MLS Cup Playoffs: Breaking down what your team needs on Decision Day
By Matt Coles
Tight At The Top For The Shield
Current Standings:
- PHI – 44 from 22 (2 PPG)
- TOR – 44 from 22 (2)
‘Decision Day’ Fixtures: PHI v New England, TOR @ NY Red Bulls
Philadelphia Union currently holds the top spot in the Eastern Conference, thanks in part to their huge 5-0 victory over Toronto, which saw them move ahead of the Canadian side a couple of weeks ago. The Union have won 11 of their last 14 matches dating back to the start of September, and have a 100% record on home soil.
That perfect record will see them start ‘Decision Day’ as favourites to take the top spot in the Eastern Conference, as they host the New England Revolution. A win would be enough for the Union to maintain the top spot and give them the No.1 seed in the playoffs. It would also see them win their first-ever trophy as a professional team, as they would claim the Supporters’ Shield title.
The 2017 MLS Cup champions almost had their hands on the Supporters’ Shield for the second time in four seasons, but that heavy defeat to the Union changed things completely. A win against Philadelphia and the trophy would practically have been theirs, but that isn’t the case going into the final day.
The Canadian side have the better the result of their rivals if they are to take the No.1 seed in the East and claim the Supporters’ Shield crown. However, they face a tougher test. TFC will travel to the Big Apple to face the New York Red Bulls, knowing that realistically, they have to win to have any chance.
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The two teams have an identical record, with 13 wins, 4 losses and 5 draws from their 22 regular-season matches, but thanks to that 5-0 win and a ten-goal swing, Philadelphia have the much better goal difference, which sees them top of the table.
- PHI need: Win, or match TOR result
- TOR need: Win & PHI fail to win OR Draw & PHI loss