Major League Soccer (MLS) loves one-on-one games and promotes its “Decision Day,” and no one will be disappointed at this level this year. The race in the Eastern Conference is so tight that five teams, including CF Montreal, will fight for two spots on Saturday.
Places eight and nine are up for grabs, respectively occupied by Bleu-Blanc-Noir and DC United. We can already forget the birth of the American capital because its season is over and it will inevitably be overtaken by the New York Red Bulls, the Chicago Fire, the Charlotte FC or the New York City FC.
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Montreal can easily ensure their qualification by winning their game in Columbus. This would give him 44 points and protect him from all his pursuers. The challenge promises to be great, because the crew (4th) has become a strong team thanks to coach Wilfried Nancy and his star midfielder Hany Mukhtar. Hernan Losada’s men will also play away, where they performed poorly at 2-12-2.
In the event of a setback, the outcome of the game between the Fire and NYCFC will be important. If the Illinois team loses or draws and Charlotte FC or the Red Bulls are defeated or drawn in their respective matchups, CF Montreal advances. In addition, entry into the playoffs is possible if Charlotte and the Red Bulls get at least one point.
There’s nothing to lose in the Big Apple
So four games will be worth watching and will keep every fan on the edge of their seats, starting with the famous clash between NYCFC and Fire. New York will have home field advantage at Citi Field. Their only meeting this campaign came in March – what feels like an eternity – and ended in a 1-1 draw.
New York City only missed the playoff schedule in its inaugural season in 2015. They have since won the MLS Cup in 2021, but without a major goalscorer, things have been difficult this year. A win is necessary for this team, who will then have to wish their opponents bad luck.
Will the energy of despair work in her case?
Confident cops
The Red Bulls, like the Fire and Charlotte, cannot overtake Montreal in the standings by a single point because they have fewer wins on their record.
The “RBNY” has not disappeared from the scene since 2009. With 40 points and a difference of -4, he has a lead over Chicago (40 points and -11), which gives him a certain security against this opponent, provided that he wins in Nashville.
Here too, their only duel of the year – a 0-0 draw – took place in March. Confidence is high in this group as the Red Bulls have rattled off two straight wins, including a 2-1 victory over MLS’s best team, FC Cincinnati.
No Messi, no problem?
Ultimately, Charlotte (40 points) cannot afford to give up three points against Inter Miami CF. Lionel Messi will not play for the “Herons”, which is good news for the team from North Carolina. This duel will also be presented at home.
Their last face-to-face interview took place on Wednesday. Miami equalized late and secured a 2-2 draw. Charlotte will have to assert their game as there was at times abuse at the DRV PNK Stadium, even when the Argentine star was not present.
All of these games take place on Saturday. For CF Montreal, hostilities begin at 6 p.m. in Columbus.