🔬 The Debrief as NYCFC cruise on and Portland slump into playoffs

Only two Major League Soccer games were on the schedule for Sunday, with games in New York and Oregon.

Here is what went down in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

What happened

The early kickoff of the night saw New York City FC get off to a flying start in only 17 seconds before ultimately beating Nashville 3-1 at home.

Well, not quite their home. NYCFC hosted the game at Red Bull Arena due to conflicts with Major League Baseball. The game was also postponed due to an undisclosed security threat but ultimately kicked off.

Meanwhile, over on the other side of the United States, the late night showing saw Portland celebrate reaching the playoffs with a dull 0-0 draw against FC Dallas. Impressively, there were 37 shots combined over 90 minutes.

Stats of the night

This unfortunate stat was found after a dull opening half between Portland and Dallas. Something the Timbers must change in the MLS Playoffs, and quickly.

Player of the night

It’s an easy selection tonight. An alert Santiago Rodríguez found the back of the net in under a minute as Nashville were caught flatfooted before he secured a brace 17 minutes later.

What this means

New York City FC continued their impressive form by making it four games unbeaten with three wins in a row. They will look to continue that trend in their final match of the season and throughout the postseason.

Nashville, meanwhile, will look to win their first game since September 18 in their final outing of the season against Chicago. They will then head back to the drawing board for next year.

Results elsewhere on Saturday helped Portland Timbers scrape into the playoffs before kickoff. But they must regain their confidence on the final day of the regular season against Seattle Sounders on the road to approach the postseason with some grit.

Additionally, FC Dallas is another team heading back to the locker room needing to craft a new plan for next season. Winless since September 21, they round off their regular season campaign against Sporting KC.

What comes next?

MLS action continues on Saturday when Columbus Crew welcome the New England Revolution to town.

One Cucho Hernández will look to close in on the MLS Golden Boot title as he sits four goals back.

Feature image credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images