USMNT MLS Recap (October 31): As Decision Day looms, Cavan Sullivan returns, Matt Freese can't save NYCFC

Let's get this out of the way right away. Decision Day is next week.

To ensure an effective build-up towards Decision Day - don't worry, this won't backfire because there are more than certainly going to be things to watch next week - I am going to turn this weekend's MLS recap into a multi-part analysis. The first part will focus on Saturday's matches, while the second will bring Sunday's playoff-focused matches into perspective.

Once I recap both days, I will take the time to fully and properly set up the stakes for Decision Day. With that said, let's discuss what went down in Saturday's MLS action.

Orlando City loses big, could face significant Decision Day challenge

Orlando City ... not locked into the playoffs heading into Decision Day? A 4-0 loss to Orlando City on Saturday will force the club to wait until Sunday's action concludes to know for sure whether they will be one of the final two Eastern Conference clubs to secure qualification to the playoffs.

Even then, Orlando City might not require Decision Day drama to get in. Given that Orlando City's advantage for the final playoff spot is four points, a loss by Red Bull New York and Toronto FC will secure a postseason berth for the club before Decision Day, though the latter will be eliminated if they fail to secure a victory on Sunday.

Justin Ellis was the only USMNT player involved in Saturday's match. He came on just after the first hour of the match. The win for Charlotte guarantees a top-five finish.

CF Montreal earns result against New York City FC, who are now eliminated from playoff contention

The spoiler effect came into play to start the second-to-last weekend of the 2026 MLS season, and it did not benefit New York City FC, who could not get the required result to ensure that their postseason hopes would continue into Decision Day.

Andrés Perea gave the club a 1-0 lead just before halftime. But Daniel Rios levelled the contest in stoppage time, ending New York City's playoff hopes. Matt Freese made just one save during the contest, which yielded CF Montreal's second MLS point in one month.

Cavan Sullivan returns, but Philadelphia loses to Cincinnati

Despite Cavan Sullivan's return to the Philadelphia Union lineup, the club could not capitalize and ultimately lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati. Sullivan came on as a 59th -minute change; he recorded a shot on target during his involvement. Both Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield started the contest, with the former winning two tackles.

First-half goal sinks St. Louis City, could lose home-field advantage on Decision Day

Just a few weeks ago, St. Louis City was fighting with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the top spot in the Western Conference. On Saturday, St. Louis City dropped another contest, this one to San Diego by a 1-0 scoreline, and could fall even further before Decision Day concludes. Damion Downs was brought into the contest during the final 12 minutes. He recorded one shot on target in his limited action.

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