A Look at MLS’s Supporters’ Shield Race: Matchday 25

The matches are coming fast and furious in MLS as we head closer to the Leagues Cup tournament break. Matchday 24 was just four days ago, and now most of the teams competing for the top spot in MLS are battling again in midweek matches!

MLS — Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union

MLS’s Supporters’ Shield Race

The Supporters’ Shield race has been heating up. The six main contenders all played over the weekend, with only one getting all three points. Because there were draws and losses amongst the top six, two more teams have entered the fray of being considered “in the race.” Let’s take a look at the standings, and get ready for some important midweek action!

One winner out of the six contenders in Matchweek 24

The team leading the pack in this race for MLS’s Supporters’ Shield, FC Cincinnati was down 2-0 in the first half to Charlotte FC. It looked like the top side was going to be knocked down a peg; however, they rallied to tie the match and salvage a point and stay on top.

The only team out of MLS’s top six last week was debutants, St. Louis City. They were able to go up to lowly Toronto FC and squeak out a 1-0 win. Their three points and everyone else dropping points meant that City climbed up the standings to second in the Shield race.

Nashville went on the road to a Chicago side that has been inconsistent this season. Chicago found a goal in the first half breaking through Nashville’s stout defense. Nashville had no answer in their own attacking movements. They missed out on an opportunity to close the gap in the Shield race.

New England had a bit of a shocker against the Red Bulls. They conceded first, then went a man down, then equalized. It looked like the Revs would find a way to get a draw, but they blew it with five minutes left. Another team missing out on an opportunity to move up the standings.

Columbus Crew hosted an NYCFC team that had been struggling to get good results. It was a match that was very much uneventful in terms of chances created. Neither team could do much, but NYCFC was able to find a breakthrough in the 75th minute. The Crew looked done and dusted but equalized in the 4th minute of second-half stoppage time to salvage a point.

Philadelphia was coming off a loss and playing the second-worst team in the league, LA Galaxy, on the road. They are missing huge players, Andre Blake and Kai Wagner, and it showed on the night. They conceded two ugly goals that should’ve been saved. The Union was able to score once, but LA dominated the night. Philly keep falling, almost out of the top six in MLS.

Since so many teams dropped points in this race, it opened the door for others to creep in. Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders now sit a point ahead of Philadelphia, but they have played one more game than the Union. If others continue to drop and these team progress, then we’ll have to change who the contenders are in this race for the Shield.

MLS — Mandatory Credit: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

A Midweek Matchday 25

This midweek sees 10 MLS matches, and five of the top six are playing, with the two on the fringes also in action. There’s potential for a bit of a shake-up depending on how the results come about. Here’s a look at MLS’s matchday 25 games.

New England vs Atlanta | Wed., July 12 | 7:30 pm EST
Red Bulls vs Cincinnati | Wed., July 12 | 7:30 pm EST
Nashville vs Philadelphia | Wed., July 12 | 8:30 pm EST
LAFC vs St. Louis | Wed., July 12 | 10:30 pm EST
San Jose vs Seattle | Wed., July 12 | 10:30 pm EST
OFF: Columbus

These midweek MLS matches usually produce some crazy moments are we in store for another one of those in the dog days of summer? Don’t miss all the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.