After a week of minimal matches in Major League Soccer, here’s a look at how the Eastern Conference stands after Week 26.
1. New York City FC – 44 pts. | 3-2 win vs. D.C. United (9/1), next: at New England Revolution (9/10)
After a week in third place in the Eastern Conference, New York City FC reclaims the top spot with a drama-filled 3-2 victory over D.C. United. MLS Player of the Week Frank Lampard netted a brace in the final 15 minutes of the game — including the game-winner in the third minute of added time with the help of some nifty footwork — to steal all three points from the Black-and-Red. NYCFC has earned just eight points from its last seven road matches, but will try to turn that form around this week as they head to Foxborough to take on the Revs.
2. New York Red Bulls – 43 pts. | 1-0 win at Vancouver (9/3), next: vs. D.C. United (9/11)
Bradley-Wright Phillips cannot stop scoring. The Red Bulls striker registered his 17th goal of the season — his fifth in the last four games — in New York’s 1-0 win at Vancouver last week. The victory extends the club’s regular-season unbeaten run on the road to five matches, and to 10 game overall, with the next test coming this week when D.C. United comes to town.
3. Toronto FC – 43 pts. | BYE, next: at Chicago (9/10)
The Reds has a break from League action last week, but will return to the pitch this week as they travel to Toyota Park for a clash with the Fire.
4. Philadelphia Union – 40 pts. | 3-0 loss at Chicago (9/3), next: vs. Montreal Impact (9/10)
Last week, the Alejandro Bedoya and Andre Blake-less Philadelphia Union dropped their fourth match in their last eight — leaving Bridgeview with zero goals and zero points in a 3-0 shut out loss to the Fire. Philly will try to keep pace in the East this week, as they host the Montreal Impact on Saturday.
5. Montreal Impact – 37 pts. | BYE, next: vs. Orlando City (9/7), at Philadelphia Union (9/10)
Montreal joined Toronto last week and had a break from League play. The Impact — however — have a big chance to move up from the red line this week as they host Orlando City SC on Wednesday, and head to Talen Energy Stadium on Saturday for a meeting with the Union.
6. D.C. United – 32 pts. | 3-2 loss at New York City FC (9/1), next: at New York Red Bulls (9/11)
After putting a six-spot on the scoreboard a week before at home against the Fire, The Black-and-Red lost a heartbreaker to NYCFC, 3-2, on the road at Yankee Stadium. D.C. remains unbeaten in six of its last seven, and will look to carry its good form into this week as it travels across the Hudson River to Red Bull Arena.
7. Orlando City SC – 31 pts. | BYE: at Montreal (9/7), at LA Galaxy (9/11)
The Lions also had a bye from League play last week, but return to action two road matches this week: a mid-week Eastern Conference clash at the Impact, and a meeting with the LA Galaxy on Saturday.
8. New England Revolution – 30 pts. | 2-0 win vs. Colorado (9/3), next: vs. NYCFC (9/10)
The struggling New England Revolution ended their four-match winless run last week with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Colorado Rapids. The Revs — currently just two points off the final playoff spot — will look to move up the Eastern Conference standings this week when they host NYCFC.
9. Chicago Fire – 26 pts. | 3-0 win vs. Philadelphia Union (9/3), next: vs. Toronto FC (9/10)
Chicago responded to a 6-2 loss to D.C. United in Week 25 with a 3-0, shutout victory over the Union. Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson kept Philly in check all night with five saves, along with forward Michael de Leeuw recording a goal and an assist to propel Veljko Paunovic’s club to three points.
10. Columbus Crew SC – 26 pts. | 2-1 loss at LA Galaxy (9/3), next: vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (9/10)
Columbus Crew SC forward Adam Jahn netted his second goal in his last three matches, but the Black & Gold could not recover from a two-goal deficit as they fell on the road last week to the LA Galaxy, 2-1. Crew SC currently sits just six points off the red line in the Eastern Conference, and will try to move up towards playoff position this week as it hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps.
HIGHLIGHTS: LA Galaxy 2 - 1 Crew SC
