This past week saw the final group games of the MLS is Back tournament. Although COVID-19 was less of a concern in the bubble, there was still enough drama and stories to keep fans entertained.
The week kicked off with Group B. Matias Almeyda’s Earthquakes beat the Chicago Fire 2-0 with another goal from MLS all-time leading goalscorer Chris Wondolowski. The win ensured that the ‘Quakes would be group winners regardless of the other results. Later that day, the Seattle Sounders had their backs up against the wall and came out firing. Their star players came to shine during the 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first Cascadia derby of this tournament, with goals from Nico Lodeiro, Jordan Morris, and Raul Ruidiaz.
Monday saw Group A, with NYCFC and Inter Miami in search for goals to try and advance on goal difference, but the game ended 1-0 in favour of NYCFC. The night game was played for the top of the group. Just like the morning game, it didn’t live up to expectations and ended in a 1-1 with Orlando SC winning the group on goal difference.
Tuesday, saw games from both Groups C and E. A 0-0 draw between the New England Revolution and Toronto F.C. put both teams with the same number of points, but Toronto clinched 1st place with more goals scored. Either way, both teams earned spots in the round of 16. In the other Group C match, D.C. United had drawn both previous games after trailing, and Montreal was winless. The winner would almost certainly go through to the next round. However, it was Thierry Henry’s men who would come out victorious from a Saphir Taider strike in the first half.
The Columbus Crew were playing well under Caleb Porter, after a disastrous 2019. Atlanta United though was in a different boat. Having lost star striker Josef Martinez before the shutdown, they were struggling without him and as they lost their first two games, made that game a must-win. An unimaginative and unmotivated Atlanta were beaten 1-0 to send them home. It would be de Boer’s last match in charge, as he was sacked later in the week.
Wednesday also had two groups playing on the same day. To finish up Group E the New York Red Bulls faced F.C. Cincinnati. The two already faced off in March with the Red Bulls winning 3-2. Another winner-take-all-game as both squads had won one and lost one each. A point would have even sufficed to get these two through. F.C. Cincinnati came out on top winning 2-0 giving their supporters something to celebrate for the first time since they joined the MLS.
Group D also finished up on Wednesday. Sporting Kansas City beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 on an early and a late goal giving them the top spot. Minnesota United and the Colorado Rapids drew 2-2. Minnesota finished with five points and RSL with 4, which was enough to see them both through to the knockout rounds.
Thursday’s Group F matches wrapped up the MLS is Back Tournament stage with some drama. The L.A. Galaxy had a ‘slim to none’ chance of going through after their dreadful performances against the Portland Timbers and cross-town rivals LAFC. However, the Houston Dynamo were very much still alive. A win would almost see Tab Ramos’ men through. A Darwin Quintero freekick gave the Houston outfit their lead which they defended very well. However, a controversial penalty was called late in the match, and Cristian Pavon converted in the 91st to knock out the Dynamo. The second game ended in a 2-2 draw between the Timbers and LAFC, as we continue to see the resurgence of Bradley Wright-Phillips. On the other side of the pitch, Jeremy Ebobisse also scored making them the only two players to have scored in all the MLS is Back matches they’ve played in.
The group stage is over, and while there were games that haven’t risen to a high level of play, it created loads of drama. Now that everything is settled within the MLS bubble, OVID-19 cases have been ruled out, and players seem to be regaining fitness, the playoffs will undoubtedly produce more dramatic football moments.
Playoffs are starting tonight with Orlando City vs Montreal Impact, and Philadelphia Union against New England Revolution.
