FC Cincinnati Control their Own Destiny Headed into Decision Day

October 6, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release

Drama awaits as Decision Day approaches for teams fighting for a final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. FC Cincinnati enter the weekend in the driver’s seat for one of the remaining two spots with an away trip to D.C. United slated for Sunday afternoon. Midweek results have the Orange and Blue thinking playoffs for the first time in club history.

FC Cincinnati control their own destiny heading into Decision Day. The Orange and Blue can clinch a berth in the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with a win OR a draw against D.C. United independent of the result between Orlando and Columbus. If either Orlando or Columbus earns three points on Sunday, the Orange and Blue book their ticket to the playoffs no matter the result against D.C. United.

Inter Miami CF clinched a spot in the postseason Wednesday night with a 4-1 win over Orlando City SC at DRV PNK Stadium. Any number of points for the Herons on Sunday would guarantee a finish no lower than fifth. Miami still has a shot at a top-four finish dependent on results.

Charlotte FC were eliminated from playoff contention despite a late equalizer against Columbus Crew in the expansion side’s first season in MLS. It was still a big result as the draw gives FC Cincinnati some wiggle room against D.C. United.

FCCincinnati.com’s Playoff Watch takes a look at how things stand in the Eastern Conference heading into Decision Day.

Teams in the hunt (standings as of Oct. 6)

Position
Team
Points
Games Played
Record (W-L-D)
Remaining Game
Max. points possible

5th
x – Inter Miami CF
48
33
14-13-6
vs Montreal
51

6th
FC Cincinnati
46
33
11-9-13
at D.C. United
49

7th
Columbus Crew
46
33
10-7-16
at Orlando City SC
49

8th
Orlando City SC
45
33
13-14-6
vs Columbus Crew
48

Top seven teams in standings qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs (top four teams host a Round One game). Inter Miami CF can still reach fourth place with a win against Montreal and a New York Red Bulls draw or loss)

x – clinched playoffs

D.C. United vs FC Cincinnati – Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. ET

Sunday’s game against D.C. United is one of the most important fixtures in club history as FC Cincinnati eyes its first trip to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. There are a number of ways the Orange and Blue can clinch, but any points earned would get the job done.

United got the upper hand against Cincinnati in Week 2 at TQL Stadium in a 1-0 win. Ola Kamara scored the game winner from the penalty spot eight…