#DecisionDay is finished. Here is the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs field and TV schedule. Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. RED BULLS WIN THE SHIELD
The New York Red Bulls are the Supporters' Shield winners for the second time in three seasons following a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on #DecisionDay (HIGHLIGHTS). The Red Bulls proved people wrong, while the Fire's Brian Bliss was pleased with his side's effort to close out the season.
2. DALLAS END QUAKES’ DREAMS
FC Dallas also won, and while their 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes (HIGHLIGHTS) didn’t win them the Supporters’ Shield, the performance has them feeling confident heading into the playoffs. The result ended the Quakes' postseason dreams.
3. CREW SC TAKE APART UNITED
Even without leading scorer Kei Kamara, Columbus Crew SC dismanted D.C. United, 5-0 (HIGHLIGHTS), earning second place in the East. The result left Crew SC feeling "battle-ready and battle-proven," while United, who now play in the Knockout Round on Wednesday, must "pick their heads up" ahead of a visit from New England.
4. IMPACT BEST TFC, AWAIT PLAYOFF REMATCH
With D.C. United’s heavy defeat, a 2-1 victory for the Montreal Impact over Toronto FC (HIGHLIGHTS) pushed the Quebecois side up to third place, meaning they will now host TFC again, on Thursday. Didier Drogba's two goals were the difference on the day, though Jozy Altidore called them "two soft goals."
5. GIOVINCO MAKES GOLDEN BOOT OFFICIAL
With the season's action wrapping up, Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco officially etched his name on the Audi Golden Boot, finishing his record season with 22 goals and 16 assists. That assist total also meant he was the top helper of the year.
6. REVOLUTION TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS
Short of an exceptional goal swing, the New England Revolution were always likely to secure their playoff place, but they took care of business easily with a 3-1 win over New York City FC (HIGHLIGHTS). The season didn’t end on a high note for NYCFC, but David Villa scored his 18th goal of his season, and after the match addressed the fans.
7. NO PURPLE PATCH FOR ORLANDO CITY
Orlando City, who were chasing the Revs for the final spot, fell short, losing 1-0 to the Philadelphia Union (HIGHLIGHTS), which had head coach Adrian Heath admitted we "need to get better" next season. Sebastien Le Toux's penalty was the winner, and the Frenchman made it clear afterward where he wants to finish his career.
8. WHITECAPS FINISH STRONG
Despite somewhat limping towards the finish line, the Vancouver Whitecaps finished well, thumping the Houston Dynamo, 3-0 (HIGHLIGHTS), to finish second in the West. They finished with their best regular season record to date, while the Dynamo will spend the offseason looking to remove their “softness.”
9. FEILHABER LEADS COMEBACK
Sporting Kansas City faced a tough test on Sunday, all but needing a win against the LA Galaxy to secure their playoff place. They got it done, winning 2-1 (HIGHLIGHTS), but it wasn't without some drama, namely, the fact that difference-maker Benny Feilhaber started on the bench. The Galaxy now must recover from "one off game in a tough environment" before heading to Seattle on Wednesday.
10. SOUNDERS DPS COME UP BIG
While Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey delivered trademark moments for the Seattle Sounders to secure fourth place in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake rued the fact that they "didn’t show up" in their 3-1 loss at CenturyLink Field (HIGHLIGHTS).
11. TIMBERS KEEP SCORING
For the second week in a row, the Portland Timbers won big, to secure third place in the Western Conference. This time they beat the Colorado Rapids 4-1 (HIGHLIGHTS), with the result ending the Rapids' season on an all-too-familiar note.
12. DOWN AND OUT IN CHILE
The US U-17s crashed out the World Cup in Chile after finishing bottom of their group. The US had taken a 1-0 lead over tournament hosts Chile but then crumbled and lost 4-1.
13. COPA AMERICA IS A GO IN THE USA
US soccer fans have another major tournament to look forward to next year, as it was announced on Friday that the Copa America "Centenario" will be hosted in the United States in 2016.
14. UNITED IN ST PAUL
Minnesota United officially found their new home, revealing plans to build a privately financed stadium in St. Paul.
15. BECKHAM VS THE REST OF THE WORLD
David Beckham is a central figure in an upcoming charity match in England. Billed as Great Britain and Ireland vs the Rest of the World, the game will feature one of Beckham's most famous former LA Galaxy teammates.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Kick Around with Cyle Larin & Christian Roldan
Recapping all the action from #DecisionDay
Watch the #DecisionDay postgame show
