As the season winds down on the pitches of MLS, teams are making pushes for the playoffs. However, teams that have already clinched their MLS Cup playoff spot are still pushing hard for better seeding. Of course, there is still the race for the Supporters Shield, too.
The Columbus Crew SC are clinched, and certainly aiming for better seeding. However, the Crew will not be making a push anymore for the Supporters Shield.
Orlando City SC dashed the Crew’s hopes of lifting the shield with a wild 2-1 victory. Chris Mueller and Benji Michel added to their season totals with goals each. In the 56th minute, Harrison Afful scored for the Crew. However, that wasn’t the storyline of the evening.
Chaos ensued as Nani was given a controversial red card in the 52nd minute for a foul on Artur. Players were visibly upset, quickly surrounding referee Ramy Touchan and yelling about the decision. Meanwhile, Nani sunk to the ground, visibly in tears as he left the pitch.
Orlando, with the victory, clinched a home playoff spot. Meanwhile, in a very tight Eastern Conference, Columbus is down to fourth place, while Orlando is in the spot ahead of them.
The Philadelphia Union, who did not play on Wednesday night, are in first place for the Supporters Shield, with 44 points, and in the Eastern Conference. They’ll take on the New England Revolution on Sunday with the hopes of securing the shield.
Toronto FC, who is in second place in the Eastern Conference, also has a chance to claim the Supporters Shield, with 44 points. Toronto will take on the New York Red Bulls on Sunday. Just like Philadelphia, Toronto FC did not play on Wednesday night.
MLS: What’s next for the Union and Crew?
Columbus will spend Decision Day taking on Atlanta United FC on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. EST at MAPFRE Stadium. Meanwhile, at the same time, —the Lions will stay at home to host Nashville SC.
