHOTOS: #NEvCLB
10. Chicago Fire – 22 pts. | 3-0 win at Montreal, next: vs. LA Galaxy (8/24), at D.C. United (8/27)
Despite struggling this season, Chicago had one of its best matches of the year against the Montreal Impact. The Fire ended their two-year winless streak on the road with its 3-0 shutout. Newly acquired Luis Solignac started the scoring for Chicago in the first half, then in the second half both David Accam and Matt Polster found the back of the net for Chicago. Next up, the Fire will host LA, then head to D.C. on Saturday.
