USMNT MLS Recap (October 17): St Louis City's unbeaten run ends at 21 games, Union's streak continues
Yeah, we're truly going to need another Decision Day. Game 35 anyone? I certainly miss Game 163.
Union secure another big result but lose opportunity to close the deficit to the teams ahead
Philadelphia's unbeaten run now has them within touching distance of a postseason berth, a reward for what seemed like an unlikely feat just a few months ago. Despite only managing a 2-2 draw with Charlotte FC, the point is valuable in that it would all but ensure that the teams that can still knock them out of the playoff picture entirely have to win out in order to have a chance at doing so.
That said, the result wasn't exactly an easy feat, as the Union also had to rally from down 2-1 to secure the result. Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre, and Frankie Westfield all played the full 90 minutes, though none of them recorded a goal or attacking contribution of any kind. Defender Tim Ream was not involved in the match for Charlotte FC.
Damion Downs enters as second-half substitute, but Minnesota rallies to end St Louis City's unbeaten run
St. Louis City recently made history by going 21 games unbeaten in all competitions. Not to diminish the record, but immediately after they did so, Minnesota United ended the run in what was a 3-2 comeback. After St. Louis City took an early 2-0 lead, Minnesota United scored three times to erase the deficit, end St. Louis City's streak, and resuscitate their own postseason hopes. Damion Downs came into the match in the 70th minute and managed to create one chance and get a shot off in limited minutes.
Matt Turner gets a clean-sheet, Chicago's struggles continue
After a not-so-great during-and-post-international break period, goalkeeper Matt Turner has started to put some form together after his shock exclusion. Against Chris Brady, who was named to the last USMNT lineup, Turner made a case to be included over the Chicago Fire keeper, recording a clean sheet in what was a 1-0 head-to-head victory. Turner recorded five saves during the contest, while Brady recorded three against four shots from the Revs.
D.C. United's playoff hopes take a huge hit in loss to Orlando City
D.C. United's recent playoff push has hit a standstill of sorts after a 4-1 loss to Orlando City. The club went down 2-0 after 22 minutes and trailed 2-1 at the break. Two second-half goals would be enough to ensure the victory for Orlando City. Justin Ellis came on in the second half as a substitute. He recorded an assist during his half-hour of involvement.
Toronto FC clears a massive hurdle in late-season push for playoffs, draws level with Red Bull New York on points
Things might truly be changing for the better in Toronto. Heading into Saturday's action, Toronto FC needed to secure points against Red Bull New York to give themselves an opportunity at getting into the playoff picture, and they did just that in what was a 2-0 win.
Both Josh Sargent and Djordje Mihailovic were involved in the contest for Toronto FC. The former played 86 minutes before being taken off, while the latter recorded 68 minutes of action. Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti both started the contest for Red Bull New York. Only Hall, who recorded four shots on target, remained on the pitch for the full contest.
NYCFC turns around losing streak with draw against LAFC
New York City FC might not have gotten back into the playoff picture on Saturday, but they did well to make their situation a little better. Despite giving up a late first-half goal, New York City FC rallied to secure a draw against a determined but still-slumping LAFC side. With the draw, New York City FC remains within a win of Red Bull New York, Toronto FC, and FC Cincinnati. For LAFC, who have won just two of their last 12 games, the draw means they can no longer secure the top spot in the Western Conference.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded three saves during the contest.
Nashville secures top spot in Eastern Conference despite draw with San Jose
Barring any early-round upset, the Eastern Conference side of the MLS Cup Playoffs bracket will run through Nashville. It might not have been the dominant effort of recent weeks, but Nashville was able to secure a point against San Jose in what was a 1-1 draw. That point puts them 12 clear of Inter Miami, who defeated Atlanta United 3-1, with four to play.
Goalkeeper Brian Schwake was in net for the massive result. He recorded two saves during the match.
Seattle Sounders salvage result against CF Montreal, remain four points back of LAFC for sixth
While the Seattle Sounders did well to keep pace with LAFC for sixth in the Western Conference by virtue of their 1-1 draw against CF Montreal, the point does them no favors with four matches to go. Cristian Roldan played the entire match against CF Montreal, though he did not record any contribution on the attacking side of the pitch.
