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
- Philadelphia Union (22 points)
- Orlando City SC (21 points)
- FC Cincinnati (17 points)
- Atlanta United (17 points)
- D.C. United (14 points)
- Toronto FC (13 points)
- New York Red Bulls (13 points)
- NYCFC (13 points)
- Montreal Impact (12 points)
- Columbus Crew SC (12 points)
- New England (11 points)
- Chicago Fire (10 points)
- Inter Miami CF (0 points)
Western Conference Standings
- Minnesota United (35 points)
- Seattle Sounders (25 points)
- Real Salt Lake (24 points)
- Colorado Rapids (20 points)
- Sporting Kansas City (19 points)
- LA Galaxy (19 points)
- LAFC (17 points)
- FC Dallas (15 points)
- Houston Dynamo (12 points)
- Portland Timbers (10 points)
- San Jose Earthquakes (10 points)
- Vancouver Whitecaps (5 points)
- Nashville SC (0 points)
* = unable to simulate matches
