Atlanta and Nashville lock in Eastern Conference playoff spots

Atlanta United ended a six-game home winless streak with a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC on Sunday, a result that eliminated Toronto from the MLS playoff race for the sixth consecutive year. The win gave Atlanta 74 points for the season, tying the league record previously set by Inter Miami in 2024.

Miguel Almirón opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a chip over goalkeeper Luka Gavran. Alexey Miranchuk provided the assist, his eighth of the season. Cooper Sánchez extended the lead to 2-0 in the 40th minute after receiving a cross from Almirón. Miranchuk added the third goal in the 51st minute off a rebound from a long-range shot by Almirón.

Lewis Morgan scored Toronto's only goal in the 79th minute. The defeat ended a recent run where Toronto had earned points in four of their last five matches. With the loss, Toronto is out of the playoff picture for another season.

In New York, Nashville SC overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the New York Red Bulls 3-2 in rainy conditions. Two own goals and a stoppage-time strike by Sam Surridge completed the comeback. The win extended Nashville's unbeaten streak to nine games and secured the Supporters' Shield for the club.

Nashville finished the season with a perfect home record, a first for the franchise since its inception. The club accumulated 44 points at home, a new league record. With one match remaining, Nashville matched the 74-point total set by Inter Miami last year.

The combined results of the two games guaranteed a postseason berth for the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference. The Red Bulls and Toronto FC are now officially eliminated from the 2026 playoffs.

Atlanta United and Nashville SC will conclude their regular seasons with one final match each. The specific dates for those concluding games have not been listed in the report, but the standings are now fixed for the Eastern Conference contenders.