Week 12 simulated on FIFA 20: Here's how MLS games could have gone

Week 12 of the 2020 MLS season would have wrapped up on Sunday, bringing a jam-packed slate to a close. But with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping things on pause, another version of our FIFA 20 simulations are here.

Check out the full video, commentary and standings rundown below. 

NYCFC 2, Toronto FC 0

The first of two tough games in Week 12 for NYCFC began with a 2-0 win against Toronto FC. The Reds have now been shut out in back-to-back matches, a troubling sign for last year’s MLS Cup finalist.

Minnesota United FC 3, Real Salt Lake 2

A battle between the two top teams in the Western Conference didn’t disappoint. Tate Schmitt provided a late spark for RSL by scoring in the 85th minute, but the comeback fell short as Minnesota secured the 3-2 victory to remain undefeated.

San Jose Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders 3

Nicolas Lodeiro scored a game-winner in the 85th minute to give Seattle a 3-2 win at San Jose. The Earthquakes continue to struggle, as Andres Rios’ early brace wasn’t enough. They also allowed three unanswered goals.

Montreal Impact 0, Chicago Fire 0

It doesn't happen very often in the FIFA simulations, but the Impact and Fire battle to a scoreless draw this week. Two bottom-of-the table clubs in the Eastern Conference continue to struggle.

New York Red Bulls 1, Atlanta United 2

An early red card for the New York Red Bulls played a costly role in their 2-1 loss to Atlanta United. Pity Martinez scored a second-half brace, giving Atlanta a crucial three points against their Eastern Conference rival.

LAFC 1, LA Galaxy 2

Week 12 contained the season’s first El Trafico, and the LA Galaxy prevailed 2-1 over LAFC. A Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez goal in first-half stoppage time stood as the game-winner. Both clubs remain middle of the table in the Western Conference, but LA holds all the bragging rights.

Toronto FC 1, FC Cincinnati 4

The most surprising team thus far in the FIFA 20 simulations has been FC Cincinnati by a landslide. Things are trending up during their second MLS season, while Toronto continues to slide down the table.

D.C. United 1, Orlando City SC 1

Dom Dwyer scored for Orlando in the 77th minute, and then Griffin Yow banged in the late equalizer to save a point for D.C. United at home. With that draw, Orlando are only one point off the Eastern Conference’s top spot.

NYCFC 1, Colorado Rapids 2

Coming off a win earlier this week, NYCFC looked to keep the good times rolling. Facing a tough Rapids team, NYCFC fell courtesy of two first-half Kei Kamara goals.

New England Revolution 2, Columbus Crew 3

It finally happened! The Crew have a win in our FIFA simulations! Columbus sealed the 3-2 win with an 81st-minute winner from Lucas Zelarayan, cancelling out Teal Bunbury’s brace for New England.

Philadelphia Union 1, Sporting Kansas City 3

The Union played one of their sloppiest games of the season against Sporting and dropped a 3-1 decision. Full credit to Peter Vermes’ team, though, as led by a strong Johnny Russell showing.

FC Dallas 2, Houston Dynamo 2

The Texas Derby didn’t disappoint, and it provided us with a goal of the year contender. FC Dallas midfielder Bryan Acosta laced home a first-time volley from 25 yards out during the first half. Even at full stretch, Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Marko Maric stood no chance.

Real Salt Lake 2, San Jose Earthquakes 3

RSL suffered their second loss of the week, dropping them to third place in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, Vako’s 90th-minute strike gave him a brace and San Jose a much-needed three points.

Portland Timbers 1, Seattle Sounders 3

This bitter rivalry provided spectacle and bite, as highlighted by Nicolas Lodeiro’s free kick in the 54th minute that left the Timbers stunned. It was the Uruguayan midfielder’s second game-winner of the week.

Eastern Conference Standings

1. Philadelphia Union (22 points)
2. Orlando City SC (21 points)
3. FC Cincinnati (17 points)
4. Atlanta United (17 points)
5. D.C. United (14 points)
6. Toronto FC (13 points)
7. New York Red Bulls (13 points)
8. NYCFC (13 points)
9. Montreal Impact (12 points)
10. Columbus Crew SC (12 points)
11. New England (11 points)
12. Chicago Fire (10 points)
13. Inter Miami CF (0 points)

Western Conference Standings

1. Minnesota United (35 points)
2. Seattle Sounders (25 points)
3. Real Salt Lake (24 points)
4. Colorado Rapids (20 points)
5. Sporting Kansas City (19 points)
6. LA Galaxy (19 points)
7. LAFC (17 points)
8. FC Dallas (15 points)
9. Houston Dynamo (12 points)
10. Portland Timbers (10 points)
11. San Jose Earthquakes (10 points)
12. Vancouver Whitecaps (5 points)
13. Nashville SC (0 points)

* = unable to simulate matches