More Major League Soccer action continued on Saturday as we moved one step closer to Decision Day.
Here is what went down across the United States and Canada.
What happened
Things are filtering down in the Eastern Conference, with Toronto FC officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Inter Miami’s 1-0 win at the death inside a packed BMO Field condemned the Canadian club and the Herons remain on course to break the single-season points record. But TFC were not the only side from the north who fell short on the weekend.
Montréal eyes the playoffs thanks to a bit of point luck despite losing 2-0 to Charlotte FC and Minnesota’s penalty helped them edge the Whitecaps on the road 1-0.
Meanwhile, playoff hope is alive for D.C. United, following a 2-1 win over now-eliminated New England, in which MLS Golden Boot leader Christian Benteke bagged another.
Elsewhere, a second-half flurry saw a spirited Atlanta United keep their eyes on the post-season after beating 10-man New York Red Bulls 2-1.
Columbus Crew held on to win 3-2 over Philadelphia Union, and Orlando City continued their impressive winning run with a 3-1 road win against FC Cincinnati.
Over in the Western Conference, LAFC got another last laugh over Sporting KC in a repeat of the U.S. Open Cup Final. The 3-0 result also saw them clinch home-field advantage.
Current leaders LA Galaxy beat Austin 2-1, officially eliminating Matthew McConaughey’s team from post-season contention. And the Portland Timbers will be loving that!
Additionally, St. Louis let the goals fly in a 3-0 win over 10-man Houston Dynamo, Seattle Sounders secured home-field playoff advantage after edging past Colorado Rapids 1-0, and Real Salt Lake beat San Jose 1-0.
Stats of the night
Orlando City’s run of 10 wins in their last 13 can only happen thanks to their attacking talents. A club record 58 goals and counting, with another 90 minutes to come!
Despite already being eliminated, it’s a night of positivity for St. Louis FC after registering 20 different scorers in a single MLS regular season. The first to do it!
Player of the night
There will also be some celebrating for the Crew, having registered their best-ever single-season points tally with two games to go (60).
They achieved that feat thanks to an in-form Cucho Hernández, who scored two headers for his 31st and 32nd goal contributions in a single season, a new club record.
As such, he jumped into second in the running for the MLS Golden Boot, four goals shy of leader Benteke.
What this means
Well, that’s TFC’s, New England’s, and Nashville’s seasons over (and the latter didn’t even kick a ball). That leaves D.C. United, Montréal, Philadelphia Union, and Atlanta United all battling for one of the final two playoff spots.
Portland celebrated early after capitalizing on Austin’s slip-up and reached the post-season while rivals LAFC continued creeping up on LA Galaxy for first in the Western Conference. Olivier Giroud’s men, however, have a game in hand.
Orlando City are also eyeing home-field advantage, which will depend on Sunday’s results.
Oct 5, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; D.C. United midfielder Pedro Santos (7) celebrates after scoring during the first half against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
What comes next?
Sunday’s action features just two games. New York City FC welcomes Nashville to town, while Portland hosts FC Dallas.
Feature image credit: © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images