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The Week That Was
4. Houston Dynamo - 44 Points, 30 Games Played
5. Philadelphia Union - 42 Pts, 30 GP
6. Columbus Crew - 41 Pts, 31 GP
7. New England Revolution - 41 Pts, 30 GP
8. Chicago Fire - 40 Pts, 30 GP
DC United 0-3 Chicago Fire
The Union can only hope that this Regular Season DC United shows up next week and not US Ope Cup DC United. Even at home DC looks like a bad team and Chicago made sure not to stumble over this challenge.
Houston Dynamo 1-0 Montreal Impact
Tally Hall made a big save late on an Andrew Wenger breakaway as Houston leaps over Montreal in the standings and Montreal continues to spiral downward. It's not time to panic up north, as they had built up enough of a padding to be safe, but they have now slipped into the Eastern Conference Play-In game.
New York Red Bulls 2-2 New England Revolution
Dropped points from New England as the Red Bulls are able to clinch a playoff birth with a stoppage time equalizer. It wasn't pretty for New York, but it got the job done. For the Revolution, it may be the difference between the playoffs and watching at home. A real controversial ending that brought MLS officiating back into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Philadelphia Union 1-0 Toronto FC
It looked like these teams were headed for a 3rd draw of the season, but Kleberson made sure that the playoff hopeful Union took all 3 points. Hard to say that the Union deserved the win, but they're getting the job done right now and this time of year, that is the only thing that matters. Real issues for Philly with Fabinho and Williams suspended next week.
Columbus Crew 0-1 Sporting Kansas City
It was an early first half goal that was the difference and this is a huge blow to the Crew's hopes at the playoffs. For Kansas City it was points gained in the race for the Supporter's Shield and first in the East. Just 2 points, with a game in hand, are between SKC and the top of the conference and they've got their momentum back after some disappointing performances.
The Week That Will Be
3. Houston Dynamo - 47 Points, 31 Games Played
4. Montreal Impact - 46 Pts, 30 GP
5. Philadelphia Union - 45 Pts, 31 GP
6. Chicago Fire - 43 Pts, 31 GP
7. New England Revolution - 42 Pts, 31 GP
8. Columbus Crew - 41 Pts, 32 GP
10/11 Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City (MLS Live)
Probably the biggest game of the weekend in the East. A Houston win would compact the conference to a point where there could be a possibility of 5 teams within 5 points of 1st in the East if results go the right way. Houston is full of confidence right now and SKC will be feeling good again after a good win last week. This one could go either direction. Best Result: There really isn't any bad result here for the Union. Either way the Union will either have a chance to jump over Houston, or pull within just 2 points of 2nd place in the East. The Houston victory option could mean an even more important end of season match up with SKC, but a Sporting win means there could be less in that game for SKC.
10/12 Montreal Impact vs New England Revolution (MLS Live/TSN)
How bad can it get for Montreal? Sooner or later they have to pull out of this tailspin and get back to winning ways. If they fail to do so again this week they will be looking at just 1 point separating these two opponents. New England will be filled will anger after the way they lost the lead against New York last week. Can they carry over that sentiment to this weekend? Best Result: As long as the Union win a New England win would be a huge result in helping the Union climb up the conference ladder. Should the Union drop points this week, it would be more beneficial to see Montreal keep a playoff chaser at arms length.
10/12 DC United vs Philadelphia Union (MLS Live)
It's not easy beating a team 3 times in one season, but at this stage of the season the Union can't afford to not complete the season sweep. This is a game against the worst team in the league and it will be important to take advantage of that, despite missing some key players to suspension. Best Result: Must win for the Union. Don't drop points to the bad teams in the league. Keep the post season fate in your own hands and take advantage of any other team stumbling around you.
10/12 FC Dallas vs Chicago Fire (MLS Live)
While Dallas is not mathematically eliminated, they have their playoff hopes on life support. Chicago is fairing just a little bit better, but still are on the wrong side of the chase. A win could even vault Chicago back into a playoff spot, but a loss could mean the rest of the season is a must win and even then would need help from teams around them. Best Result: This is an easy one. A Western Conference vs Eastern Conference matchup means a chance for a team to win and only have a positive impact on the Union. FC Dallas needs a win and the Union would love nothing more for them to stay in the playoff race for at least one more week.