Points Secure Playoff Berth for FC Cincinnati 

October 9, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release

FC Cincinnati have been in a playoff position for a large portion of the season, first beginning following defeating Toronto FC twice in five days. Two more wins after that over Minnesota United and Chicago Fire placed the Orange and Blue as high as fourth place.

Following a midweek 1-1 draw at New York City FC, FC Cincinnati went into seventh place and have not fallen out of playoff positioning since. The Orange and Blue have been in control of their own destiny, and after all the scenarios and scoreboard watching, today, FC Cincinnati.com’s Playoff Watch is simple.

For the Orange and Blue to clinch a spot for the first time in the MLS Cup Playoffs, here is what needs to happen.

FC Cincinnati clinch a berth in the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with:

A WIN or DRAW at D.C. United OR

A LOSS at D.C. United and Orlando City SC vs. Columbus Crew does not end in a draw

When asked about balancing the thought that FC Cincinnati could already be in the MLS Cup Playoffs had other results gone their way earlier this season, versus the fact that after three seasons of last-place seasons that the Orange and Blue are controlling their destiny on Decision Day, FCC Head Coach Pat Noonan said this:

“I think we could have certainly positioned ourselves better. With previous results, and opportunities, to not have to have the final game be a decider. We know that, but at the same time, we can’t be thinking that way, we have to think about ‘here we are with an opportunity to be a playoff team by going and getting a result on the road in the final game.’

“And that’s our approach. And I think the guys this week have, certainly since those Wednesday results, had a life about them that and a certainty about them of ‘this is what we need to do to get into the playoffs.’ And I think that clarity, and the focus of the group has led to a couple good training sessions. A lot of guys talking, a lot of guys trying to problem solve and be on the same page so that when we step on the field, we’re ready to compete and ready to win a game.”

Here’s a look at how things stand in the Eastern Conference ahead of today’s Decision Day slate, with all Eastern Conference games set to get underway at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Teams in the hunt (standings on Decision Day)

Teams in the hunt (standings on Decision Day)

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

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