MLS: DCU, Impact Clinch Playoff Berths; Hoops Reclaim Top Spot In West And Shield Races; Timbers Keep Playoff Chances Alive

Ten games were played Sunday in Major League Soccer.

At Harrison, New Jersey:

Bradley Wright-Phillips scored twice (58', 70') as the New York Red Bulls tightened their hold on top spot in the Eastern Conference by holding off the visiting Columbus Crew 3-2.

At Chester, Pennsylvania:

Carlos Rivas (60') and Julio Baptista (90'+5) each scored once as Orlando City prevented the Philadelphia Union from locking up a playoff berth by blanking the hosts 2-0.

At Washington:

Patrick Mullins (27'), Bobby Boswell (31'), and Rob Vincent (45') each scored once as DC United locked up a playoff berth (for the third year running) with a 3-1 road victory over New York City.

At Montreal:

Ignacio Piatti scored twice (19', PK-55') as the Montreal Impact gained a 2-2 home draw with Toronto FC, and, combined with New England's loss to Chicago, clinched a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  Jozy Altidore (51') and Tosaint Ricketts (86') each delivered a goal for the Reds.

At Bridgeview, Illinois:

In a contest that saw both squads reduced to ten men apiece, David Accam scored the winning goal in the 80th minute as the Chicago Fire all but ended the New England Revolution's hope of making the playoffs with a 2-1 home win.

At Sandy, Utah:

Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake were foiled in their bids to lock up playoff berths as the two clubs battled to a 0-0 stalemate.

At Portland, Oregon:

Fanendo Adi successfully converted one of two penalty kicks (35') as the Portland Timbers kept their playoff chances alive with a 1-0 home win over the Colorado Rapids.  The visitors, who led both the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield races entering Sunday play, had a chance to lock up both titles with a win but blew their shot as FC Dallas knocked off Seattle to take the lead in both races.

At Houston:

Alan Gordon scored the only goal of the match in the 72nd minute as the Los Angeles Galaxy assured themselves of hosting an opening-round knockout playoff match by defeating the Houston Dynamo 1-0 on the road.

At Frisco, Texas:

Carlos Ruiz scored the winning goal in the 89th minute as FC Dallas reclaimed top spot in both the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield races after knocking off the Seattle Sounders 2-1 at home, preventing the guests from locking down a playoff berth.

At San Jose, California:

In a contest involving two clubs already eliminated from playoff contention, the San Jose Earthquakes and visiting Vancouver Whitecaps battled to a 0-0 deadlock.



MLS STANDINGS:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1.   x-New York Red Bulls (GP: 33; GD: +15; PTS: 54)
2.   x-New York City FC (GP: 33; GD: +2; PTS: 51)
3.   x-Toronto FC (GP: 33; GD: +11; PTS: 50)
4.   x-DC United (GP: 33; GD: +8; PTS: 46)
5.   x-Montreal (GP: 33; GD: -1; PTS: 45)
6.      Philadelphia (GP: 33; GD: -1; PTS: 42)
7.      New England (GP: 33; GD: -13; PTS: 39)
8.   z-Orlando City (GP: 33; GD: -7; PTS: 38)
9.   z-Columbus (GP: 33; GD: -5; PTS: 36)
10. z-Chicago (GP: 33; GD: -15; PTS: 31)

x-Clinched playoff berth

z-Eliminated from playoff contention



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1.   x-FC Dallas (GP: 33; GD: +10; PTS: 59)
2.   x-Colorado (GP: 33; GD: +7; PTS: 57)
3.   x-Los Angeles (GP: 33; GD: +15; PTS: 51)
4.      Real Salt Lake (GP: 33; GD: -1; PTS: 46)
5.      Seattle (GP: 33; GD: 0; PTS: 45)
6.      Kansas City (GP: 33; GD: -1; PTS: 44)
7.      Portland (GP: 33; GD: -2; PTS: 44)
8.   z-San Jose (GP: 33; GD: -6; PTS: 38)
9.   z-Vancouver (GP: 33; GD: -10; PTS: 36)
10. z-Houston (GP: 33; GD: -6; PTS: 33)

x-Clinched playoff berth

z-Eliminated from playoff contention

NOTE:  With Sporting Kansas City and Portland level on points (44) and wins (12), Sporting have the superior goal differential (-1, compared to the Timbers' -2).