The 2016 edition of decision day saw no movement within the top six of the Eastern Conference. Here is a quick preview of each Eastern Conference match up as we head into the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.
First-round Bye
Record: 16-9-9
After stumbling out of the starting block, the Red Bulls were able to knock out an incredible 16 game undefeated streak to finish their 2016 campaign. This included winning each of their last four games in impressive fashion. Under Jesse Marsch, the Red Bulls have been famous for their aggressive pressing style of play. The main benefactors from this system are 2016 Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips and 2016 MLS assist king Sacha Kljestan. These two stars have made their living on capitalizing on giveaways forced by the pressure the Red Bulls apply. Jesse Marsch should have his full team available for selection when they play their first playoff game on October 30. The Red Bulls will face the D.C. United, Montreal Impact, or the Philadelphia Union.
Key Player: Sacha Kljestan
Record: 15-10-9
NYCFC qualified for the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history this season. The 2015 expansion team put together an impressive sophomore campaign and finished just three points behind the powerhouse Red Bulls. Patrick Vieira’s side won three of its last four games heading into the playoffs. The season finale saw the return of Frank Lampard to game action. The Englishman played 17 minutes and set up two goals in his first match in over a month. City was lead by Spanish legend David Villa this season. Villa scored 23 goals to pace City’s league-leading offence. In addition, the first overall pick in this year’s MLS Superdraft Jack Harrison had a great rookie season scoring four goals and adding seven assists. City will face Toronto FC, D.C. United, or the Montreal Impact in their conference semifinal.
Key Player: Frank Lampard
Knockout Round
August 20: Toronto - 3 at Philadelphia - 1
September 24: Philadelphia - 1 at Toronto - 1
Record: 14-9-11
The Reds struggled to win games down the stretch. The team went on a five game winless streak before winning their decision day battle against the Chicago Fire. The game saw Sebastian Giovinco turn in a TOTW performance, scoring from the spot and assisting on another. It was Giovinco’s first goal since he returned from injury last week. In addition, Will Johnson played 22 minutes in his return to the field on Sunday. Greg Vanney should have his full squad available for the club’s first-ever home playoff game on Wednesday. The club set a record for points in a season with 53 and will take the conference’s best defensive record into the playoffs.
Key Player: Sebastian Giovinco
Record: 11-14-9
The Union was in first place in the Eastern Conference as late as June. However, the team’s form took a nosedive, which culminated in going winless in their last seven games to close out the year. Jim Curtin’s team has battled through a plethora of injuries this season. Designated player Maurice Edu missed the entire 2016 season due to injury. The former Toronto FC defender/midfielder spent the majority of the season recovering from a stress fracture in his leg; he was slated to return to the starting XI on Sunday but re-fractured his leg blocking a shot in training on Saturday. It was also announced that promising youngster Joshua Yaro will not travel to Toronto for the Union’s knockout round game. The Union could also be without their leading scorer who is out with a hamstring injury. Rookie Keegan Rosenberry was a pleasant surprise for the Union this season; the defender played every minute for the club and added two goals.
Key Player: Andre Blake
July 31: Montreal - 1 at D.C - 1
August 24: D.C - 1 at Montreal - 1
Record: 11-10-13
United headed into decision day on the back of four straight wins but was given the run around in their 4-2 defeat to Orlando City. Ben Olsen’s side should be confident heading into their knockout round game against Montreal. United has been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference since July 31. The team is also relatively healthy heading into the playoffs. Kofi Opare and Sean Franklin both made their returns to the starting XI on decision day. Midseason acquisition Patrick Mullins has been on fire since coming over from NYCFC. The forward scored eight goals down the stretch for United.
Key Player: Patrick Mullins
Record: 11-11-12
The Impact finished the season with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to the New England Revolution. The Impact was again without superstar Didier Drogba who missed the last four games of the season. Drogba was again a no-show at Impact training on Monday. The Ivorian is reported to be upset with management over his current role with the team. If Drogba is unavailable, Mauro Biello will need to lean heavily on his other star Ignacio Piatti to generate offence for his team in the playoffs.
Key Player: Ignacio Piatti
