While most New York Red Bull fans turned off their TV set and ignored MLS after yet another heart wrenching result in New England, the Eastern Conference got a bit tighter.

As of today, Sporting KC’s spot at the top continues to be solid despite an uninspired draw at Montreal Saturday afternoon. The Fire continued their midseason ascension with an emphatic victory over fellow playoff contenders, the Columbus Crew. Sunday featured a pair of Eastern Conference contenders looking for points. As it was, the Houston Dynamo dropped a 3-1 decision at PPL Park while DC United showed they can win without Dwayne De Rosario, beating Chivas USA 1-0 at home.

The results now have the Red Bulls tied for 3rd place with arch-rival DC. The Houston Dynamo take the fifth and final spot a mere four pts behind New York and the Crew trail by five with 4 games to play. Ahead of the Red Bulls, the Chicago Fire are strengthened by a game in hand

Here is a look at the current standings:

1. Sporting KC: 55pts., 30 gms.
2. Chicago Fire: 53 pts., 29 gms.
3. New York Red Bulls: 50 pts., 30 gms. (via tiebreaker)
4. DC United: 50 pts., 30 gms.
5. Houston Dynamo: 46 pts., 30 gms.
6. Columbus Crew: 45 pts., 30 gms.

And here is a breakdown of each team’s remaining games:

SPORTING KC: Chicago (H), Columbus (A), New York (A), Philadelphia (H)
CHICAGO FIRE: Kansas City (A), Philadelphia (H), New York (A), New England (A), DC (H)
RED BULLS: Toronto FC (H), Chicago Fire (H), Sporting KC (H), Philadelphia (A)
DC UNITED: Portland (A), Toronto FC (A), Columbus (H), Fire (A)
HOUSTON DYNAMO: New England (H), Montreal (H), Philadelphia (H), Colorado (A)
COLUMBUS: Philadelphia (H), Sporting KC (H), DC United (A), Toronto FC (H)

Of the remaining fixtures, the Houston Dynamo have perhaps the least stressful path to the postseason facing four teams that are out of contention while hosting three of the four matches. The Red Bulls and Columbus are the only remaining teams to enjoy three out of their final four matches at home. Meanwhile, DC United have three away matches; the most of any playoff contending side.