1. D.C. United – 38 pts. | 3-2 win vs. Philadelphia Union; this week: vs. Real Salt Lake
Finding themselves down 2-0, D.C. United rode the back of Fabian Espindola to come back for a 3-2 victory in Washington. The victory was United’s first since June 24 and the first time since June 3 that the Eastern Conference leaders have scored three goals in a match.
2. Columbus Crew SC – 31 pts. | 3-3 draw vs. Toronto FC; this week: at Orlando City SC
The Black & Gold came out firing, scoring two goals in the first half while upping the advantage to three just minutes after the break. But Toronto proved persistent and tough, earning a point in Saturday’s six-goal shootout.
3. New York Red Bulls – 29 pts. | 1 (3)-1 (4) loss vs. Philadelphia Union (U.S. Open Cup); this week: at Philadelphia Union
With a bye week in MLS play, the Red Bulls played host to the Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup, losing 4-3 on penalties after ending extra time tied at 1-1. The two sides will meet again in League play this weekend in Philadelphia.
4. Toronto FC – 28 pts. | 3-3 draw at Columbus Crew SC; this week: at New England Revolution
Finding themselves down three goals early in the second half, Toronto FC fought back with goals from Sebastian Giovinco, Collen Warner and Jozy Altidore. With Michael Bradley absent on international duty, Toronto’s offense appeared inept early on but changed form shortly after the break, erasing the deficit with constant pressure.
5. New England Revolution – 28 pts. | 2-2 draw at Chicago Fire; this week: vs. Toronto FC
Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe provided a goal each for the Revolution in a back-and-forth match in Bridgeview, Illinois. With the draw, the Revs remain locked in a hotly contested Eastern Conference, standing just three points away from second place.
6. Montreal Impact – 24 pts. | 1-0 win vs. Seattle Sounders FC; this week: at NYCFC
The Impact continued Seattle’s woes in what has been a forgettable month of July for the Sounders. Montreal’s Laurent Ciman headed in the winning goal to help the Impact move into sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Montreal’s victory marks its second in three matches, while Seattle has dropped six of its last seven.
7. NYCFC – 24 pts. | 5-3 win vs. Orlando City SC; this week: vs. Montreal Impact
Fans at Yankee Stadium witnessed the debut of Andrea Pirlo, as the legend subbed on in the 56th minute. The Italian proved instrumental in his team’s final two goals as New York earned its sixth win of the season. Goals from David Villa, Javier Calle, Tommy McNamara and Mix Diskerud helped lift NYCFC over the top in a fast-paced clash. With the victory, New York now sits in a seventh place, just one slot out of a playoff spot.
8. Orlando City SC – 24 pts. | 3-1 loss at Chicago Fire (U.S. Open Cup), 5-3 loss at New York City FC; this week: vs. Columbus Crew SC
A hat-trick from Cyle Larin wasn’t enough as Orlando City SC fell to New York City FC in what was a battle of the Designated Players at Yankee Stadium. Orlando has lost three straight regular-season matches, scoring three goals in that span.
9. Philadelphia Union – 22 pts. | 1 (4) - 1(3) win at New York Red Bulls (U.S. Open Cup), 3-2 loss at D.C. United; this week: vs. New York Red Bulls
After advancing to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, Philadelphia made a quick turnaround, taking on D.C. United in regular-season play on Sunday. It appeared the Union would come out of Washington with three points after taking an early two-goal lead, including one coming within 21 seconds – the fastest in club history and seventh fastest in MLS all-time. Things did not end well, however, as the Union conceded three goals en route to its 12th loss of the season.
10. Chicago Fire – 18 pts. | 3-1 win vs. Orlando City SC (U.S. Open Cup), 2-2 draw vs. New England Revolution; this week: vs. FC Dallas
After advancing to the Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday with a win over Orlando City SC, the Fire played host to New England, leaving with a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Shaun Maloney and Razvan Cocis. With the draw, the Fire remain at the bottom of the East with a record of 5-11-4.
