The end of the Major League Soccer season is fast approaching, and with the playoff picture coming into focus, there were plenty of big matches across the league, including a seven-goal thriller in Orlando and a pair of fiery derbies in New York and Los Angeles.
New York City FC 0-0 New York Red Bulls
Saturday’s early kickoff saw these bitter rivals battle with the Hudson River derby trophy on the line, but there was more than pride on the line, as each side would have been eager to pick up a win and edge closer to the playoffs. It wasn’t to be, however, as both sides turned in strong defensive performances.
Atlanta United 5-2 Inter Miami CF
A brace from in-form Leonardo Campana wasn’t enough to prevent a Messi-less Miami side from losing to the hosts. Brooks Lennon notched his ninth assist of the season and added a goal for good measure as Atlanta moved nine points above the play-in positions.
CF Montréal 0-0 Chicago Fire FC
Chris Brady and Jonathan Sirois each made four saves as Montréal stayed in the play-in positions and Chicago snapped a three-match losing streak.
Toronto FC 1-2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Fit-again Michael Bradley made his 300th appearance for the hosts, but his return wasn’t enough to prevent Vancouver from getting their third win in four matches to keep pace in the battle for top spot in the Western Conference. Tomás Romero made six saves, but he couldn’t prevent the ‘Caps from coming from behind for the win.
Philadelphia Union 2-2 FC Cincinnati
In a battle of Eastern Conference heavyweights, the leaders battled back from two goals down and then held on for a draw after Yerson Mosquera was sent off ten minutes from time. Cincinnati still have an eight-point lead over surging Orlando City with six matches to play.
Orlando City 4-3 Columbus Crew
In what was one of the most thrilling matches of the season, never mind the weekend, Orlando got a brace from Ramiro Enrique to settle a high octane affair. Cucho Hernández scored and had an assist to give Columbus the lead, but Orlando battled back to move into second place.
Charlotte FC 0-0 D.C. United
One of three scoreless draws this weekend, this match saw home ‘keeper Kristijan Kahlina make six saves as both teams stayed in the mix for a playoff spot.
FC Dallas 1-1 Seattle Sounders FC
Alex Roldan scored midway through the second half to preserve a point for Seattle in a closely-fought match.
Houston Dynamo FC 1-1 St. Louis CITY SC
João Klauss scored for the visitors for the second match running to allow St. Louis to get a vital point ahead of their clash with second place LAFC in the week.
Minnesota United FC 0-1 Sporting Kansas City
Tim Meila made four saves and Gadi Kinda scored the game’s only goal five minutes from time to move SKC to within a point of the play-in places.
Colorado Rapids 2-1 New England Revolution
Calvin Harris opened his account with a fantastic finish and Marko Ilic made five saves to deliver a shock win for the hosts.
Los Angeles Football Club 4-2 LA Galaxy
The hosts held off a pesky Galaxy side thanks for Timothy Tillman’s first goal since March and a brace from Dénis Bouanga, who is now the league’s joint-leading scorer.
San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Real Salt Lake
Cristian Espinoza had a pair of assists to power the ‘Quakes to a vital win over a slumping RSL side who have now lost three of four.
Austin FC 1-2 Portland Timbers
Felipe Mora continue his return from injury with a goal and an assist for Evander as the Timbers moved ahead of the hosts in the playoff race.
