MLS review: LA Galaxy desperate to hold on to play-off spot, while Nani slips up for Orlando

Sean Fisher
27 September 2021

Inter Miami rejoin the play-off race despite not playing, while LA Galaxy are desperately holding on to their post-season spot. Elsewhere, Nani's failed penalty attempt costs Orlando points.

As the MLS season enters the final two months, every game and every point is critical to the play-off race in both conferences.

In the East, seven points separate third place from 10th, with the top seven making the play-offs.

In the West, seven points separate fourth place from 10th, leaving multiple teams in the race for the post-season.

The top of the Western Conference saw a shake-up over the weekend as Seattle Sounders shook off the disappointment of a midweek loss in the Leagues Cup final to knock Sporting KC off their perch.

The win puts the Sounders top of the table by two points, and they have a game in hand over SKC. Third-placed Colorado Rapids also have a game in hand on SKC, and they are one point shy of second.

Inter Miami in the race

Gonzalo Higuain, Phil Neville, MLS, 2021, Inter Miami

Inter Miami had the weekend off, but the results around them kept Phil Neville and David Beckham's squad involved in the race.

The Herons are currently in 10th place with 32 points from 25 games. They are five points behind seventh-place CF Montreal, but have a game in hand to make up some points.

Inter Miami will need to jump both Columbus Crew and a resurgent Atlanta United side before chasing down Montreal, but have the opportunity to climb the table on Wednesday as they travel to Atlanta for a showdown against the Five Stripes.

The next two weeks are crucial for the Herons as they won't play at home again until October 20. In the meantime, they face Atlanta, Portland, New York Red Bulls, and Columbus, all on the road.

LA Galaxy slide down table

Sunday proved to be a rough result for the LA Galaxy as they lost 2-0 on the road to expansion side, Austin FC.

The Galaxy out-shot Austin 14-12 and had seven shots on goal with 60 percent of the possession. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough, and Austin scored twice in the second half to claim the points.

Chicharito got a full 90 minutes under his belt but couldn't top it off with a goal. Jonathan dos Santos also played the full game, but the two Mexican superstars were unable to link up to grab a positive result for the Galaxy.

The result leaves Galaxy down in fifth place on 38 points, two behind Portland Timbers.

They travel to Real Salt Lake on Wednesday before hosting rivals LAFC on Sunday.

Both of those teams are looking to charge up the table at the expense of the Galaxy. Real Salt Lake sit in seventh place on 36 points, while LAFC are on the wrong side of the play-off battle in eighth place with 33 points.

Nani misses crucial penalty in Orlando City loss

Orlando City had a chance to steal a point from league-leading New England Revolution on Saturday, but Nani had his late penalty kick saved by USMNT keeper Matt Turner.

Daryl Dike returned to the scoresheet in the first half, but an own goal gave the Revs a 2-1 lead. Nani stepped to the spot in the 75th minute, but his shot down the middle was kicked away by Turner.

The Lions are in fifth place with 38 points, tied with Philadelphia but behind in points-per-game tiebreakers. Orlando travel to Nashville on Wednesday for a crucial showdown against their fellow play-off contenders.

The Revolution, meanwhile, are streaking to the Supporters Shield under former USMNT manager Bruce Arena.

They have 62 points, 17 ahead of second-place Nashville in the East and 14 points ahead of the Sounders for the best record in MLS. New England play at Montreal on Wednesday, where they can take another step toward securing home-field advantage for the post-season.