Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day

Playoff Scenarios - 2018 - primary image

The results are in from the penultimate weekend of MLS regular season action and the playoff field out East is set. New England's 2-0 win over New York City FC secured them the final available spot, while simultaneously eliminating Chicago, Orlando and Montreal


Despite that loss, NYCFC still clinched top seed in the Eastern Conference thanks to a 2-0 win by Columbus over Philadelphia, which concluded later than other Eastern Conference games due to a weather delay. That guarantees NYCFC a first-round bye in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, home-field advantage in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and Finals, as well as a spot in the 2020 Concacaf Champions League.


The West, however, remains wide open after an evening of pure chaos. Though Real Salt Lake clinched a playoff spot thanks to their win over Houston, three chasing teams all dropped points while Colorado guaranteed they have something to play for on Decision Day thanks to a big 3-0 win over FC Dallas. In addition to Dallas, San Jose also lost, while Portland managed a tie against already-eliminated Sporting KC, leaving the door open for the Rapids to complete a miracle run to the postseason.


RELATED: If the playoffs started today ...



Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - NYC

New York City FC


NYCFC clinched top seed in the East and a berth in the 2020 Concacaf Champions League.


  • âś“ Philadelphia lose or tie vs. Columbus



Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - DAL

FC Dallas


FC Dallas did not clinch a berth in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.




    Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - NE

    New England Revolution


    New England clinched a berth in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.


    • âś“ New England win vs. NYCFC



    Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - POR

    Portland Timbers


    Portland did not clinch a berth in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.




      Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - RSL

      Real Salt Lake


      Real Salt Lake clinched a berth in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.


      • âś“ Real Salt Lake win vs. Houston



      Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - CHI

      Chicago Fire


      Chicago were eliminated from playoff contention.


      • âś“ New England win vs. NYCFC



      Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - COL

      Colorado Rapids


      Colorado were not eliminated from playoff contention.




        Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - MTL

        Montreal Impact


        Montreal were eliminated from playoff contention.


        • âś“ Montreal lose or tie vs. Atlanta
        • – OR –
        • âś“ New England win vs. NYCFC



        Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - ORL

        Orlando City SC


        Orlando were eliminated from playoff contention.


        • âś“ Orlando lose or tie vs. Cincinnati
        • – OR –
        • âś“ New England win or tie vs. NYCFC



        Playoff Scenarios: RSL, New England both clinch; two spots left on Decision Day - SJ

        San Jose Earthquakes


        San Jose were not eliminated from playoff contention.