The game in 100 words (or less): The race for home-field advantage in the Eastern Conference looks set to go down to the final day of the 2016 season after the New York Red Bulls topped the Vancouver Whitecaps away from home on Saturday, moving to within a single point of New York City (the two sides now level on games played, at 28) atop the East. Also on 43 points alongside the Red Bulls, you’ll find Toronto FC, who have a game in hand after an open date this weekend. Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the game’s only goal, a clever finish to beat David Ousted in the 50th minute, his 17th of the season. With three more goals, he’ll become the first player in MLS history with multiple 20-goal seasons (Sebastian Giovinco is also in pursuant of that designation, but is currently out four weeks through injury). Jesse Marsch’s Red Bulls are now unbeaten in their last 10 league games. The Whitecaps haven’t won a game in nearly two months.
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Three moments that mattered
38′ — Hurtado misses his first great chance — This would become a theme for the Whitecaps, who create precious few chances as it is.
48′ — Hurtado hits a roller agonizingly wide — Hurtado had a tough game inside the penalty area, to put it lightly. In total, seven shots for Hurtado; zero of them on frame.
50′ — BWP capitalizes on a mishap, makes it 1-0 — You don’t have to give BWP these kinds of chances, but he’ll take them anytime you want to do so. (Note: Using your elbow to redirect the ball doesn’t hurt either, if you can get away with it.)
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Man of the match: Bradley Wright-Phillips
Goalscorers: Wright-Phillips (50′)
