MLS Decision Day awaits on Saturday with teams having a final crack at improving their playoff positioning.
Of the 29 teams in MLS, 18 will make the playoffs including the 1-7 seeds in each conference who will qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series as well as seeds 8-9 who will qualify for the Wild Card matches.
Despite 16 of those berths already being decided, there will still undoubtedly be shifting in the playoff landscape on Decision Day, so let’s take a look at the possible scenarios for each club involved:
Eastern Conference
Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami has already clinched the Supporters’ Shield with 71 points but still have something to fight for on Saturday. With a win over New England Revolution, the Herons would break the Revs 73-point MLS single-season record set back in 2021.
Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew are locked into second place.
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati are locked into third place.
Orlando City SC
Orlando City requires a win or NYCFC dropping points to lock up fourth position and a home playoff berth but a draw could also be enough despite a New York win should the Lions maintain their superior goal differential.
New York City FC
NYCFC could finish anywhere from fourth to sixth depending on results above and below them but a win could give them home-field advantage in Round One if Orlando City loses and they overturn the minimal current 3-goal differential.
Charlotte FC
Charlotte also has a potential three-position swing from fifth to seventh depending on results from each New York team. One thing is for sure; winning helps them secure the best possible seed.
New York Red Bulls
Red Bulls already has seventh place locked up but could leapfrog Charlotte FC with a win and Crown dropping points.
D.C. United
D.C. can guarantee a Wild Card berth with a point but could even qualify with a defeat depending on the results of Philadelphia and Atlanta. Christian…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/10/a-closer-look-at-the-mls-decision-day-scenarios
Author : Justin Ruderman
Publish date : 2024-10-17 12:14:07
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