It's what every playoff team was hoping to avoid on Decision Day presented by AT&T: injuries.
But there were invariably a few players who fell victim.
And so with the regular season in the books and two weeks until the start of the playoffs, it's a race to full recovery for these players:
Heber and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, NYCFC
Heber was a late scratch for NYCFC against the Philadelphia Union, reportedly suffering a calf injury pregame, while Tajouri-Shradi sprained his ankle.
The good news for NYCFC is they have a bye until the Eastern Conference semifinal round, so they have a few more days to get players healthy.
Kacper Przybylko, Philadelphia Union
The Union's leading scorer was also a pregame scratch, suffering a foot injury in warmups. Unlike NYCFC, the Union will be involved in Round One of the playoffs, so coach Jim Curtin will be eager to see if Przybylko will be back in action by Oct. 19 or 20. Curtin said after the game that it was a muscle injury but didn't yet know about the extent of the problem.
Kyle Duncan, New York Red Bulls
The team the Union will play in Round One, the Red Bulls, were similarly hit by the injury bug on Decision Day, as defender Kyle Duncan, who has emerged as a starter in recent weeks, exited in the 26th minute in a 3-0 loss to the Montreal Impact. The diagnosis is currently unknown.
Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC
The Toronto FC forward has enjoyed a fine stretch of health lately, but an injury following an awkward challenge in the 1-0 win over Columbus Crew SC led to an exit in the 70th minute. Initial reports say Altidore has a "sore quad" although tests will be done.
Joe Corona, LA Galaxy
Out in the Western Conference, midfielder Joe Corona was forced out in the 23rd minute of the LA Galaxy's4-2 loss against the Houston Dynamo, with Corner of the Galaxy reporting that it was a toe sprain. Corona has been quietly consistent this season for the Galaxy, making 31 regular-season appearances this season.
The Galaxy will face Minnesota United FC in Round One.
Walker Zimmerman, LAFC
LAFC defender Walker Zimmerman appeared to suffer one or more head injuries, as he both clashed heads with the Colorado Rapids' Kei Kamara and also fell into the turf face-first, coming up with a bloody nose. He was removed from the game in the 70th minute. Bob Bradley told reporters he apparently suffered a concussion.
Like NYCFC, LAFC have a few extra days off, getting a bye to the Western Conference semifinals, so Zimmerman could potentially have a few more days to recover for the playoffs.
