Philly on cusp of Supporters' Shield as East race hots up, San Jose settle the West

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MLS Decision Day is upon us. For the league, simply getting to this point is an achievement amid the COVID-19 pandemic, though we’ll see how the MLS Cup playoffs themselves fare. – MLS Playoffs: Who’s in, who’s out and all key info– MLS regular season: Updated points-per-game table– Stream MLS games LIVE, watch replays on […]

MLS Decision Day is upon us. For the league, simply getting to this point is an achievement amid the COVID-19 pandemic, though we’ll see how the MLS Cup playoffs themselves fare.

– MLS Playoffs: Who’s in, who’s out and all key info
– MLS regular season: Updated points-per-game table
– Stream MLS games LIVE, watch replays on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

There is a trophy on the line as well as postseason spots and seeding to be determined in the generously expanded playoffs that have 10 qualifiers from the Eastern Conference and eight in the West.

Here’s how things are shaking out heading into the weekend.

Two teams set their sights on Shield

Wednesday’s results, which included the Columbus Crew SC’s 2-1 defeat to 10-man Orlando City SC as well as the Portland Timbers’ 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids, means that only the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC remain in contention for the Supporters’ Shield. (Orlando could catch both on points but would lose out on the wins-per-game tiebreaker.)

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The Union had a chance to lock up the trophy last week but fell on the road 2-1 to the Crew, while TFC did its bit by beating Inter Miami CF, 2-1. Still, Philadelphia remains in control of its Shield destiny. All Philadelphia needs to do is match or better Toronto’s result and it will claim the first trophy in its history.

Both teams have tricky tasks ahead of them. The Union will host the New England Revolution at home, while Toronto will travel to Harrison, New Jersey, to take on the New York Red Bulls. Of the two, Philadelphia would seem to have a slight advantage. In three previous meetings, the Union have secured two wins and a draw, and Philly is a perfect 8-0-0 at home this season. And yet, the Union don’t have everything going their own way.

Goalkeeper Andre Blake is out with a broken hand, and although Joe Bendik did what he could to step in against the Crew, he didn’t reach the level of the man he replaced. That will need to change come Sunday. Midfield wrecking ball Jose Martinez could make a return, which would give manager Jim Curtin a huge boost.

New England also appears to be healing up at the right time, with the designated player triumvirate of Carles Gil, Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa all healthy.

There’s also the not-so-small matter of history. The Union have been on the cusp of some signature wins, reaching the U.S. Open Cup final in 2014, 2015 and 2018, only to come up short. Claiming the Shield on Sunday would be a breakthrough moment for this side.

Upcoming LIVE games on ESPN+ (U.S.):
SATURDAY, NOV. 7
• Leipzig vs. Freiburg (9.30 a.m. ET)
• Dortmund vs. Bayern (12.30 p.m. ET)
SUNDAY, NOV. 8
• Atalanta vs. Inter (9 a.m. ET)
• Leverkusen vs. Gladbach (Noon ET)
• Milan vs. Verona (2.45 p.m. ET)
• NY Red Bulls vs. Toronto (3.30 p.m. ET)
• Seattle vs. San Jose (6.30 p.m. ET)

As for Toronto, the Reds are a bit dinged up as well, with Pablo Piatti and Justin Morrow out for the match against the Red Bulls and Jozy Altidore questionable. The two teams tied…

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