Impact gets set for crucial Decision Day showdown
The most tumultuous regular season in the history of MLS will finally come to an end next Sunday on Decision Day. For many teams, all will be decided on that faithful November 8, as every club in MLS takes each other on at the same time.
In the Eastern Conference, things are as tight as can be.
Just two small points separate the Impact, currently in ninth with 23 points, and D.C. United, in 13th with 21 points. They also just so happen to be the Impact’s final opponent.
In between, we find Inter Miami in 12th, Atlanta United in 11th, and the Chicago Fire in 10th, holding onto that final playoff spot.
There are still many ways for Thierry Henry’s men to qualify for the postseason tournament, and like the man in charge said himself, Montreal controls its destiny.
Let’s break down each team still in the race in the East and see how they can qualify for the playoffs.
9. Montreal Impact
Points: 23
Games left: 1
It doesn’t get any simpler for the Impact: win and you’re in. It won’t come easy against a D.C. United side that sits two points behind the Impact, and who will absolutely need a win to hope to qualify.
Montreal can still qualify without a win. If they tie with D.C., they’ll have to hope that two of either Chicago, Miami, or Atlanta don’t win their final game. If they were to lose, they’ll have to hope all three of these teams lose their remaining games.
10. Chicago Fire
Points: 23
Games left: 1
The Fire chose the perfect time to turn their season around. Now sitting in the final playoff spot, things are certainly looking good for the Illinois representatives. It won’t be easy with an opoponent like NYCFC on Decision Day.
11. Atlanta United FC
Points: 22
Games left: 1
Despite a disappointing season from Atlanta, they still have a chance to make the playoffs on MLS Decision Day. Currently one spot behind the playoff line, a win against Columbus next Sunday won’t be enough. They’ll have to hope that either the Impact or Chicago loses. If they tie, they’ll have to hope that Miami and D.C. don’t win. Finally, if they lose, they would be eliminated.
12. Inter Miami CF
Points: 21
Games left: 1
Things are even more complicated for the Miami representatives, who suffered a heartbreaking loss to the hands of Toronto FC, conceding a late penalty with a little over five minutes to go to lose 2-1. That puts Miami outside of the playoff picture with 21 points and forces them to take all three points on Decision Day if they hope to qualify.
The good news is they’ll be taking on FC Cincinnati, who was officially eliminated from contention this weekend after losing to Atlanta. Even with a win, they will have to also count on two of these three teams losing: Atlanta United, Chicago Fire or the Impact.
13. D.C. United
Points: 21
Games left: 1
Our next and final opponent. For the last team still in contention in the East, winning is the only option. After that, it’s out of their hands. They’ll have to hope for favourable results from all the other teams still in contention to sneak in.
