The final round of Group Stage matches at the MLS is Back Tournament continues on Wednesday, with the rest of Group E to be decided, as well as a wide-open Group D with one point separating the top three teams. Here's what to expect when the teams take the pitch.
Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City
9:00 am ET – ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN in Canada
There was plenty on the line for this matchup, with both sides capable of claiming the top spot in the group. In the end, Sporting Kansas City got the result they needed with a 2-0 victory courtesy of an early goal from Johnny Russell and a late insurance tally from Gerso Fernandes. Sporting have now clinched a spot in the Knockout Stage and are assured a top two spot in Group D.
It wasn't the result Real Salt Lake were looking for, but Freddy Juarez's group can take solace in the fact that they're also through to the KO Stage, even if questions remain about the potency of their attack.
FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls
8:00 pm ET – ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN in Canada
The simplest terms for this one applies to both teams — win and you're in. A caveat, though, is that the New York Red Bulls are also through with a draw. FC Cincinnati rebounded well from a lopsided Hell is Real derby defeat to stun Atlanta United1-0 on a remarkable strike by Frankie Amaya, which earned him AT&T Goal of the Week for Round 2. The Red Bulls won over the Five Stripes by the same scoreline, but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Columbus Crew SC in a match in which they didn't register a shot on frame. This is a rematch of a Week 1 clash back at Red Bull Arena in March in which the Red Bulls dominated the opening 45 minutes with FC Cincinnati rallying after halftime to make the hosts sweat down the stretch.
Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United
10:30 pm ET – ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN in Canada
The Colorado Rapids don't have any points from two matches at the MLS is Back Tournament, but it's not for a lack of effort, according to coach Robin Fraser. They need a win, and probably some help, to have a chance to reach the Round of 16 as a Wild Card, but they'll have to find a way without Jack Price, the anchor of their midfield, as well as center back Danny Wilson, who were both sent off in a wild 3-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City. The Loons had a chance to book their knockout round spot, but settled for a point in a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake. Adrian Heath's side have been one of the best in the league from the start of 2020 and they'll look to continue their unbeaten run Wednesday night against the Rapids to secure progress to the Knockout Stage.
