Both the MLS Eastern Conference and Western Conference are coming down to the wire. Here’s a look at the matches that could shake up the playoff chase.
The 2017 Major League Soccer season is winding down as we head into Week 29. While this week’s Wednesday match-ups are few, they offer some significant impact on the MLS Cup Playoff chase. Here’s a look at what this midweek has to offer.
Los Angeles Galaxy at Atlanta United
It’s been a grind for Atlanta since they started to play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Grind in the sense that they played three games in seven days last week and will now have another. Thankfully for them, Josef Martinez broke in the new home with SEVEN goals in that same time frame. Atlanta is still in a good spot as they hover over the playoff bubble in fifth place with fewer games than the teams around them, but playing so many games in such a short window can negate the benefit of having games in hand, which Atlanta currently has on their Eastern Conference opponents. A win against the struggling Galaxy will only help out in case they start to drop games after the fatigue later.
Montreal Impact at Toronto FC
Montreal are currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with six fewer points than the Red Bulls. They desperately need to earn the maximum amount of points to keep themselves in contention. The only problem with this one is they head into BMO Field to take on a well rested and surging Toronto FC. TFC rocked the Galaxy 4-0 in Los Angeles last weekend while resting some key pieces. Tonight is definitely a must win for Montreal, which means their postseason hopes could be on their last few hours.
Next: MLS Playoff Picture sees Vancouver on top
New York Red Bulls vs Sporting Kansas City
The other match tonight is the US Open Cup Final, featuring the Red Bulls heading into Kansas City for a chance at domestic glory and a Champions League bid. Both teams have a lot to play for, but the match will force the sixth place Red Bulls to play an additional match this week, and the result wont count towards their playoff hopes. Make sure you tune in to this one.