Another weekend of Eastern Conference play is in the books. Let’s take a look at how the East stacks up after week 7.
1. Montreal Impact – 12 pts. | 2-1 win at Chicago Fire, next: vs. Toronto FC
The Impact continues to sit at the top of the conference after a comeback win on the road in Chicago. Montreal’s sub Didier Drogba scored the equalizer in the 56th minute with his first goal of the 2016 regular season. The Impact sealed the victory with a goal by its lead scorer, Ignacio Piatti, in stoppage time. Next up, Montreal will face off with Toronto FC.
2. Philadelphia Union – 9 pts. | 2-1 loss at Seattle Sounders, next: vs. New York City FC
A second yellow card for Philly’s Roland Alberg put a damper on the Union’s midfield against the Sounders. The only score of the night for the Union came from forward Sebastien Le Toux off an assist by C.J. Sapong and a secondary assist by Fabinho. Philly will head to New York City FC next.
3. Orlando City SC – 9 pts. | 2-2 draw vs. New England, next: at New York Red Bulls
Orlando City started off its match in front of 36,000 fans with a goal by Kaka off a PK in the second minute. Kevin Molino scored in the second minute of stoppage time to give the Lions the lead, but Orlando City could not hold on after a controversial handball penalty was called on Servando Carrasco. New England’s Lee Nguyen converted the penalty for the 2-2 draw. Next, Orlando will travel to New York to play the Red Bulls.
4. Toronto FC – 8 pts. | 1-0 win at D.C. United, next: vs. Montreal Impact
Toronto sealed its win at RFK Stadium with a goal by Sebastian Giovinco in the first minute, his fourth of the season. On defense, Toronto’s goalkeeper Clint Irwin had a stellar night with three saves. Next up, Toronto will face off with the Montreal Impact.
5. New England Revolution – 8 pts. | 2-2 draw at Orlando City FC, next: at D.C. United
The Revolution managed to earn a point on a late equalizer in a back-and-fourth match at the Citrus Bowl. Teal Bunbury equalized Kaka's first-minute penalty in the 37th. The match stayed at 1-1 until stoppage time when Molino put Orlando ahead before the Rev’s Lee Nguyen responded in the 90+6’ minute with a PK. New England will hit the road next to play D.C. United.
6. New York City FC – 6 pts. | 3-2 loss at Columbus Crew SC, next: vs. Montreal Impact (4/27)
David Villa scored a brace for New York City FC on Saturday night in Columbus. He equalized in the 15th minute after Crew SC’s Ethan Finlay started the night off in the 7th minute with a score off an assist by Justin Meram. Villa scored again in the 87th minute off a PK, but it was too little too late for the visitor who have not won a game since week one in Chicago. With a break in week 8, New York City will resume play on April 27th to host the Montreal Impact.
7. Chicago Fire – 6 pts. | 2-1 loss vs. Montreal Impact, next: vs. D.C. United (4/30)
A loss against Montreal on Saturday night snapped Chicago’s four-game unbeaten streak. The Fire took the lead on a goal by Kennedy Igboananike in the 29th minute. However, Chicago could not respond to an equalizer by Montreal’s Didier Drogba in the 56th. Instead, the Fire’s loss was sealed in added time by a score from the Impact’s Ignacio Piatti. Chicago will resume play in week 9 on April 30th at RFK Stadium against D.C. United.
8. D.C. United – 6 pts. | 1-0 loss vs. Toronto FC, next: vs. New England Revolution
D.C.’s loss to Toronto marked the third time United was shutout this season. D.C. created many chances but could not finish due to a strong defensive performance by the Toronto’s goalkeeper Clint Irwin. Next up, D.C. United will host the Revs.
9. Columbus Crew SC – 5 pts. | 3-2 win vs. New York City FC, next: vs. Houston Dynamo
The Black & Gold captured their first win of the season on a picture-perfect night at MAPFRE Stadium. Crew SC’s Justin Meram was on fire with two assists, one to Ethan Finlay for the lead in the 7th minute and another to Kei Kamara in the 49th to re-take the lead over NYCFC. Meram switched places with Finlay in the 80th to score and seal Crew SC’s win over New York City. The Black & Gold hope to continue the winning trend at home on Saturday as they host Houston.
10. New York Red Bulls – 3 pts. | 2-1 loss at Colorado Rapids, next: vs. Orlando City FC
The Red Bulls ended their three-game scoreless streak with a goal by Ronald Zubar in the 60th minute, but came up empty handed for the sixth time this season. New York’s goalkeeper Luis Robles also set an MLS record for most consecutive minutes played, with 90 minutes played in each of the last 113 matches. Next New York will host Orlando City at Red Bull Arena.
