Decision Day finalized the standings across MLS and set the bracket for the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. With the final weekend of regular-season action behind us, let’s take a look at how things played out in the Eastern Conference.
1. New York Red Bulls – 57 pts. | 2-0 win at Philadelphia Union
Although the top spot was in New York’s hands ahead of the match, the Red Bulls had to make the trip to Talen Energy Stadium and play 90 minutes to dot their i’s and cross their t’s. They grabbed three more points for good measure with a 2-0 win over the Union, and Bradley-Wright Phillips won the Golden Boot Award with another finish to total 24 in 2016.
2. New York City FC – 54 pts. | 4-1 win vs. Columbus Crew SC
NYCFC secured the second seed in the East and a Knockout Round bye to make its Audi MLS Cup Playoffs debut. Two goals two minutes apart diffused a threatening Crew SC squad, who tied the match at one in the 59th minute. NYC had four different finishers on the night to put on a show for its home crowd.
3. Toronto FC – 53 pts. | 3-2 win vs. Chicago Fire
Toronto FC snapped its five-game losing streak with a thrilling 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire at home on Sunday. Sebastian Giovinco finished a penalty kick and set up a goal for Justin Morrow in his second game back from injury. Jonathan Osorio scored the go-ahead for the Reds, pitting them against the Philadelphia Union in their first-ever postseason match at BMO Field.
4. D.C. United – 46 pts. | 4-2 loss at Orlando City SC
D.C. forewent sealing home field advantage for their midweek Knockout Round match by resting starters (10 changes from last week’s match) to prepare for the postseason. They still put away two goals but lost to the hosts 4-2.
5. Montreal Impact – 45 pts. | 3-0 loss at New England Revolution
Montreal had a rough 3-0 loss at Gillette Stadium on Decision Day, keeping them as the No. 5 seed. The Impact need to forget about this Revs’ rout quickly as they prepare for their first Knockout Round match at D.C. United. Star striker Didier Drogba was once again not in the 18 for the Impact on Sunday.
6. Philadelphia Union – 42 pts. | 2-0 loss vs. New York Red Bulls
Philadelphia made it above the red line by the skin of their teeth as they lost to the Red Bulls and the Revs tied them in points with a win over Montreal. But goal differential came into play and the Union won the tie-breaker. Philly’s headed to the postseason for the first time in five years.
7. New England Revolution – 42 pts. | 3-0 win vs. Montreal Impact
New England ended its season on a high note with a 3-0 home win over the Montreal Impact, but they needed a lot of help to wiggle over the red line. The Revs went into the match knowing they needed a win, a Philly loss — both of which went their way — but they also needed to overturn a 12-goal difference. It didn’t happen.
8. Orlando City SC – 41 pts. | 4-2 win vs. D.C. United
Orlando City added some excitement to its final match at Camping World Stadium with four goals on D.C. United. Kaká’s name was sprinkled on the scoresheet with a goal and two assists. Despite not playing for postseason contention, the Lions left the venue and their fans on a high note.
9. Columbus Crew SC – 36 pts. | 4-1 loss at New York City FC
Columbus finished its third straight match on the road to close-out the 2016 season, and the Black & Gold didn’t leave quietly. They fired 15 shots at NYC goalkeeper Eirik Johansen in his debut, but pushing numbers forward late in the second half led to a couple counter-attacks that played in favor of the hosts. Ola Kamara scored his 16th goal of the season while Justin Meram added to his career-best 13 assists this year.
10. Chicago Fire – 31 pts. | 3-2 loss at Toronto FC
Chicago put up another valiant effort on the road to closeout a rough season. The Fire opened and closed the scoring at BMO Field with an early Michael de Leeuw goal, scoring in his third straight match. John Goossens chipped away at Toronto’s lead with an 83rd minute finish, but the 3-2 score in favor of the hosts held.