Teams to watch out for in the Eastern Conference playoff push

Toronto FC

Record: 5-12-4 (19 points); 13th in East

Games Left vs. Orlando: 9/17 @ Orlando

Unlike Columbus who's in playoff position and New England who's in striking distance, the Reds are well outside of the top seven. But in MLS, nobody's out until they're out, especially with the right midseason acquisitions. And boy oh boy did Toronto FC just load up at the midway point.

TFC signed Italian mega star Lorenzo Insigne in the offseason and the diminutive winger is finally in North America ready to make his debut following an 11 goal, eight assist final season with Napoli. If one high-level Italian international wasn't good enough, Toronto went out this summer and acquired 28-year-old winger Federico Bernadeschi on a free transfer from Juventus.

Bernadeschi hasn't been nearly as productive as Insigne in recent years, but has been a solid rotation option for both the Old Lady and the Italian National Team for several years and arrives in the heart of his prime. He has a profile only rivaled by Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco entering MLS.

If Bernadeschi is even 50% of those two, in addition to Insigne, plus the arrival of Mark-Anthony Kaye in midfield, who knows how good Toronto FC can be the next two seasons. Toronto will need to go on an absolute tear down the stretch to make the playoffs this year, but they'll definitely be a team to watch the rest of the way.