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MLS: Breaking down the Eastern Conference Playoffs

By Matt Coles

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - November 4: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United jostle for position at corner kick during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - November 4: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United jostle for position at corner kick during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Union
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 04: Alejandro Bedoya #11 of Philadelphia Union celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the first half against the D.C. United at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

[3] Philadelphia Union

The team that held top spot in the Conference for the majority of the season were the Philadelphia Union, but they dropped away in the final couple of months after some poor results.

Like others in the Conference, the Union’s season did not start well. They failed to win any of their first three games, but from there on, they got on to a great run of form. Philadelphia only lost two of their next 15 matches, as they surged to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, including big wins over New England, Montreal and Columbus Crew.

They carried that form into the month of August, with four wins from five games, including a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United. However, their form dipped in the final five matches, as they took just four points on their run-in.

That run of poor form allowed both New York City FC and Atlanta to get ahead of them and take the top two spots in the Conference, with the Union having to settle for the third spot. They lost to the Red Bulls in the final month of the season, and they will battle it out with the side from New York in the first round of the playoffs on Sunday. Philly got the win at home against them in June and they will be hoping for home advantage to help once again this week.

Can the Union get into the Conference semifinals for only the second time in their history? If so, could they possibly go on to lift a first MLS Cup title?

First Round Fixture – Sunday 20th, 15:00 ET:

[3] Philadelphia Union v [6] New York Red Bulls

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