The Philadelphia Union’s 11-match MLS unbeaten streak ended on Sunday in a 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew. The Union played a strong first half but conceded in the 45th minute and couldn’t find an equalizer at any point in the second half. The second half was also delayed until 8:13 pm due to inclement weather.
In MLS’s Western Conference, the Portland Timbers dropped important points to Toronto FC. Toronto, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference, kept a 3-0 clean sheet over Portland. The Timbers sit fourth in the West but could’ve closed the gap to Minnesota United following their draw to New York Red Bulls.
Here are the five best matches from MLS Matchday 21
Columbus snaps Philadelphia’s streak
Columbus versus Philadelphia is always an exciting matchup, but MLS’s Sunday Night Soccer tilt was pretty important due to where both teams are sitting in the East. Following this loss, the Union are still at the top of the East and the Supporters’ Shield table, but FC Cincinnati and Columbus are closing in.
The Union was strong throughout the first 45 minutes, but Mohamed Farsi’s goal in the 45+2′ for the Crew slowly shifted the match. The second half was delayed for a bit due to inclement weather, and the Union couldn’t muster a comeback once the second half resumed.
The Union still has three points on fourth-place Columbus, but the top four of the East is getting tight.
Portland drops points to Toronto
The Portland Timbers will want to forget this performance quickly. A contender in the West, the Timbers were blanked by Toronto FC, who are 13th in the East.
Alonso Coello put Toronto up early in the 11th minute, and then Toronto’s next two goals came in the second half.
Portland is still fourth in MLS‘s West, but the Seattle Sounders are one point behind them.
San Jose draws with LA Galaxy
San Jose led 1-0 from the 16th minute onward, but Marco Reus brought the match level in the 70th minute. Reus dominated the second half and was the one to give the Galaxy one point at PayPal Park.
San Diego stays at the top of the West
The Vancouver Whitecaps won over LAFC, but San Diego FC also scored three points against FC Dallas. San Diego was at the top of the West coming into Matchday 21, and they exited still at the top.
Dallas was leading 2-1 after the 57th minute, but then San Diego started a comeback. Chucky Lozano equalized in the 77th minute, and then Tomas Angel scored the game winner in the 90+6′. San Diego’s incredible debut season continues.
Cincinnati gains points on Philadelphia
FC Cincinnati is smiling after seeing the Philadelphia Union lose to the Columbus Crew because they are now one point from tying the Union at the top of the East.
Cincinnati picked up a 2-1 win over Orlando City, thanks to a brace from Evander.
MLS table after Matchday 21
MLS’s Eastern Conference
Philadelphia Union – 40 pts
FC Cincinnati – 39 pts
Nashville SC – 38 pts
Columbus Crew – 37 pts
Orlando City – 33 pts
Inter Miami – 29 pts
New York Red Bulls – 29 pts
Chicago Fire – 28 pts
NYCFC – 28 pts
Charlotte FC – 25 pts
New England Revolution – 24 pts
D.C. United – 18 pts
Toronto FC – 17 pts
Atlanta United – 17 pts
CF Montreal – 14 pts
MLS’s Western Conference
San Diego FC – 39 pts
Vancouver Whitecaps – 38 pts
Minnesota United – 34 pts
Portland Timbers – 30 pts
Seattle Sounders – 29 pts
San Jose Earthquakes – 27 pts
LAFC – 26 pts
Colorado Rapids – 26 pts
Austin FC – 26 pts
Houston Dynamo – 23 pts
FC Dallas – 21 pts
Sporting Kansas City – 20 pts
Real Salt Lake – 19 pts
St. Louis City – 15 pts
LA Galaxy – 9 pts
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