There is a clear hierarchy developing in Major League Soccer.
The Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union have defeated weaker opposition in the Eastern Conference over the last few weeks, while the Seattle Sounders moved up to first place in the Western Conference through Friday's win over Los Angeles FC.
Columbus and Philadelphia are the front-runners to record the most points and land the Supporters' Shield, but the two sides are not scheduled to meet in Phase 2.
If the Crew and Union are scheduled with each other in one of the final nine games of Phase 2, which have yet to be announced, it could decide the second trophy of the MLS season.