2012 MLS Standings: Union Continues To Look Up In Eastern Conference

The Philadelphia Union has had a tough season in 2012. Unfortunately, the disappointment continued on Saturday with a scoreless draw against the listless New England Revolution.

In fact, the Union hasn't won a match since July 29 when they beat New England, 2-1, at PPL Park. Philadelphia now has gone six matches without a win, leaving it desperately out of the playoff race in the MLS Eastern Conference.

The Union only has nine matches remaining on their schedule, with the next one coming on Sept. 15 against Toronto FC.

Here are the current playoff qualifiers in the Eastern Conference (if season ended today):

1. Sporting Kansas City 50 points
   
2. New York Red Bulls 46 points
   
3. Chicago Fire 44 points
   
4. Houston Dynamo 42 points
   
5. Columbus Crew 42 points

D.C. United and the Montreal Impact are both still in contention for a playoff berth, with the clubs only one and three points behind the Crew. However, D.C. has played one more contest while the Impact have played three more.

The Union is all but finished with just 26 points and in eighth place.

In the Western Conference, the San Jose Earthquakes have the most points of any team in the MLS with 53.

For a full look at the standings, please click here.

For more on the Union, please be sure to check out our blog Brotherly Game and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Union Vs. Fire Final Score: Philadelphia Falls, 3-1, Sunday Night

The Philadelphia Union lost, 3-1, to the Chicago Fire on Sunday night at PPL Park, ending a four-game home winning streak. Though the Union had been playing well of late, the loss served as a cold reminder of just how rough the season has been. The loss dropped Philadelphia to 7-13-2 overall, tied for the most losses in the Eastern Conference.

The Union took a 1-0 lead at the 34th minute, scoring when Freddy Adu's cross was knocked into the net by Fire defender Jalil Anibaba. The lead lasted until the 43th minute when Chris Rolfe booted a one-timer past Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath. Chicago took the lead for good during first half stoppage when Arne Friedrich headed in a corner kick.

The Union started aggressive in the second half, but Rolfe score his second goal of the game in the 56th minute to put the match out of reach. The Union failed to capitalize on any of their nine corner kicks. They managed to put two shots on goal to five for Chicago.

For more on the Union, visit the SB Nation blog The Brotherly Game.

Union Vs. Fire: Preview, Game Time, TV Schedule

The Union host the Chicago Fire at PPL Park at 7 p.m. in a match with playoff implications.