The 2022 MLS season has trickled down to its final two games for most teams, but there is still time left for some to get into the postseason through the backdoor. Meanwhile, the Golden Boot and MVP races are still there for the taking.
Here’s a look at what’s at stake from a playoff perspective in this weekend’s matchups.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
Friday
Miami can do themselves a massive favor by getting a win against eliminated Toronto. Currently seventh with 42 points and with a game in hand, Inter would make things very hard for their nearest pursuers, including eighth-place Columbus (42 points), by earning three points on Friday.
Saturday
New England Revolution vs. Atlanta United
Atlanta United have made a late surge with seven points from their past three matches to rise to ninth place with 40 points, two shy of Miami. If they are to entertain any hopes of clinching a playoff spot on Decision Day, they absolutely have to come away with a win in Foxborough. The same can be said for the Revs, who are 11th and on 38 points. Anything less than a victory and the playoffs will assuredly be gone.
The boys from the Lone Star State have already clinched their playoff spot and are in a relatively comfortable third-place position in the Western Conference with 50 points. They can sew up a first-round home playoff game with a win at eliminated Colorado.
Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union
The good news for Charlotte is that even though they are in 10th in the East with 38 points, they have a game in hand and can make up ground prior to Decision Day next weekend. The bad news is that they host a buzzsaw in Philadelphia, who are keen to edge out LAFC for the Supporters’ Shield.
FC Cincinnati vs. Chicago Fire FC
Cincinnati helped themselves enough with a midweek 1-1 draw in Seattle on Tuesday night, nudging themselves into fifth place out East with 46 points and four points above eighth-place Columbus. But four teams chasing them in the standings — Inter Miami, Orlando, Charlotte and Columbus — all have a game in hand. Victory at home against eliminated Chicago would help immensely.
Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls
Columbus are just barely on the outside looking in at present with 42 points, but the Crew do have a game in hand. No matter, though, Saturday against New York is still a must-win because the two sides right in front of them, Miami and Orlando, also have a game in hand. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls have clinched a playoff spot and can nail down a home game in Round 1 with a win.
Technically, there is still a chance Montreal can win the Supporters’ Shield, which would be extraordinary. If Philly and LAFC each lose their final two games and Montreal beat last-place D.C. United and then win their finale, the Quebec side would lift the trophy.
