MLS USMNT Recap (weekend of October 10): Canadian Classique plays pivotal role in playoff chase, others holding on
With just about one month left in the 2026 MLS regular season, there is limited time for teams to make a final push for a playoff spot or to ensure the best seeding possible before the postseason begins. That said, the chaos is only just beginning, and this weekend's action ensures that there is going to be plenty to play for even during the final few weeks of the season.
Here is a recap of last weekend's action and a mini-preview of what could be a massive mid-week slate, featuring plenty of head-to-head contests between clubs separated by very few points (if any).
Toronto FC storms back against CF Montreal for a massive three points
For the first time in several years, meaningful football is truly back on the shores of Lake Ontario. Despite trailing cross-Canadian rivals CF Montreal, Toronto FC was able to pull off a very late rally to secure a massive 2-1 victory. Former USMNT midfielder/winger Djordje Mihailovic scored the game-winning goal for Toronto, while Lewis Morgan scored the leveller two minutes prior.
Chicago Fire rallies vs New York City FC, sends them outside playoff picture
The Chicago Fire secured a much-needed win in their hopes of ensuring a playoff spot and, by extension, strong seeding ahead of what could very well be a wide-open Eastern Conference playoff bracket.
Two second-half goals were enough to power Chicago to a big win at Soldier Field, one that propelled them up to third in the Eastern Conference. Combined with wins by FC Cincinnati and Red Bull New York, the loss sent New York City FC, who qualified for last season's Eastern Conference Final, tumbling out of the postseason picture entirely.
Both Chris Brady and Matt Freese started for their respective clubs. Brady made three saves on four total shots on target, while Freese recorded just one save on the same number of scoring chances.
Revolution scoreless once again, slip up in top-four race
Are the Seattle Sounders the Philadelphia Union of the Western Conference? Right now, I'd say yes. And they looked like a legitimate playoff contender on Saturday, putting a 3-0 win against the New England Revolution. Seattle's unbeaten run is now at nine games, while the loss put New England in a tie with Charlotte FC for fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Both Revs that were selected to represent the USMNT over the past few weeks made an appearance against Seattle. Midfielder Brooklyn Raines played the full contest, while defender Peyton Miller conceded a pair of fouls and was substituted after 87 minutes. In addition, goalkeeper Matt Turner made two saves compared to five total shots on target from the Sounders.
Ex-USMNT call-up Cristian Roldan played the full 90 minutes for the Sounders. Despite picking up a yellow card, Roldan also recorded a shot on target.
Philadelphia's run continues, Union pull within four points of the East's top-five
Speaking of the Union, Philadelphia's unbeaten run in MLS play now stands at 13 matches. And with six matches to go, there is a chance that the Union can match the LA Galaxy and FC Dallas' shared (current) record for the longest unbeaten run in MLS play at 19 consecutive matches.
That run was extended courtesy of a 2-1 win against Salt Lake. Both Cavan Sullivan and Frankie Westfield, who were called up by the USMNT for this past window, recorded assists on Saturday. Neil Pierre also appeared in the match against Salt Lake and ended up playing the full 90 minutes.
Julian Hall scores as Red Bull New York defeat San Diego FC handily
Julian Hall's form for the USMNT has clearly continued following the international break. This was made clear as Hall scored the first of four Red Bull New York goals in what was a 4-1 win over San Diego FC.
The game represented a near-dominant effort for Red Bull New York. Besides the four goals, Red Bull New York outshot San Diego 23-12; the shots-on-target metric was 10-5. As a result, the club added another three points to their advantage for an Eastern Conference postseason berth, though the gap from the wild card spots to 12th-place Columbus Crew is still seven points. Both Hall and his fellow USMNT/RBNY teammate Adri Mehmeti played the full 90 minutes against San Diego.
Justin Ellis a late substitute as Orlando City secures last-gasp win over Columbus Crew
Justin Ellis, who made his USMNT debut in the last international window, came on as a late substitute as Orlando City earned a late victory over Columbus Crew. While the game-winning goal went to Iván Angulo, Ellis nonetheless was able to record a shot on target during his eight minutes of action.
Miles Robinson starts as Cincinnati earns breathing room in wild card race
Longtime USMNT defender Miles Robinson played 72 minutes in what was a 3-1 win for FC Cincinnati over Atlanta United. Robinson recorded two tackles while conceding a foul during his time on the pitch against Atlanta. The win earned Cincinnati their ninth win of the campaign; they now have an even 9-9-9 record with 27 games played.
Brian Schwake helps Nashville defeat Austin 4-1 and get within two wins of securing Eastern Conference's top seed
Nashville SC's dominance this season continued with a 4-1 win against Austin FC. With the win, Nashville secured at least fifth place in the final Eastern Conference standings and put themselves in position to secure home-field advantage for the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs as soon as the middle of the week. Brian Schwake was in net for Nashville in the match against Austin, making four saves and conceding just once across the full 90 minutes. That said, he also picked up a yellow card.
Damion Downs a late substitute in St Louis City's thrashing of LA Galaxy
St. Louis City is two MLS results away from besting the MLS record for the longest unbeaten streak, defined as a run of form that consists of only wins or draws. Though St Louis City has matched Red Bull New York's 20-game undefeated run that took place a decade ago, that form considers MLS and non-MLS play at the same time, not league action on its own. In that regard, FC Dallas and Columbus Crew currently share the record, which stands at 19 straight contests.
Damion Downs came into the contest as a stoppage-time substitute. His entry came roughly 20 minutes after the final goal of the contest and over half an hour after the last of St. Louis City's six goals, which came within a span of 51 minutes.
