The Hell Is Real Derby rewarded MLS fans with another classic finish thanks to the Columbus Crew pulling off the comeback after being down 2-0 in the first 20 minutes of the match.
This win does more than give bragging rights over rival FC Cincinnati in a grudge match after their draw earlier in the year. It shakes the standings up in a way that draws everyone just a little bit closer as the Summer continues to heat up in mid-July.
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The Fringe teams hold strong.
The last three playoff spots are being fought over by four teams who are all within three points of each other. New York City has gotten into the highly desired seventh seed that they have scratched and clawed for after the season didn’t get off to a great start.
The teams behind them have been switching around in those spots as the rest of the field has secured their right to be in the discussion for the top spots in the conference.
The Chicago Fire sits one spot outside of the ninth seed. they have been outside of the playoff picture nearly all season despite their increased quality in play compared to last season.
Charlotte FC has been in the picture as well, but could be booted out of the last spot if their quality drops.
These teams are good enough to be in the playoff race in a competitive East. the question is will they maintain their quality to stay in the race.
The top of the Heap keeps battling.
Six teams in the East consider themselves title contenders, as it is hard to disagree with that statement.
Orlando is the odd man out in this discussion; they have not been consistent enough to get into the conversation with the rest of the conference. Miami’s increase in performance has knocked Orlando down to the sixth seed as they look for answers on how to get back into the top half of the title fight.
Inter Miami has played well thanks to Messi and his wonder goals from any scenario. They are sitting in the fifth seed and five points out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. They are in arms’ length of the rest of the East, despite the top seed being at least two wins away.
Columbus opened up the door for Cincinnati and Nashville SC to obtain the top spot against Philadelphia and their strong team.
Columbus is just a point away from Philly, after seemingly falling out of the top three spots in the East a few months ago, they have battled back.
The Crew with Cincinnati and Nashville are top contenders for the Eastern Conference crown as well as the Supporters’ Shield. Last season, the winner of the shield, Miami, was eliminated in the first round in what was considered a major upset.
Philadelphia had the top seed secured for almost the majority of the season, but recently, they have been inconsistent, allowing other teams to swoop in and close the gap.
If last season taught us anything, it’s that seeding can only tell you so much. With the gap between the top seeds and the bottom seed so close, it could be anyone’s crown in the Eastern Conference.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date 11.07.2025