2017 saw Toronto FC dominate the MLS regular season before going on to hoist the club’s first MLS Cup in club history.
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Fast forward to this season, and three more Eastern Conference sides are poised to break barriers as they continue a near record-setting pace.
Atlanta United, New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls have created a sizable gap over the rest of the East with nearly one-third of the season remaining.
Toronto’s 69-point regular season total a year ago looked like a record that wouldn’t be touched for some time, however, the current trio of dominating forces in the East are all on pace to finish 2018 with 68 points.
Atlanta, NYCFC and the Red Bulls are all averaging two points per game, while Toronto averaged slightly above that total (2.03 ppg) during their MLS Cup-winning run.
Could be seeing a historic season in @MLS with the Eastern Conference's top three clubs.
— Matt Reed (@MattReedFutbol) July 22, 2018
As of 7/22:#ATLUTD 44 pts#NYCFC 40 pts#RBNY 38 pts
All three teams averaging 2 ppg, meaning each club could potentially finish on 68 pts by end of 2018 at current pace.#MLS
The Red Bulls and NYCFC, in particular, could be in line to follow in the footsteps of last season’s Toronto FC.
Manager Chris Armas and the Red Bulls play 10 of their final games against teams outside the current playoff lines in their respective conferences, while Atlanta and NYCFC face five and four playoff teams, respectively.
Here’s a look at how the three teams will finish up the 2018 regular season:
Atlanta United (12 matches)
Montreal Impact, Toronto FC, Columbus Crew, Orlando City, D.C. United, Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, Chicago Fire, Toronto FC
New York City FC (14 matches)
Orlando City, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC, Philadelphia Union, New York Red Bulls, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, D.C. United, Montreal Impact, Chicago Fire, Minnesota United, D.C. United, Philadelphia Union
New York Red Bulls (15 matches)
D.C. United, Columbus Crew, Los Angeles FC, Chicago Fire, Vancouver Whitecaps, New York City FC, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Montreal Impact, D.C. United, Toronto FC, Atlanta United, San Jose Earthquakes, Philadelphia Union, Orlando City