Bradley Wright-Phillips has taken one step closer to slipping on his second MLS Golden Boot.
The New York Red Bulls forward struck for his second brace in two games came in Sunday's 3-2 victory against Columbus Crew SC. His goal count is at 23, breaking a tie with this year's regular frontrunner, David Villa. Yet Villa stayed within reach, scoring late in New York City FC's 3-1 loss to D.C. United to add a 22nd goal to his season tally.
If BWP’s lead holds, he becomes the third player to twice win the Golden Boot, following Jeff Cunningham (2006, '09) and Chris Wondolowski ('10, '12). Taylor Twellman ('02, '05) and Preki (1997, '03) also twice topped the leaderboard, though until 2005 the "Scoring Champion" was determined by total points, with a goal counting two points and assists counting as one.
Montreal Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti scored a brace to help clinch a spot in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs. The Argentine exits Sunday's 2-2 tie against Toronto FC with the third spot (17 goals), and drops Sebastian Giovinco down to fourth.
