Drama on Both Fronts: Union Draw at Home, Minnesota Edge St. Louis

A pair of competitive MLS fixtures on October 17 kept the playoff picture in flux, with four clubs walking away from Saturday's action knowing every remaining point will matter in the final stretch of the regular season.

At Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Union and Charlotte FC played to a 2-2 draw in a match that will feel like a missed opportunity for the home side. The Union, perennial Eastern Conference contenders, could not hold on for three points in front of their own supporters, while Charlotte left Pennsylvania with a hard-earned share of the spoils that could prove valuable in the standings.

Out in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Allianz Field hosted a five-goal affair that Minnesota United FC ultimately won 3-2 over St. Louis CITY SC. The Loons found a way to prevail despite St. Louis keeping themselves very much in the contest, and the three points will be a significant boost for Minnesota's postseason ambitions.

For St. Louis CITY SC, the defeat is a painful one. The young club has shown flashes of quality throughout the season, but surrendering a result in a game they stayed close in underlines the fine margins that define the playoff race at this stage of the campaign.

With the postseason approaching, neither draw-sharers nor narrow losers can afford many more slip-ups. The coming weeks will separate the genuine contenders from those left watching October soccer from the outside.