Playoff Watch: Two Games Remain for the Orange and Blue
September 28, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release
FC Cincinnati earned a point against Seattle Sounders FC last night in a midweek match rescheduled from earlier in the season. It was an important point for the Orange and Blue who look to make the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in club history.
This weekend is chock-full of important matches that will further shape the playoff picture as FC Cincinnati look to book their ticket to the postseason.
Here is how things stand in the Eastern Conference.
Teams in the hunt (standings as of Sept. 28)
Position
Team
Points
Games Played
Record (W-L-D)
Remaining Games
Max. points possible
3rd
x – New York Red Bulls
50
32
14-10-8
at CLB, vs CLT
56
4th
New York City FC
49
32
14-11-7
vs ORL, at ATL
55
5th
FC Cincinnati
46
32
11-8-13
vs CHI, at DC
52
6th
Orlando City SC
45
31
13-12-6
at NYCFC, at MIA, vs CLB
54
7th
Inter Miami CF
42
31
12-13-6
at TOR, vs ORL, vs MTL
51
8th
Columbus Crew
42
31
9-7-15
vs NYRB, at CLT, at ORL
51
9th
Atlanta United
40
32
10-12-10
at NE, vs NYCFC
46
10th
Charlotte FC
38
31
12-17-2
vs PHI, vs CLB, at NYRB
47
11th
New England Revolution
38
32
9-12-11
vs ATL, at CHI
44
Top seven teams in standings qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs (Top four teams host a Round One game)
FC Cincinnati now sit fifth in the table on 46 points with two matches to play. The Orange and Blue can earn a maximum of 52 points with wins over Chicago, this weekend in the home finale on Oct. 1, and at DC United, on Decision Day, Oct. 9.
FC Cincinnati are still in the running for a top-four finish but would need New York City FC or New York Red Bulls to stumble in their final two games. Three points for the Pigeons in one of their two remaining games and two points from Red Bulls would eliminate the Orange and Blue from top-four contention.
BIG GAMES THIS WEEKEND
While the biggest game of the weekend is undoubtedly at TQL Stadium on Saturday, anyone who is table-watching will want to pay close attention to a few key matchups.
Toronto FC vs Inter Miami CF – Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Inter Miami, currently occupying the final MLS Cup Playoffs position, travels north of the border to take on Toronto FC, who were eliminated from playoff contention after a loss in Orlando on Sept. 17.
Dropped points for Miami in this one would be massive for the Orange and Blue as FC Cincinnati continues to fight for breathing room above the playoff line. Miami are currently four points behind FC Cincinnati, and a win would take them level with Orlando City on 45 points, just one behind Cincy. Miami defeated Toronto 2-1 in South Florida back in August.
Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls – Saturday Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Tied with Miami on points, Columbus welcomes third-place New York to Lower.com field on Saturday night. Red Bulls clinched their spot in the postseason in mid-September, but still need points to secure a home playoff game.
Columbus sits outside the playoff spots at the moment, but only on tiebreakers. A loss or draw for the Crew would be another big result for FC Cincinnati fans, who will be tuned into the action just down I-71 at the same time.
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