Week 8 simulated on FIFA 20: Here's how MLS games could have gone

Jake Barford

Week 8 of the 2020 MLS season was set to be action-packed, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to halt real-life progress for teams all 26 of the league's clubs.

There's plenty to unpack from another round of simulated matches, though. Check out the full video, commentary and standings rundown below.

D.C. United vs. Toronto FC

Two of our top teams in the Eastern Conference squared up for a midweek matchup. The action began with a red card to Frederic Brillant, leading to a free kick golazo from Alejandro Pozuelo. D.C. United didn’t let the red card phase them, coming back to pick up a draw 2-2 in the nation’s capital.

Philadelphia Union vs. LA Galaxy

Philadelphia secured three precious points thanks to a brace from Kacper Przybylko, cancelling out what looked to be an equalizer via Sebastian Lletget. It was the Union’s first of two games, setting a (briefly) positive tone for the week.

Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United

Minnesota came into this game as the top team in the league and they didn’t disappoint. The Loons secured a 1-0 win via a Kevin Molino header, earning their sixth win of the season and keeping undefeated status.

Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose looked to emerge from the bottom of the West, but a late game-winning goal from Nicolas Benezet gave Colorado a 2-1 win. They found hope through Vako’s first-half goal, but still remain at the bottom of the standings.

New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution

The week’s highest-scoring game saw New England earn a 4-4 draw at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. There were eight different goalscorers overall, and Marc Rzatkowski tallied in the 90th minute to save a point for the Red Bulls.

Montreal Impact vs. Houston Dynamo

A game that didn’t provide much drama saw two early goals and a 1-1 draw. Joel Waterman scored the lone goal for Montreal and Tommy McNamara tallied for Houston. Both teams remain towards the bottom of their respective conferences.

Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy

Toronto and LA were coming off midweek matches, but of course stamina/fatigue doesn’t factor into our FIFA simulations. Jonathan dos Santos scored twice for the 2-1 win, and Jacob Shaffelburg’s late goal wasn’t enough for Toronto.

Orlando City SC vs. FC Cincinnati

A home match for the East’s top team didn’t go as expected for Orlando. FC Cincinnati ventured south and stole three massive points during a 4-1 win that launched them to 6th place in the East. Orlando drops from the top spot, too.

Minnesota United vs. FC Dallas

Minnesota grabbed a 2-1 win over Dallas, though Paxton Pomykal netted a beautiful curler from long range for the visitors. Early on, Adrian Heath’s group is the team to beat in all of MLS.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Colorado Rapids

Sporting hadn’t won a game in our FIFA simulations until this week. They finally snagged themselves three points after Khiry Shelton’s game-winner in the 75th minute clinched a 2-1 win at Children’s Mercy Park.

Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

This Cascadia Cup battle was between one of the West’s best and worst teams. The Pacific Northwest showdown ultimately tilted in Seattle’s favor, as they earned a 3-0 home win over Vancouver that began with a Raul Ruidiaz strike.

LAFC vs. Real Salt Lake

This was perhaps the most intriguing matchup of the week, since it featured two top teams in the Western Conference. LAFC stormed to an early lead, lost it and then scored late to secure a point at home. For RSL, Damir Kreilach continued his strong form by netting a brace.

Chicago Fire FC vs. Columbus Crew

The Crew came into the Windy City and stole three points thanks to a late winner from Lucas Zelarayan. It was a 2-1 come-from-behind win for Columbus, with Gyasi Zardes also finding the back of the net against Chicago.

Philadelphia Union vs. NYCFC

NYCFC had only won once all season, but made it two after an Alexandru Mitrita header in the 75th minute. Perhaps this 1-0 victory over Philadelphia can spark Ronny Deila’s team to better days.

Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers

Atlanta showed signs of coming off a brief break, allowing a late Yimmi Chara equalizer at home to settle for a 1-1 draw with Portland. That came after Ezequiel Barco opened the scoring in the 12th minute.