As Inter Miami approaches Decision Day presented by AT&T, the team remains in contention for a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, aiming to become only the seventh MLS franchise to do so in its first season. Though qualification won’t be entirely in the team’s hands, it all starts with Inter Miami’s result against FC Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3:30 p.m. ET.
As things stand, the Club currently sits below the playoff line, averaging 0.95 points per game. This places the team just behind the Montreal Impact (1.05 ppg), Chicago Fire FC (1.05 ppg) and Atlanta United FC (1 ppg) in the race for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. This means Inter Miami needs a win over Cincinnati as well as some help from the aforementioned Eastern Conference opponents to qualify for the playoffs.
A win over Cincinnati would take Inter Miami up to 24 points earned in its inaugural regular season (1.04 ppg). For this total to put the Club above the playoff line, at least two of three scenarios must play out among the final matches for Montreal, Chicago and Atlanta:
- Montreal Impact must lose or draw in its match against D.C. United
- Chicago Fire FC must lose or draw in its match against New York City FC
- Atlanta United FC must lose or draw in its match against Columbus Crew SC
Should Inter Miami defeat FC Cincinnati, it would need just two of the above scenarios to play out. All matches in question are scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Montreal Impact
A loss for Montreal would see them finish the regular season with 23 points (1 ppg) while a draw would give them 24 points (1.04 ppg). A loss would place them below Inter Miami outright, while a draw would give Inter Miami the edge on tiebreakers. The first tiebreaker is number of wins, which would see both teams finish with seven in this scenario. The next tiebreaker is goal differential, and while both Montreal and Inter Miami currently are equal in this regard, a win for Inter Miami and a draw for Montreal would nudge the goal differential in Inter Miami’s direction.
In its last three matches, Montreal has earned zero points and scored just one goal while conceding five. D.C. United, their Decision Day presented by AT&T opponent, meanwhile, has earned six points (2W-1L) in its last three matches, scoring six goals and conceding five. While a win for D.C. United would also put them level with Inter Miami on 24 points (1.04 ppg) in this scenario, Inter Miami would have the edge on number of wins. Sunday’s match will take place at D.C. United’s home stadium, Audi Field.
Chicago Fire FC
A loss for Chicago would see them finish the regular season with 23 points (1 ppg) while a draw would give them 24 points (1.04 ppg). A loss would place them below Inter Miami outright, while a draw would give Inter Miami the edge on tiebreakers, as Inter Miami would finish the season with two more wins than Chicago in this scenario.
In its last three matches, Chicago has earned two points (1L-2D), scoring four goals and conceding five in the process. NYCFC, their Decision Day presented by AT&T opponent, meanwhile, has won three straight, scoring nine goals and conceding just three. Sunday’s match will take place at Chicago’s home stadium, Soldier Field.
Atlanta United FC
A loss for Atlanta would see them finish the regular season with 22 points (0.96 ppg) while a draw would give them 23 points (1 ppg). Either a loss or a draw would place Atlanta below Inter Miami outright.
In its last three matches, Atlanta has earned three points (1W-2L), scoring four goals and conceding six in the process. Columbus Crew SC, their Decision Day presented by AT&T opponent, meanwhile, has earned three points (1W-2L) in its last three matches, scoring three goals and conceding four in the process. Sunday’s match will take place at Columbus’ home field, Mapfre Stadium.
