The Philadelphia Union remain at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield table after MLS Matchday 28, following a draw with Toronto FC on Saturday night.
The Union came out to an early 1-0 lead in the opening minutes, but Toronto equalized during the late stages of the second half. FC Cincinnati’s loss to Charlotte FC on Sunday helped the Union stay at the top.
In the Western Conference, Son Heung-min debuted for LAFC in the second half against the Chicago Fire. Son played 30 minutes, had three shots, and also drew a penalty that Denis Bouanga converted on. LAFC drew with Chicago, 2-2.
San Diego FC also extended its lead in the West. They are now four points ahead of the second-place Vancouver Whitecaps.
Here are the five best matches from MLS Matchday 28.
Toronto stuns Philadelphia late
The Union came out to a quick start against Toronto thanks to a goal from Indiana Vassilev in the 4th minute. Tai Baribo seemed to double the Union’s lead in the second half, but his goal was called back due to offside.
In the 90+1′, Deandre Kerr stunned the fans at Subaru Park with an equalizer. A point is a point in MLS, but the Union wasn’t happy drawing one of the Eastern Conference’s lowest teams. Even though they drew, the Union stayed at the top of the East thanks to Charlotte’s win over Cincinnati.
Son makes his MLS debut
Son Heung-min made his MLS debut for LAFC on Saturday night against the Chicago Fire. Son made his first appearance in the second half, playing a total of 30 minutes.
Chicago struck first in the 11th minute, but then Ryan Hollingshead tied the match in the 19th minute. Jonathan Bamba put Chicago back ahead in the 70th minute, until Denis Bouanga tied the game again for LAFC in the 81st minute on a penalty conversion that was given for a previous foul on Son.
Miami feels Messi’s absence in loss to Orlando
Orlando City pounced on Inter Miami quickly on Sunday Night Soccer and picked up three points in a 4-1 win. The Lionel Messi-less Miami squad felt his lack of presence.
Luis Muriel scored a brace (2′, 50′), and Martin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic provided the other two goals. Yannick Bright brought the match level in the 8th minute for Miami, but that was the only goal his side would muster.
Zaha scores late winner for Charlotte
With Philadelphia drawing to Toronto, FC Cincinnati had the chance to leap them in the MLS standings, but Charlotte FC had something to say about that.
After a scoreless first half, Brian Anunga was sent off with a red card for Cincinnati in the 70th minute. Down to 10 men, Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha capitalized on the advantage with a volley in the 85th minute.
Charlotte is sitting in seventh in the East, just one point behind Miami.
San Jose wins late against Vancouver
The San Jose Earthquakes won in the 90+4′ over the Vancouver Whitecaps thanks to a goal from Preston Judd. San Jose led the match, 1-0, throughout most of the second half until Brian White tied the game in the 88th minute.
Vancouver was also playing down a man since the 27th minute after Edier Ocampo was sent off with a red card.
MLS Table after Matchday 28
MLS’s Eastern Conference
Philadelphia Union – 51 pts
FC Cincinnati – 49 pts
Nashville SC – 47 pts
Orlando City – 44 pts
Columbus Crew – 44 pts
Inter Miami – 42 pts
Charlotte FC – 41 pts
NYCFC – 38 pts
Chicago Fire – 36 pts
New York Red Bulls – 36 pts
Toronto FC – 22 pts
Atlanta United – 22 pts
CF Montreal – 19 pts
D.C. United – 19 pts
MLS’s Western Conference
San Diego FC – 49 pts
Vancouver Whitecaps – 45 pts
Minnesota United – 44 pts
Seattle Sounders – 41 pts
LAFC – 37 pts
Portland Timbers – 37 pts
Austin FC – 34 pts
Colorado Rapids – 33 pts
San Jose Earthquakes – 32 pts
Real Salt Lake – 31 pts
FC Dallas – 28 pts
Houston Dynamo – 28 pts
Sporting Kansas City – 24 pts
St. Louis City – 21 pts
LA Galaxy – 16 pts
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