MLS Cup 2017 Review: May 3

There were two games in the MLS on Wednesday night. Top of the Eastern Conference, Orlando, travelled to Toronto for a tricky midweek tie, while Sporting KC hosted the in-form New York Red Bulls.

 

Sporting Kansas City 2 (Dwyer 46’ 68’)

New York Red Bulls 0

Two second half goals from Dom Dwyer gave Sporting Kansas City the three points in their midweek game against the high-flying Red Bulls. The first goal came just moments after the restart, as Dwyer pounced on a defensive mistake. He then doubled his tally twenty minutes later to make sure of the victory for the hosts. SKC now lead the way in the Western Conference, having only conceded three goals in their opening nine games. The Red Bulls remain 2nd in the Eastern, two behind Orlando.

Toronto FC 2 (Giovinco 9’ 38’)

Orlando City SC 1 (Kaka 45+1’)

The Atomic Ant is back for Toronto, and back with a bang. Sebastian Giovinco scored twice as Toronto beat the table-topping Orlando City are BMO Field. The Italian opened the scoring in just the ninth minute, before doubling his tally seven minutes before the break. Kaka got one back for the visitors on his return to their starting line-up, and they should have gone level in the second half, but Cyle Larin missed an easy chance. Toronto held on to take the victory, moving them to just two points behind Orlando, who remain top of the Eastern.

Standings:

Eastern Conference:

Orlando 18 (8), NYRB 16 (10), Toronto 16 (9), NYC 13 (8), Columbus 13 (9), Atlanta 11 (8)

Chicago 11 (8), DC 11 (8), New England 10 (9), Montreal 7 (8), Philadelphia 4 (8)

Western Conference:

SKC 18 (9), Portland 17 (9), Dallas 15 (7), Houston 13 (8), San Jose 12 (9), Vancouver 10 (8)

Seattle 10 (8), RSL 8 (9), Minnesota 8 (9), LA 7 (8), Colorado 4 (7)

 

At the weekend, the Red Bulls travel to Philadelphia to face a Union side who will be hoping for their first victory of 2017. Elsewhere, Orlando will hope to bounce back with another away trip, this time in Houston. Both expansion teams have Sunday games this weekend, with Minnesota hosting the Western Conference leaders Sporting KC, while Atlanta travel to New York to play Patrick Vieira’s NYC side.