MLS Roundup: Heartbreak for Toronto FC, New England Revolution, Austin FC, Nashville SC; Atlanta United and D.C. United still alive

The MLS playoffs kick off on Oct. 23, but four more teams dropped out of the mix. Toronto FC, Nashville SC, Austin FC and the New England Revolution were all eliminated after losses on Matchday 37.

It wasn't all bad news on the penultimate Matchday of the season, as D.C. United and Atlanta United fought to live another day with significant wins. Inter Miami could break the all-time MLS season points record. And MLS fans are also starting to see an unexpected contender emerge as Orlando City SC can't be stopped, picking up another three points.

Here's a look at a dramatic Matchday 37.

Toronto FC and the New England Revolution both made substantial investment in their squads over the past few seasons. Neither can be happy with this season's outcome after their elimination Saturday.

For Toronto FC, who own a top three payroll in MLS, this continues the stunning fall of grace since losing the 2019 MLS Cup. The team has been to the playoffs once since and their high-profile hire of John Herdman was supposed to change the culture around the club.

Yet, despite a bright start, the team's loss to Inter Miami continued a nose dive. It appears to be more of the same from the club following just three wins since July 17. While it might harsh to dismiss Herdman after just one season, if he stays on there will be a lot of pressure on the former Canada boss next season.

As dire as Toronto's situation might be, it might be even worse in New England. The Revs invested significantly in Caleb Porter, believing he could be the man to move the club away from the controversial end of Bruce Arena's tenure. Yet, Porter's time has been arguably almost as acrimonious without the results.

New England has won two of its last nine games following Saturday's loss. Throughout a season with few bright spots, Porter has clashed with reporters, referees and even his own players. Revs GM Curt Onalfo previously backed Porter in August, but should he?

Tensions reached a peak after Austin FC's playoff elimination following their loss to the Galaxy. Guilherme Biro’s brutal tackle on Riqui Puig forced the match to end early, just four minutes into the extra 12 minutes of injury time. Biro was sent off, leading to a heated exchange between manager Josh Wolff - who is on a very hot seat - and Greg Vanney.

It was an ugly scene for a team known for its passionate fan base and impressive stadium. Since a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals in 2022, Austin has failed to return to the postseason, despite hiring high-profile sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. Wolff, a holdover from Claudio Reyna’s tenure as sporting director, faces uncertainty following another playoff elimination under his watch.

Things are brighter for the now-eliminated Nashville SC, who play Sunday. After a tough start to the season, new manager B.J. Callaghan has them on an uptick in the past five weeks, getting results in three matches - including two wins. With an offseason to implement new ideas, things could change but one question remains: Can Hany Mukhtar get back to his best?

Barring something unforeseen, the 2024 Golden Boot winner won't likely be Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi or 2023 holder Denis Bouanga. Instead, it will be Christian Benteke, who is having the best statistical season of a career that has had stops at storied clubs such as Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

Benteke continued his 2024 tear with a powerful finish against New England, which would ultimately be the game-winner.

Benteke's dominance this season, despite some of his success in Europe, was largely unexpected. He scored just one goal in seven appearances in his initial season at United in 2022 and had 14 last year.

More importantly, D.C. still has a slim chance at the playoffs following Saturday's result. It all comes down to Decision Day on Oct. 19.

Outside of a dramatic 4-3 loss to a very good Columbus side, Orlando City SC are unstoppable at the moment. They proved that once again with a statement three points over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium.

Orlando was able to accomplish two things with Saturday's result: secure a home playoff game and end FCC's slim hopes of getting the No. 2 seed in the East.

For FCC, it's another game in which the team has failed to take advantage of its statistical edge - a worrying trend ahead of the postseason. Pat Noonan's team had a 55.7 edge on possession and a whopping 20-6 advantage on shots taken, but in the end it was the visitors who claimed a 3-1 win. Cincinnati will need to be more clinical if it wants to deliver on its ambitions.

• The Colorado Rapids' slide is concerning, as they were third in the Western Conference just weeks ago but are now on a three-game losing streak after a defeat to the rising Seattle Sounders. While sixth place is an improvement over last season's last place, the shift in momentum raises concerns about another early postseason exit.

• Former San Jose Earthquakes youth academy player Diego Luna added to their woes as a member of Real Salt Lake, scoring the game-winner to hand the Quakes their 24th loss of the season.

• St. Louis CITY SC are out of the playoff picture, but they are quietly making a case for John Hackworth to remain as full-time manager. The interim coach is already linked to the vacant position and the club has won three out of its four matches. The latest three points came in a dominant 3-0 outing over playoff bound Houston Dynamo.

• Austin's loss is Portland's game as the Timbers have clinched a trip to the postseason. The club is in action against FC Dallas Sunday.