TFC has to pick up points in final two games to have any chance at Supporters’ Shield

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TFC is a club that’s all about winning trophies and the first one on the line is the Supporters’ Shield, which goes to the MLS club with the most points at the end of the regular season. But with back-to-back losses, the Shield is almost out of Toronto’s reach.

TFC (12W-4L-5D) is second in the race behind the Philadelphia Union and is hoping to bounce back from a 1-0 home defeat to NYCFC on Wednesday. If the Reds lose either of their final two games, the Supporters’ Shield is out of reach, based on goal differential. Philly’s is 23 while Toronto’s is seven.

If the Union lose both its final two games (against Columbus and New England) and the Reds win both or win one and tie one, Toronto gets the trophy. TFC finishes the regular season on Nov. 8 against New York at Red Bulls Arena.

MLS announced this week that points per game will be used to determine MLS playoff qualification after determining that multiple clubs will finish the season without playing 23 matches due to COVID-19 disruptions.

As of now, the Union are averaging 2.1 points per game and TFC 1.95. Winning the Shield is a bit of a long shot, though the Reds have a real shot the MLS Cup trophy and the Canadian Championship.

“Trophies are important, period,” DeLeon said. “They don’t come around often. But for me, more importantly is we got to get back on the right foot. And I think the game against (NYCFC) was a step in the direction. We were playing with a little more bite, which we were lacking in the previous game. (The Shield) is important, but I think in the grand scheme, (what’s more important) is getting some guys back healthy and getting a full group back together and going into the post-season as strong as possible.”