This Week in MLS: Toronto FC Defies Adversity to Overtake Eastern Conference

Toronto FC Defies Adversity to Overtake Eastern Conference
With the odds stacked substantially against them, Toronto FC are yet again rising to the occasion, as the first team to punch a ticket to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. They’ve done so in remarkable form, with only two losses in their sum total of 17 games this season (11-2-4), including a current seven-game unbeaten streak that features five straight wins that is one shy of the club record.
Toronto has only five losses in their last 34 regular season games, which during a normal year would constitute a complete season. That combined run of form (18-5-11, 65 points) is not too far off of their record-setting 2017 season (20-5-9, 69 points) that garnered the Supporters’ Shield and the top seed in the postseason. 
Tapping into the successful history of its not-so-distant past, Toronto has reached MLS Cup in three of the last four seasons. With Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player candidate
Alejandro Pozuelo
posting seven goals and 10 assists for a league-best 17 combined tallies, alongside 20-year-old breakout forward
Ayo Akinola
’s eight goals in 12 games, TFC has found the winning recipe that could keep them atop MLS standings by season’s end.
LAFC Surging with West Conference Up for Grabs
The Western Conference is anyone’s to win, with the top three teams holding strong and only a six-point spread separating the No. 4 Los Angeles Football Club (7-6-3, 24 points) from the No. 11 Real Salt Lake (4-7-6, 18 points).
LAFC are in top form, as they climb their way into what could become postseason home-field advantage. After last Sunday’s crushing 3-1 defeat of Seattle Sounders FC, the Black & Gold proved once again that their former supporting cast has now stepped into starring, goal-scoring roles.
Without reigning Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player Carlos Vela, and now down Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez due to international duty, and Mark-Anthony Kaye and Andy Najar due to recent injuries, it’s 24-year-old
Danny Musovski
who notched two goals and an assist last week, and the resurgence of
Bradley Wright-Philips
taking over with game-saving, and game-winning performances.
The Western Conference is still too close to call, but LAFC could be in fine position with a few more standout performances in the absence of their biggest stars.
Academy Products Leading Golden Boot Race, Shining Abroad
Young players developed in MLS academies and those who rose through USL affiliates continue making a mark both domestically and abroad with more talented players joining the professional ranks every month. A total of 56 players have been signed to Homegrown Player contracts by MLS clubs this season with dozens more signing deals from USL squads to MLS first teams.
Among the standouts are a trio of academy products atop the race for the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi.
Gyasi Zardes
(Columbus Crew SC),
Jordan Morris
(Seattle Sounders FC) and 20-year-old
Ayo Akinola
(Toronto FC) each rank among the top six goalscorers in the league this season. Morris’ 15 combined goals and assists are second most in the league this season, while Akinola has advanced from the academy to USL and now tops the MLS Supporters’ Shield leaders with eight goals scored.
Another player to advance from a USL side to the MLS first team is New York Red Bulls 17-year-old
Caden Clark
. The Red Bulls signed Clark to a first team contract from the club’s USL side on Saturday, and hours later, the forward scored his
first MLS goal, a game winner.
Internationally, MLS players continue to shine as
Alphonso Davies
(Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy) and
Chris Richards
(FC Dallas Academy) each started in Bayern Munich’s most recent match, while
Gio Reyna
(New York City FC Academy) registered three assists in Borussia Dortmund’s victory ahead of the international break. 
MLS Regular Season: Week 18 Game Notes
Wednesday, Oct. 14
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC, 7:30 p.m.

• FC Cincinnati had their losing skid continue, falling by the game’s only goal to Toronto FC at Nippert Stadium on Sunday evening.
  
• Columbus Crew SC had their scheduled match with Orlando City SC on Sunday postponed. In their last match, Crew SC saw their long home undefeated run come to an end, falling 2-1 to the Montréal Impact at Mapfre Stadium on Oct. 7. Crew SC had their home winning streak snapped at 7 games, equaling the third-longest in club history, and their undefeated streak in Columbus ended at 11 games.
  
• The teams are meeting for the fourth time this season. Crew SC is undefeated in the Hell is Real Derby, as the teams met twice within a week in the continuation of play. Gyasi Zardes scored two goals and Pedro Santos had a goal and an assist as Crew SC took a 3-0 win Sept. 6 at Mapfre Stadium; the teams played to a goalless draw Aug. 29 at Nippert Stadium.
  
• The teams met earlier this year during group play in the MLS is Back Tournament. Lucas Zelarayán scored a stunning goal directly from a free kick and also added a pair of assists, while Gyasi Zardes netted a pair of goals, leading Crew SC to a 4-0 win July 11.
  
• The clubs met twice last year in FC Cincinnati’s inaugural season, over the span of two weeks. They reached a 2-2 draw Aug. 10 in Columbus at Mapfre Stadium, then Crew SC claimed a 3-1 win at Nippert Stadium on Aug. 25.
  

Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m. (TSN; TVA Sports)

• The Impact had their two-game undefeated run come to an end, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Sunday evening. Amar Sejdic scored his first MLS goal for the Impact tally.
  
• The Revolution took points for a fifth time in the last six games, defeating New York City FC 2-1 at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Lee Nguyen set up Teal Bunbury’s early tally, then scored late, his first goal and assist since returning to the club earlier this season.
  
• The teams are meeting for the fourth time this season. Henry Kessler, Gustavo Bou and Diego Fagundez netted goals as the Revolution won 3-1 on Sept. 23 at Gillette Stadium. The teams also met in group play in the MLS is Back Tournament, Gustavo Bou scoring the game’s only goal to give New England the win on July 9. On Opening Day (Feb. 29) at Olympic Stadium, Teal Bunbury gave the Revolution an early lead, but Romell Quioto and Maxi Urruti scored on either side of halftime to give the Impact the 2-1 win
  
• The Revolution win in the last meeting ended a two-game Impact winning streak at Gillette Stadium, which had ended a four-game Revolution winning streak there in the series dating back to 2016. The Impact have a win and a draw from their last two home games, which ended a two-game Revolution winning streak in Montréal.
  

Orlando City SC vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m.

• Orlando City SC had their scheduled match with Columbus Crew SC on Sunday postponed. In their last match, OCSC extended their club-record undefeated streak to 10 games, reaching a goalless draw with Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 7.
  
• NYCFC saw their three-game winning streak come to an end, dropping a 2-1 decision to the New England Revolution at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Alexander Callens netted the NYCFC goal, his first of the season.
  
• The teams met earlier this year in group play in the MLS is Back Tournament. Chris Mueller scored a pair of goals to lead Orlando City SC to a 3-1 win on July 14.
  
• The win in the first meeting ended a six-game NYCFC undefeated streak in the league series, the teams reaching draws in their two meetings in 2019 following a four-game NYCFC winning streak. All four wins had come by shutout; the first OCSC goal last year ended a 458-minute shutout streak vs. New York City FC.
  
• NYCFC has come away with points on their last three trips to Orlando; OCSC last winning at home in the series in 2017.
  

Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)

• Toronto FC became the first time to clinch a place in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, following their 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium on Sunday evening. Patrick Mullins scored his first goal of the season, set by Alejandro Pozuelo’s league-leading 10th assist of the season.
  
• The Red Bulls put paid to a two-game losing slide, defeating Atlanta United by the game’s only goal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday evening.
  
• Just hours after signing with the Red Bulls, Caden Clark scored the game’s only goal. At age 17 years, 136 days, Clark became the fifth-youngest player in MLS history to score on his debut, the 18th-youngest to score a goal in league annals.
  
• The teams met twice a season ago. Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo staked Toronto FC to a lead inside the opening half-hour, TFC winning 3-1 on July 17 at BMO Field, their first win in the series since Sept. 30, 2017. The Red Bulls then took a 2-0 win Aug. 3 at Red Bull Arena.
  
• The Red Bulls are 12-2-2 all-time in home matches vs. Toronto FC. When Toronto took a 2-0 win on March 6, 2016, it was its first win ever at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls were 5-0-1 all-time in Harrison before the TFC win; the triumph also snapped an eight-game home undefeated streak for the Red Bulls vs. TFC (7-0-1), which began Oct. 25, 2009.
  

D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union, 8 p.m.

• D.C. United had their winless skid continue in their first game without Ben Olsen at the coaching helm for 10 years, falling 2-1 to Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field on Sunday evening.
  
• The Union won a second consecutive game and for a seventh time in the last nine, defeating the Montréal Impact 2-1 at Subaru Park on Sunday evening. Jamiro Monteiro scored his first goal of the year before halftime and Sergio Santos netted his fourth just after the break to send the Union on their way, both goals set by Ilsinho.
  
• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Kacper Przybylko scored a pair of goals and added an assist as the Union cruised to a 4-1 win Aug. 29 at Subaru Park.
  
• The Union have won the last seven league meetings between the teams, over the past four seasons, with a 22-5 edge in goals. The Union have won the past seven meetings in Chester, Pa., over the last five seasons, also winning both meetings all-time at Audi Field.
  
• The teams also met last season in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with D.C. United winning 2-1 in dramatic fashion. Down a goal late, United leveled terms in the 118th minute, then Wayne Rooney converted a penalty kick two minutes later to give the D.C. the victory.
  

Houston Dynamo vs. Nashville SC, 8 p.m.

• The Dynamo weren’t able to build upon a first win in seven games, falling by the game’s only goal to Inter Miami CF in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday afternoon.
  
• Nashville SC had their four-game undefeated streak put to an end, dropping a 2-1 decision to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday evening. Walker Zimmerman scored his second goal of the season; he netted the first in the club’s MLS history in the season opener on Feb. 29.
  
• The teams are meeting for the second time this season and in their histories. Daniel Ríos gave Nashville SC the lead early in the second half, but Darwin Quintero hit for the 89th-minute leveler to leave the teams in a 1-1 draw Sept. 26 at Nissan Stadium.
  

Inter Miami CF vs. Atlanta United, 8 p.m.

• Inter Miami CF have won consecutive games for the first time in the club’s history, defeating the Houston Dynamo by the game’s only goal at Inter Miami CF Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Lewis Morgan converted a penalty kick for the game’s only goal, his third goal in the last three games.
  
• Atlanta United had their two-game undefeated run come to an end, falling to the New York Red Bulls by the game’s lone goal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday evening.
  
• The teams are meeting for the fourth time this season, and Inter Miami have won the last two. Lewis Morgan scored both goals for Inter Miami, leading the club to a 2-1 win on Sept. 9 in Fort Lauderdale, then Juan Agudelo and Brek Shea scored in the opening 11 minutes as IMCF took the 2-1 win Sept. 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The teams also reached a goalless draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 2.
  

Minnesota United FC vs. Chicago Fire FC, 8 p.m.

• Minnesota United FC had their scheduled match with FC Dallas on Sunday postponed. In their last match, MNUFC extended their undefeated run to three games with a second draw in that time, reaching a goalless draw with Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on Oct. 6.
  
• Fire FC gained a third victory in their last five games, defeating D.C. United 2-1 at Soldier Field on Sunday evening. CJ Sapong netted his second goal of the year and Boris Sekulic scored the first of his MLS career, both goals set up by Álvaro Medrán.
  
• The teams met once a season ago. Nicolás Gaitán and Aleksandar Katai scored first-half goals as the Fire took a 2-0 win May 11 at SeatGeek Stadium.
  
• Minnesota United FC won the first two meetings between the teams, once at each home ground. They won in 2017 in Bridgeview, Ill., before winning the next year at TCF Bank Stadium.
  

FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

• FC Dallas had their scheduled match with Minnesota United FC on Sunday postponed. In their last match, FCD had a run of draws put to an end, falling 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Stadium on Oct. 7.
  
• Sporting won their third game on the trot, defeating Nashville SC 2-1 at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday evening. Gerso Fernandes scored his second goal of the season before Erik Hurtado hit for the game-winner from an absolutely stunning full volley off a cross.
  
• The teams are meeting for the third time this season, with the first two coming at Children’s Mercy Park. Franco Jara gave FCD an early lead, but Khiry Shelton equalized just before halftime, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw Sept. 2. Jara then netted goals on either side of halftime, pacing FC Dallas to a 3-2 win Sept. 19.
  
• FCD has come away with points from the last four meetings in Kansas City, winning three, the club’s first wins there since 2011. SKC had won five of the seven meetings in between, with two draws.
  
• Sporting last won at Toyota Stadium on Oct. 21, 2018, a 3-0 win, their first in Frisco since 2011; FC Dallas had a five-game home undefeated streak in the series put to an end.
  

Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers, 9:30 p.m.

• Real saw their losing slide extended following a 2-1 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Providence Park on Saturday evening. Damir Kreilach scored his seventh goal of the season, tied for seventh-most in MLS this season.
  
• The Timbers extended their winning streak to five games, one shy of the club’s record in MLS, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 at Providence Park on Sunday evening. Jaroslaw Niezgoda scored a pair of goals, the third two-goal outing from a Timbers player in the last two games, while Felipe Mora added his seventh of the year, his fourth goal in the last three games.
  
• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Giuseppe Rossi and Sam Johnson scored goals from the 90th minute on, pulling RSL back from a two-goal deficit and leaving the teams in a 4-4 draw Aug. 29 at Providence Park.
  
• The Timbers are undefeated in the last five meetings between the teams, a four-game winning streak coming to an end in the first meeting this year. The Timbers have come away with points on six of their last seven league visits to Rio Tinto Stadium, dating back to 2014, with five wins and a draw in that span.
  
• The teams also met in Round One of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Jefferson Savarino scored the game-winner three minutes from the end, giving RSL the 2-1 win on Oct. 19 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
  

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Los Angeles Football Club, 10 p.m. (TSN)

• Whitecaps FC snapped a four-game losing slide, coming from behind to defeat Real Salt Lake 2-1 in a home game played at Providence Park on Saturday evening. Lucas Cavallini hit for the game-winner 15 from time.
  
• LAFC won their second game in a row and a fourth in the last six, defeating Seattle Sounders FC 3-1 at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday evening. Danny Musovski scored a pair of goals, his first career two-goal game, while Francisco Ginella made his first MLS goal one to remember with a long-range bomb.
  
• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. LAFC set an MLS record by scoring the first four goals in the opening 14 minutes, and tied the MLS record with the first five goals in the opening 33 minutes (equaling the mark set by Seattle Sounders FC just 13 days earlier) in rolling to a 6-0 win at Banc of California Stadium on Sept. 23.
  
• The teams split their two meetings a season ago, each winning on their home ground. Hwang In-beom scored the game’s only goal to lead Whitecaps FC to the victory April 17 at BC Place, their only win in four meetings all-time in the series. On July 6 at Banc of California Stadium, Carlos Vela scored a pair of goals and added an assist, leading LAFC to a 6-1 win.
  

LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 10:30 p.m.

• The Galaxy had their scheduled match with the Colorado Rapids on Saturday postponed. In their last match, the Galaxy saw their losing slide extended, falling 6-3 to the Portland Timbers at Dignity Health Sports Park on Oct. 7. The six goals matched the most conceded by the Galaxy in a game, the fifth time in club history and the second this season.
  
• The Quakes saw their three-game winning run come to an end, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Sunday evening.
  
• The teams are meeting for the fourth time this season. Andrés Ríos converted a late penalty kick as the Quakes overcame an early deficit to take a 2-1 win Oct. 3 at Earthquakes Stadium; Cristian Pavón and Sebastian Lletget each scored goals late in the second half to lead the Galaxy to a 3-2 win Aug. 29 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The teams also reached a goalless draw Sept. 13 at Earthquakes Stadium.
  
• The Earthquakes win in Carson last year was just the second there for the Quakes since 2012. The Galaxy have won just twice in the last 20 regular season games in northern California, across four stadiums.
  
• Known as the California Clásico, the Galaxy and Earthquakes have met 89 times in all competitions. In regular season play, the Galaxy have won 32 times and the Quakes 25, with 16 draws, since their first meeting April 28, 1996.
  

Saturday, Oct. 17
Chicago Fire FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, 3:30 p.m. (Univision; TUDN)

• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Winston Reid netted the game’s only goal in the 67th minute, his first in MLS, giving Sporting the win Oct. 7 at Children’s Mercy Park.
  
• Sporting have won the last four meetings between the clubs, over the last four seasons. Sporting have won the last five meetings between the teams in KC, the Fire’s last win there coming in 2012 (seven meetings since).
  
• Sporting won 4-3 in 2018 in the last meeting in Bridgeview, snapping a three-game Fire home winning streak in the series.
  

Montreal Impact vs. Inter Miami CF, 7 p.m. (TSN; TVA Sports)

• The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories.
  

Sunday, Oct. 18
Columbus Crew SC vs. New York City FC, 6 p.m.

• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Alexander Ring scored the game’s only goal as NYCFC took the win Aug. 24 at Red Bull Arena. They also opened the 2020 season against each other. Lucas Zelarayan netted the game’s lone goal as Crew SC took the win March 1 at Mapfre Stadium.
  
• NYCFC have won their last three home meetings, winning by the game’s only goal last Aug. 21 in the last matchup at Yankee Stadium. NYCFC have won once all-time in Columbus, a 3-2 win there in 2017.
  

New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City SC, 7 p.m.

• The teams are meeting for the second time this season, after Orlando City took a 3-1 win Oct. 3 at Exploria Stadium.
  
• The teams met twice a season ago, each winning by the game’s lone goal on the road. Sacha Kljestan scored against his former club as Orlando City took the win March 23 at Red Bull Arena, then Brian White netted the Red Bulls goal in a win July 21 at Exploria Stadium.
  
• The wins were the first for the visiting team in the series since 2015 – Orlando City’s first year in MLS – when each team won at the other’s ground. The Red Bulls had won four consecutive meetings at Red Bull Arena; Orlando City had won two home meetings in a row.
  

FC Cincinnati vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.

• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. They reached a goalless draw Aug. 21 at Nippert Stadium.
  
• The teams met twice in FC Cincinnati’s inaugural season. Lucas Rodríguez scored a pair of goals and added an assist, as D.C. United rolled to a 4-1 win July 18 at Nippert Stadium ; the teams played to a goalless draw on Decision Day (Oct. 6) at Audi Field.
  

Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)

• The teams met twice a season ago, each winning on their home ground. Hector Villalba and Julian Gressel scored on either side of halftime as Atlanta United took a 2-0 win on May 8 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, then on June 26 at BMO Field, Tsubasa Endoh gave the home side lead after just 28 seconds, then after ATLUTD netted twice, Alejandro Pozuelo scored a goal in each half to lead Toronto FC to a 3-2 win.
  
• Each team is undefeated at home in the all-time series on their home ground. ATLUTD’s win in the first meeting last year is their only win in six meetings between the clubs; the teams reached 2-2 draws in each of their first three meetings, two of those at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. TFC has won the last two meetings at BMO Field.
  
• The teams also met in the Eastern Conference Final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Nick DeLeon hit for the 78th-minute game-winner as Toronto FC took a 2-1 win to gain a place in 2019 MLS Cup.
  

Minnesota United FC vs. Houston Dynamo, 8 p.m.

• The teams are meeting for the third time this season, the first two at BBVA Stadium. Darwin Quintero scored against his former club and Ariel Lassiter hit for his first two Dynamo goals, in a 3-0 win Sept. 2; the teams reached a 2-2 draw Sept. 19.
  
• The visiting team has yet to win in the all-time series, with the home team winning six meetings in a row before the draw in the last matchup. Minnesota United have won the last two meetings at home, including a 1-0 win there last May 25 in the last encounter.
  

Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles Football Club, 10 p.m.

• The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Bradley Wright-Phillips and Mark-Anthony Kaye each had a goal and an assist as LAFC took a 4-2 win Sept. 13 at Banc of California Stadium; the teams reached a 2-2 draw in the final group game on July 23 for both teams in the MLS is Back Tournament.
  
• The teams met twice a season ago and LAFC won both in a pair of goalfests. Carlos Vela netted one goal and set up two others as LAFC rolled to a 4-1 win, March 10 at Banc of California Stadium; Vela, Diego Rossi and Brian Fernández then all found the back of the net in a 3-2 LAFC win June 1 at Providence Park.
  
• The teams met twice in league play in LAFC’s inaugural season. The Timbers claimed a 2-1 win May 19 at Providence Park; the teams also reached a goalless draw July 15 at Banc of California Stadium. The teams have also met in the U.S. Open Cup each season, LAFC winning a semifinal matchup 3-2 in Los Angeles in 2018, but the Timbers claiming a 1-0 in the quarterfinals a year ago in southern California.
  

LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 10:30 p.m. (TSN)

• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Tosaint Ricketts scored the game’s only goal, giving Whitecaps FC the victory at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 7.
  
• Whitecaps FC have won three of the last four meetings in Carson. The 2-0 win on April 5 of last year was the Galaxy’s first at BC Place since Aug. 24, 2013, ending a five-game Whitecaps FC undefeated streak on their home ground in the series.
  
• There has been a shutout in 13 of the past 16 meetings between the teams, dating back to 2013, including three scoreless draws.
  

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 10:30 p.m.

• The teams are meeting for the third time this season. In the last meeting Sept. 10 at CenturyLink Field, Sounders FC became the ninth team in MLS history to score at least seven goals in a game, rolling to a 7-1 win. The Sounders scored five goals in the opening 33 minutes of the game, then the fastest five goals from the start of a match in MLS history, tying the record for most goals in the first half in league annals. The teams also reached a goalless draw in the opening match for both teams at the MLS is Back Tournament on July 10.
  
• Sounders FC have a 11-game undefeated streak alive in the overall series. A 2-2 draw in the first meeting last year on April 24 ended a three-game Sounders FC winning streak at CenturyLink Field. Sounders FC have come away with points on each of their five visits to San Jose (three draws and two victories), including a 1-0 win in their last visit last Sept. 29.
  

Monday, Oct. 19
New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m.

• The teams are meeting for the third time in league play this season. Anthony Fontana scored a pair of goals over the final 17 minutes plus, giving the Union a 2-1 win Sept. 12 at Subaru Park. They also reached a goalless draw Aug. 20 at Gillette Stadium.
  
• The teams also met in the MLS is Back Tournament Knockout Stage, the Union claiming a 1-0 win in the round-of-16 match July 25. Sergio Santos scored the game’s lone goal; Andre Blake recorded five saves for the shutout.
  
• The Union have won eight of the past 11 league meetings between the clubs, outscoring New England 24-4 in those victories, including wins in the last six meetings in Chester. The only Revolution win in the series since 2015 came on July 29, 2017, at Gillette Stadium, a 3-0 victory, before draws there in the last two meetings.