MLS Cup Playoffs: Breaking down what your team needs on Decision Day
By Matt Coles
Five Teams Vying For Two Places In The East
Current Standings:
- MTL – 23 from 22 (1.05 PPG)
- CHI – 23 from 22 (1.05)
- ATL – 22 from 22 (1)
- MIA – 21 from 22 (0.95)
- DC – 21 from 22 (0.95)
‘Decision Day’ Fixtures: MTL @ D.C. United, CHI v New York City FC, ATL @ Columbus Crew SC, MIA v FC Cincinnati, DC v Montreal Impact
The battle which has the most teams involved on the final day comes at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, as five teams are still in play for the final two spots in the post-season, with just two points separating those teams. They have all played the same amount of games, so this one is easier than the rest when it comes to PPG!
Currently sitting in 9th, and the highest placed team who are yet to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are Montreal Impact, who are one of two sides with. 23 points from their 22 regular-season matches so far. They sit above Chicago, the other side with 1.05 PPG, thanks to having two more wins over the course of the season.
It is a simple equation for both Montreal and Chicago, who are in 10th in the standings. Win, and they’re in. Anything less than that and they are praying for results to go their way elsewhere. TO make matters more interesting, the Impact face D.C. United, who are another of the teams that are involved in this battle.
D.C. requires a win, and then everything else to go their way if they are to make it in, but a win would immediately put them above Sunday’s opponents Montreal. The other two sides in this battle for the final two playoff places are Atlanta United and Inter Miami CF, who are aiming to reach the post-season in their debut campaign in the league.
Atlanta faces a tough test on Sunday, on the road against long-time league leaders Columbus Crew SC, while Inter Miami faces the side who are adrift at the bottom of the Supporters’ Shield standings, FC Cincinnati. Even if both Atlanta and Inter Miami win, they could still miss out on the playoffs.
- MTL need: Win OR Draw & 2 of CHI, ATL, MIA fail to win
- CHI need: Win OR Draw & ATL, MIA fail to win
- ATL need: Win & MTL or CHI fail to win OR Draw & MTL or CHI loss, MIA & DC fail to win
- MIA need: Win & 2 of MTL, CHI, ATL fail to win
- DC need: WIN & 2 of CHI, ATL, MIA fail to win