The MLS postseason picture is getting a little clearer. Who's going to be in the playoffs is starting to become more evident by the day. Who's going to finish where? That's another question.
But at least we can use the latest matchday to try and decipher what that final playoff bracket could look like and how USMNT players are influencing the proceedings. Can we?
Nashville earns comfortable win over CF Montreal, secures home-field advantage for the entirety of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs
Nashville SC will have (at most) five home games to work with as they look to secure what could be their first MLS Cup trophy. A 2-0 win over last-place CF Montreal gave Nashville the chance to convert their strong regular season into a Supporters' Shield title. Now, the focus shifts to becoming just the third team this decade to win both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake was in net for Nashville, recording six saves en route to his second clean sheet in three games.
Toronto FC's momentum stalls with loss to Columbus Crew
Toronto FC's playoff hopes took a big hit with a 4-2 loss to a Columbus Crew side that has continued to push for the postseason in recent times. The Crew went up 4-0 in the first hour of play, though Toronto FC would halve the deficit before the end of the game. Josh Sargent scored one of Toronto's two goals against the Crew, while Djordje Mihailovic added a shot on target. Both Americans played the entire contest.
Red Bull New York gets back on track, puts three points between them and playoff challengers in win over Inter Miami
The Eastern Conference playoff race might be getting closer by the weekend, but Red Bull New York was able to throw a wrench of their own into the chaos with their 2-0 win over Inter Miami. Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti were both involved in the game; the former recorded three shots on target, while the latter was involved in one of the two Red Bull New York goals. That said, both were taken off prior to second-half stoppage time.
New England ends Philadelphia's unbeaten run, takes control of second in the Eastern Conference
For the first time since the World Cup, the Philadelphia Union have suffered defeat in MLS play. Two stoppage-time goals were enough for the New England Revolution to earn a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union. The result means that the highest Philadelphia can finish in the Eastern Conference is fourth.
Cavan Sullivan was not involved in the contest, though Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre made appearances on the defensive line. The latter, who had recently earned a contract extension, scored Philadelphia's one goal of the game in the 12th minute of second-half stoppage time, though he also gave up three fouls.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner made three saves during the contest for the Revs. Elsewhere, Peyton Miller recorded an assist, while Brooklyn Raines came on in the 75th minute.
Chicago Fire survives early scare, secures bye through Wild Card round
Despite giving up an early goal, Chicago was able to find the goalscoring required to secure their 15th victory of the season. The 3-2 win over Atlanta United also brought their point total over 50 and ensured that they would not have to play in the wild card round. Goalkeeper Chris Brady made just one save against three shots faced.
New York City FC did well to secure their second consecutive result, which took the form of a 2-2 draw with Orlando City. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made one save during the contest, though he was taken off after half an hour due to an arm injury. Tomas Romero came into the contest in his place. Justin Ellis played two-thirds of the match for Orlando City.
St. Louis City drops another MLS contest, loses control of second in the Western Conference
Despite securing their first-ever trophy in the middle of the week, St. Louis City could not rectify their now-reversed MLS form, losing 3-0 to Salt Lake. With FC Dallas' 3-0 win over San Jose in mind, St. Louis City has now slipped to third place in the Western Conference standings. For Salt Lake, the win keeps them within a win of both Colorado and the LA Galaxy, who hold the two Western Conference wild card spots. Damion Downs was once again used as a substitute by St. Louis City; he came on in the 71st minute.
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