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5 things we learned in MLS Week 27: Toronto FC more than just Giovinco

Reuters

Week 27 of the MLS season was filled with fixtures over four days, and with only a handful of matches remaining in 2016, the playoff picture was made just a little clearer after Sunday's final match.

Here's what we learned this week:

Toronto FC isn't just Giovinco

It's easy to allege that a team like Toronto FC is the sum of a single player's efforts when that player is as influential and ruthlessly effective as Sebastian Giovinco - but Toronto FC is more than just Giovinco.

It's a point the Reds proved on Saturday by dispatching the Chicago Fire away from home to move back into first place in the Eastern Conference, with Jozy Altidore recording a goal and an assist on the night.

Now, the win came against Chicago - not exactly a world-beating side - and Sean Johnson basically gave Toronto all three points with a horrible gaffe leading to a weak goal, but the fact remains Toronto FC did not fall apart without Giovinco when it counted. The team maintained its tactical shape and style, while still creating chances.

Toronto FC is a total team; a fact made evident when Altidore and Michael Bradley were away on international duty earlier in the summer, and now reaffirmed in Giovinco's absence.

Related - 2016 MLS Power Rankings: Week 27

Red Bulls squander too many points

There's a whole lot going right with the New York Red Bulls. Bradley Wright-Phillips currently leads the league with 18 goals, and the club is now unbeaten in its last 10 consecutive matches to set a new franchise record.

But on Sunday, the Red Bulls demonstrated their one fatal flaw against D.C. United in the 95th minute of play:

The Red Bulls conceded yet another goal while leading to give away points. That's a big reason why Jesse Marsch's otherwise-dominant side sits second in the Eastern Conference, trailing Toronto FC by two points.

Galaxy don't need Donovan

LA Galaxy fans welcomed Landon Donovan back to MLS this weekend, and while all eyes were on the returning U.S. soccer icon, they really should have been on Giovani Dos Santos instead.

The star attacker was involved in every single one of the Galaxy's three goals against RSL on Wednesday, finding the net twice himself and setting up another marker. He was then involved in all four of the LA Galaxy's goals against Orlando City four days later, scoring twice and assisting on a pair as well.

Ravaged by injuries, the LA Galaxy needed reinforcements. However, it seems Bruce Arena's side bolstered the wrong part of midfield, as evidenced by his side's awful possession numbers against Real Salt Lake:

Playoff picture is now clearer

With a handful of matches remaining in the season, the MLS postseason race is far from over, but it's become fairly clear which teams will likely make the playoffs in each conference.

In the Eastern Conference, it's hard to see Toronto FC, the New York Red Bulls, or New York City FC missing out, while the Western Conference will likely see FC Dallas, the LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, and Real Salt Lake all qualify comfortably.

The east's red line will be fascinating to watch, as the slumping Montreal Impact and hot-and-cold Orlando City need to stave off a resurgent New England Revolution and a dangerous D.C. United team.

The west is a little less shaky, as Sporting Kansas City and the Portland Timbers don't need to fear the Vancouver Whitecaps or the San Jose Earthquakes too much, though the Seattle Sounders could make a late charge.

MLS goals are fun to watch

The unpredictable nature of Major League Soccer means goals can be incredible for a number of reasons.

They can, as Roger Espinoza showed, stun with their perfect execution ...

... or baffle, as Sean Johnson learned the hard way.

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