It definitely helps that we know already which five teams in the East are playoff bound. Where it may get confusing is when it comes down to potential match ups.
The scenarios are as follows:
If New York wins in Philly they’ll have 57 points, placing them in a second-place tie with D.C. United. However that would only be temporary, as D.C. United and the Chicago Fire kick off their match at 4pm. Should D.C. win, then the 1-2-3 coming out of the East would be Sporting KC, D.C and New York.
But…
If Chicago defeats D.C. and New York defeats Philly, the Fire will leapfrog D.C. to claim second place, and New York will enter third on a tie-breaker with D.C., pending any additional tie-breaker scenarios that may surface during Saturday’s matches.
And then…
If the Red Bulls lose, coupled with a Dynamo loss, then New York will host Houston for an Oct. 31/Nov. 1 play-in game at Red Bull Arena. If New York loses AND Houston wins, then the Red Bulls will drop to fifth overall and face Houston on the road at BBVA Compass Stadium for an Oct. 31/Nov. 1 play-in match.
Phew.
Confusing as it may seem, nothing would take care of business more than a three-point finish against Philly on Saturday. After that, it's all up to how the other teams perform to determine the final standings and first-round match ups.
Tickets for a potential home playoffs match at Red Bull Arena are on sale now. Get yours at
the official RBNY Playoff Hub
or call 877.RB.SOCCER.
