Matchday 34 brought the chaos, as Eastern and Western Conference leaders fell, while fringe playoff teams secured results
Saturday's slate of MLS action brought out everything soccer fans could imagine. Dramatic upsets, shocking performances, golazos to remember and thrilling matches.
In the Western Conference, both Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids clinched spots in the playoffs, with Chris Armas' side securing a massive win over Toronto FC while RSL played to an exciting 3-3 draw with Phil Neville's Portland Timbers. Elsewhere in the West, LAFC suffered a shocking defeat, while the Houston Dynamo claimed victory in the Texas Derby.
In the East, league-leaders Inter Miami were stunned by a late equalizer from NYCFC at Yankee Stadium, while Nashville SC pulled off a major result against FC Cincinnati. The winners on the day were the Columbus Crew, who came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Orlando City.
Decision Day on Oct. 19 is looming, with just four weeks remaining on the calendar. It's make or break for fringe playoff teams, while those near the top of their conference are fighting for a home playoff game.
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GOAL takes a look at the top games from Matchday 34 in the latest MLS roundup.
USA Today ImagesCrew's Shield dream
Wilfried Nancy's team feel like a club of destiny. One of the few teams that are still alive in the race for the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, they knocked off an in-form Orlando City side 4-3 Saturday night, shrugging off their late comeback with Aziel Jackson's 85th minute goal the difference.
Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez and Cucho Hernandez bagged goals, with the Colombian forward furthering his MVP candidacy.
They now sit second in the Eastern Conference, leapfrogging rivals FC Cincinnati, knowing they still have a game in-hand. Their Oct. 2 meeting with Inter Miami has now become blockbuster.
AdvertisementImagnLAFC's post-Leagues Cup woes
LAFC are now winless in five straight matches since falling in the Leagues Cup final to the Crew. They've dropped to fourth in the Western Conference, and now trail first-place LA Galaxy by nine points after a 3-1 defeat to FC Dallas Saturday.
Olivier Giroud has yet to score during the regular season, and MLS Golden Boot candidate Denis Bouanga has only scored once in a challenging stretch.
They're near rock bottom, and could lose a home playoff spot in the West as a result. They hold a one-point lead over fifth-place Houston Dynamo, and are treading water with their current form.
USA Today ImagesRSL and Portland's offer a thriller
Real Salt Lake squandered both 2-0 and 3-2 leads to draw the Timbers 3-3 at America First Field Saturday night, but with the point, moved up to second place in the Western Conference. Goals from Diogo Goncalves, Dominik Marczuk and USMNT prospect Diego Luna helped them earn the point.
Meanwhile, Portland's Evander scored a sensational free kick for the Timbers' second of the game, while star forward and frontrunner for MLS Newcomer of the Year Jonathan Rodriguez bagged his 15th goal of the season in stoppage-time to draw level.
In a six-goal thriller, RSL clinched a berth in the postseason, while Phil Neville's side earned a crucial point en-route to their journey up the Western standings. RSL sit second in the table, while the Timbers hold steady at eighth.
IMGANElsewhere in the East
Inter Miami were held to a 1-1 draw by NYCFC, with James Sands netting a 95th minute equalizer for the Pigeons…. Charlotte FC pummeled 10-man New England Revolution 4-0 for their first regular season win since July 13… CF Montreal earned their third-straight result, defeating the Chicago Fire 2-0 behind a Caden Clark winner… The New York Red Bulls drew Atlanta United 2-2, with each side finding the back of the net in stoppage-time… FC Cincinnati were stunned by Nashville SC, with FCC coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 as they dropped points in the Eastern Conference.