MLS is entering Matchweek 27, which is a tipping point for many of the contenders in the Supporters’ Shield race. The majority of the teams in the top 10 spots of the league have 10 games left as they look to solidify their positions for the playoffs while fighting for the Shield. We’re into the final third of the season now. The All-Star Game just happened, and the summer transfer window is now open; which teams can complete the final push for the Supporters’ Shield? Here’s a look at how the top 10 fared last week, and who they’ll face this coming weekend in MLS play.
MLS Supporters’ Shield Watch after Matchday 26
1st Place: FC Cincinnati – 48 points from 24 games played
Once again, the top of the Eastern Conference has seen a change among the leaders. Cincinnati leapfrogged up to the top spot of their conference and the league, thanks to a 1-0 win at Real Salt Lake. In true FCC fashion, they played in a tight contest. It looked like things might end in a 0-0 draw until Luca Orellano scored a banger in the 87th minute to claim all three points. In this league, getting wins like that on the road is a recipe for success, but can they do it again on the road this week?
Cincy travels to Miami this coming Saturday for a marquee matchup. The two faced off 10 days prior in Cincinnati, where the Orange and Blue picked up a massive 3-0 win. Messi will not be present as he and Jordi Alba are suspended for the match after skipping the All-Star game. Will Miami get its revenge without Messi and move up into the top five with three games in hand? Or will Evander and Denkey continue to keep Cincinnati on top of everyone?
- Next MLS Match: @ Inter Miami CF | Saturday, July 26 | 7:15 pm EST
2nd Place: Nashville SC – 47 points from 24 games played
Nashville continued its meteoric rise through the ranks of MLS last weekend, taking down Toronto FC 1-0. A Sam Surridge goal that keeps him tied in the Golden Boot race made the difference and pushed Nashville to one point off of the East and the Shield lead. They have really surprised a lot this season, pushing the teams projected to be in the running for the top spot in MLS, and now Nashville is hoping to defy more odds in a high-profile matchup tonight.
Nashville travels across the country for a Friday night showdown with San Diego FC, the team in first place in the West. In what will be their first-ever meeting in MLS play, both teams will be looking to top their respective conferences and push for the Shield. A win for Nashville could propel them to the top of both, while San Diego could make things a tighter race for the Shield if they win. Tune in for the Friday night-cap!
- Next MLS Match: @ San Diego FC | Friday, July 25 | 10:30 pm EST
3rd Place: Philadelphia Union – 47 points from 24 games played
The Union was back on top after two wins in a row, then went to Houston and rotated most of their squad. Even in doing so, Philly was the better team in the first half, scoring first thanks to veteran midfielder Alejandro Bedoya. However, just before halftime, former Union player Jack McGlynn converted a PK to tie the game. A whistle-happy ref dominated the second half, and it ended 1-1. Philadelphia will feel hard done after some calls, but they are ready to get back on the field to put the match behind them.
This Saturday, Philly returns home to take on Western Conference foes Colorado Rapids. The Union has taken 27 of 36 possible points from home matches this season, with a record of eight wins, three draws, and one loss. Colorado is a playoff team in the West but has only taken 10 points from 11 away games. This one will be a battle, but it’s one that Philly will look for a way to go to the top of MLS. Let’s see if they rise to the challenge.
- Next MLS Match: vs Colorado Rapids | Saturday, July 26 | 7:30 pm EST
4th Place: Columbus Crew SC – 44 points from 24 games played
Columbus has lost only twice in their last eight games and has played itself into the top five of the league with only four points between them and the top spot. Daniel Gazdag scored his first goal for the Crew in the first half vs DC United, from the PK spot, as should be expected. Benteke equalized minutes into the second half, but Columbus had too much quality and found the winner with 12 minutes to go. Now they look to continue to scratch and claw their way up the East and the Shield standings.
Orlando comes to town for the Crew. It’s the first time these two will meet this season, and it’s a low-key rivalry game for the Eastern Conference teams. The all-time series between these two teams in MLS is almost deadlocked: nine wins for the Crew, 10 wins for Orlando, and four draws. This one has had fireworks: lots of goals, not great defense. Expect this one to be very open; who will come out on top?
- Next MLS Match: vs Orlando City SC | Saturday, July 26 | 7:30 pm EST
5th Place: San Diego FC – 43 points from 24 games played
San Diego FC is the lone team from the Western Conference, and it is still in the top five of the league. They got a draw last week in a top-of-the-West clash with Vancouver. San Diego was lucky to get a point from the game, as Vancouver scored first. A goal in the last 11 minutes from Ian Pilcher salvaged a point. San Diego is holding down last place in the top five, but they are now five points off the Shield, even though they are the top team in their conference.
Their game this weekend is tonight at home against Nashville. This will be a big test for the expansion side, as a win could put them one point behind Nashville in the race for the Shield. Will we see a San Diego side push the game with the ball against a stingy and lethal Nashville team? Or, will Nashville’s direct attack punish San Diego’s shaky defense?
- Next MLS Match: vs Nashville SC | Friday, July 25 | 10:30 pm EST
Rounding out the top 10
Of the teams that round out the top 10, the only ones that have a chance to move up the standings are Vancouver, Miami, and Minnesota. Orlando and Seattle round out the top 10, but are much further away from competing for the Shield. The one team to keep an eye on is Miami, which has three games in hand and, on points-per-game, is amongst the top three teams in the league. We’ll see if any of those teams can push their way up the standings.
- 6th Place: Vancouver Whitecaps – 42 points from 23 games played
- 7th Place: Inter Miami CF – 41 points from 21 games played
- 8th Place: Minnesota United – 41 points from 24 games played
- 9th Place: Orlando City SC – 38 points from 24 games played
- 10th Place: Seattle Sounders – 37 points from 23 games played
This weekend, all of these clubs will play either on Friday or Saturday. As the season gets down to the nitty-gritty, we’re seeing a clear top six teams, while the four other teams that round out the top 10 are just solidifying their spot for the playoffs. Will any of these teams be able to jump up the table, or will we see some newcomers come into the top 10 in the league?
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