The MLS season is heading towards it's final stages as teams are fighting for playoff spots. In the Eastern conference, Atlanta, NY Red Bulls, NYCFC, Columbus, Philadelphia and Montreal are currently the 6 teams who hold a playoff berth. If for the first four teams things seem pretty comfortable, things are a little more tricky for Philadelphia and Montreal. The Union currently have 33 points (with 24 games played) where as the Impact have 33 points (with 26 games played). Both clubs will have to watch out for New England (who have 29 points with 24 games played) and DC United (27 points in 22 games). With numerous head to head encounters between these teams still to be played, anything can happen at this point. This is what makes things so exciting.
In the Western conference, Dallas, Sporting KC, LAFC, Real Salt Lake, LA Galaxy and Portland are the 6 teams that currently hold a playoff berth. Similar to the Eastern conference, the first 3 teams in the Western conference are pretty well placed with not many games to go. Real Salt Lake (38 points with 26 games played), LA Galaxy (37 points in 26 games) and Portland (37 points in 23 games) will have to watch out since 7th placed Seattle (35 points in 24 games) and 8th placed Vancouver (34 points in 25 games) are not too far back. What seems certain is that the next month or two will be packed with action in Major League Soccer.
In other news, Atlanta's Josef Martinez scored his 27th MLS goal of the season this past week-end thus tying Roy Lassiter, Chris Wondolowski and Bradly Wright-Phillips' record. With 9 games to go, it is a pretty safe to say that Martinez will be breaking the MLS goal scoring record which goes to show you how good he has been this season. Atlanta currently hold the first place in the general standings thanks to Martinez's strong play. They will be looking to win this year's Supporter's Shield as the best regular season team in the league.
Enjoy the coming weeks as things will get very interesting... Until next time.
Jean-Luca Mascaro (@Calcionews89)
