The business end of the MLS season is upon us, and with the MLS playoffs kicking off in just under a month, every game matters. Only six sides have officially been eliminated from playoff contention going into the international break and the race for the Supporter’s Shield is very much alive. Following Match Week 32, let’s break down what every team is playing for from here on out.

MLS Playoffs Picture Going into Matchweek 33

Eastern Conference

1. Philadelphia Union: 64 Points

Remaining Opponents: Charlotte FC, Toronto FC

David Ochoa — shenanigans included — was one of Real Salt Lake's best players in 2021. The goalkeeper played 25 MLS games, delivering five clean sheets, and earned a call to represent the Mexican national team after ditching his past with the USMNT. 

In 2022, however, Ochoa is a ghost. He hasn't played a single match in the current MLS campaign, and several fans have wondered if he is still part of the squad. 

The 2022 US Open Cup third round goes down Tuesday and Wednesday with things getting serious as 17 MLS sides join the competition (the remaining eight enter in the fourth round). You'll need an ESPN+ subscription to watch, but the good news is that all 24 matches will be broadcast with no local blackouts. 

Reigning MLS MVP Carles Gil didn't hide his feelings after the New England Revolution dropped a 3-2 decision to visiting Real Salt Lake in snowy conditions on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass.

Heavy snow fell in the first half before windy conditions became more prevalent in the second. New England saw a 2-0 lead evaporate after the bottom fell out in the second half. Real Salt Lake halved the deficit in the 78th minute, forged a tie in the 88th minute and pulled ahead in stoppage time.

Gil, the Revolution's captain, wasn't at a loss for words after the match.

On Monday, Real Salt Lake set a club record by signing its youngest-ever first-team player, 15-year-old Jude Wellings. That record didn’t even last the week. RSL announced on Friday it had signed 14-year-old forward Axel Kei, who broke Freddy Adu’s record for youngest MLS player ever signed to a first-team contract.