Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer today:
Red Bulls smash 'n' grab Shield, points record
The New York Red Bulls raised the Supporters' Shield for the third time in six years after a 1-0 victory over Decision Day guests Orlando City. After missing a spot kick, Derrick Etienne Jr. regrouped to hit the winner that claimed the day's big prize. READ MORE | RECAP
The Red Bulls were able to jump to the top at the final hurdle because Atlanta United were roughed up 4-1 at Toronto FC. Charles Boehm notes that Decision Day was largely owned by a pack of spoilers led by the Reds, who left the Five Stripes kicking themselves for blowing a shot at the club's first trophy. READ MORE | RECAP
Sporting KC are kings of the West
Sporting KC won the West on Sunday with a 2-1 home triumph that knocked LAFC down to the third playoff seed. Daniel Salloi broke a deadlock 18 minutes from time to hand the hosts their first conference crown since 2012. RECAP
Galaxy can't keep lead, playoffs slip away
The news was far worse for the LA Galaxy, who squandered a two-goal halftime lead to suffer the 3-2 home defeat to Houston that kept them out of the playoffs. The defensive breakdowns and failure to capitalize on chances left the Galaxy devastated by the reality of missing the postseason for the second year in a row. READ MORE | RECAP
Sounders secure Knockout Round bye
Raul Ruidiaz netted a brace over the final 11 minutes to help Seattle grab second in the West with a 2-1 home win against San Jose. A fair word of warning to all potential MLS Cup foes: the Sounders enter the postseason with five straight victories to cap a 14-2-0 closing kick. RECAP
FC Dallas missed out on second in the West, settling for fourth due to a 2-1 collapse loss at Colorado. Cole Bassett and Tommy Smith netted in the final 10 minutes to flip the result. RECAP
#FarewellPhonzie: Davies' spectacular sendoff
Vancouver finished the regular season just two points short of the playoff party following a 2-1 Cascadia derby defeat of Decision Day visitors Portland. Alphonso Davies scored both Whitecaps goals to enjoy a rousing BC Place send-off before heading to Bayern Munich. READ MORE | RECAP
D.C. steal a home game, NYCFC secure theirs
D.C. United's thrilling playoff chase has officially ended with them taking fourth in the East after a scoreless draw at Chicago. The visitors did get a top-shelf display from recovered right back Nick DeLeon, who was making just his second start in five months. RECAP
Three first-half goals seemingly busted New York City FC out of their autumn slumber as they cruised to clinch third place in the East by topping Sunday guests Philadelphia, 3-1. Aside from slipping to sixth place for the reward of an instant Knockout Round return to Yankee Stadium, the Union also have a player bust-up over field responsibilities to clear up before the playoffs start. READ MORE | RECAP
Zardes trick locks in Crew SC slot
Columbus went into Sunday's regular-season closer worrying about their playoff spot, but ended up rising instead of falling thanks to a 3-2 victory over guests Minnesota United FC. Gyasi Zardes scored the first two goals of the game, and after the Loons rallied to tie, also bagged the 83rd-minute winner. RECAP
Their sole competitors for the spot going into the Decision Day, Montreal, abandoned all playoff hope with a 1-0 loss at New England. Matt Turner shined on his return to the Revs net and Diego Fagundez netted his 50th-career MLS goal with 16 minutes left to take the points. RECAP
On to the Knockout Round!
The midweek match-ups to open the 2018 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are now set, compelling Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle to offer up a capsule look at all eight participants. Meanwhile, Ben Baer has filed early previews for all four Knockout Round games. READ MORE | EARLY PREVIEW
Bracket Challenge: Make your picks!
Now that the field is set, you can show off your MLS knowledge and make your picks in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge. You could win season tickets to your club or even an exhilarating VIP Audi driving experience for two! MORE INFO
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Jimmy Conrad joins Match Day Central for the Decision Day wrap
