1. New York Red Bulls – 48 pts. | 2-1 loss at New England, 2-0 win at Portland; this week: vs. Orlando
The New York Red Bulls are the first team to clinch the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs. A 2-0 win at Crew SC’s next opponent, the Portland Timbers, did the trick for the Red Bulls. New York now faces Orlando City on Friday and could do Columbus a favor: a win or a draw would mean the Black & Gold can book their playoff ticket, as well.
2. Columbus Crew SC – 47 pts. |2-1 win at D.C. United; this week: vs. Portland Timbers
Crew SC took a giant step towards the playoffs with its fourth consecutive road win. Ethan Finlay and Kei Kamara found the back of the net against D.C. United, which moved the Black & Gold into second in the East. A win or a draw against Portland, or the aforementioned help from the Red Bulls, would see Columbus through to the playoffs.
3. New England – 46 pts. |2-1 win vs. Red Bulls, 3-0 loss at Montreal; this week: vs. Philadelphia
After defeating the Red Bulls midweek, the New England Revolution could have clinched the playoffs with a win over Montreal. But the Impact had other plans, underscoring their own playoff ambitions. The Revolution get another chance at clinching the postseason vs. the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. A win would do it for the Revs.
4. D.C. United – 45 pts. |2-1 loss vs. Columbus Crew SC; this week: at Montreal
D.C. United missed its second opportunity in a row to clinch the playoffs. After tying the Colorado Rapids, they fell to Crew SC despite a second-half push. D.C. now travels to Montreal and can secure its post-season berth with a win over the Impact.
5. Toronto FC – 40 pts. |2-0 loss at New York City FC, 3-1 win at Colorado; this week: vs. Chicago
Sebastian Giovinco continues to stay on Kei Kamara’s heels in the race for the Golden Boot. The midfielder scored two goals in Toronto FC’s win at Colorado and stays within two of the Crew SC striker. With Giovinco’s help, Toronto now aims to take a big step towards the playoffs when it hosts Eastern Conference opponent Chicago Fire on Saturday.
6. Montreal – 36 pts. |1-1 draw at San Jose, 3-0 win vs. New England; this week: vs. Chicago, vs. D.C.
With a one-point advantage and three games in hand over seventh-place Orlando City SC, Montreal Impact looks to be in good shape for the race towards the playoffs. But the Impact can’t let up as they host two Eastern Conference opponents this week.
7. Orlando City SC – 35 pts. |1-0 win at Chicago Fire; this week: at Red Bulls
Orlando City SC kept its playoff hopes alive with late 1-0 victory in Chicago. Bryan Rochez scored the game-winner in the 86th minute. His goal also meant Crew SC has to wait at least until Friday before it can plan for the postseason. That’s when the Lions face the Red Bulls. An Orlando loss or tie would mean Crew SC has clinched the playoffs.
8. New York City FC – 34 pts. |2-0 win vs. Toronto, 3-2 win vs. San Jose; this week: at Vancouver
New York City FC is not giving up on its playoff run. With two wins within a week, NYCFC is still very much in the postseason picture. New York now travels to Vancouver to pursue its third consecutive win and in hopes that the other two Canadian sides, Toronto and Montreal, drop points this week.
9. Philadelphia Union – 33 pts. |2-0 win vs. Houston; this week: at New England
The Philadelphia Union are hanging onto their playoff dreams, as well. The Union rebounded from a 2-1 defeat against Crew SC with a 2-0 win vs. the Houston Dynamo, as Tranquillo Barnetta open his account for Philly with an early goal. Philadelphia now aims to spoil a potential Revolution playoff celebration when it visits New England Saturday.
10. Chicago Fire – 27 pts. |1-0 loss vs. Orlando; this week: at Montreal, at Toronto
Chicago’s playoff chances look dire after the Fire’s third straight loss by a one-goal margin. The Fire now look to turn the tide in Canada when they visit Montreal and Toronto this week. It’s time to turn those losses into wins if Chicago wants to have any shot at the postseason.
