Last weekend, MNUFC had its first chance ever to book a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Despite coming away with a draw for the first time at Providence Park, it wasn’t enough to clinch. The Loons will get a second chance on Wednesday night against Sporting Kansas City, with a bit less complicated route: win and they’re in.
Three points aren’t necessary for clinching this time either. A couple friendly results around the league can send the Loons to the postseason even with a loss.
Here are all the qualifying scenarios for Wednesday night:
MNUFC wins vs. Sporting KC
OR
MNUFC ties vs. Sporting KC AND
San Jose Earthquakes tie vs. Philadelphia Union AND
Portland Timbers tie vs. New England Revolution
OR
San Jose Earthquakes tie vs. Philadelphia Union AND
Portland Timbers lose vs. New England Revolution
OR
San Jose Earthquakes lose vs. Philadelphia Union AND
Portland Timbers tie vs. New England Revolution
OR
San Jose Earthquakes lose vs. Philadelphia Union AND
Portland Timbers lose vs. New England Revolution
As noted earlier, a win puts the Loons in the postseason with no help needed. If they draw, both the Quakes and Timbers can’t win their games to book a spot for the Loons. Both of those results will also eliminate Sporting KC.
If MNUFC doesn’t take any points on Wednesday, it will need either San Jose, Portland or both to lose their games to ensure a spot in the top seven. Some simple math will point out that even with the loss that both the Quakes and Timbers can potentially get one more point than the Loons currently have. However, because those teams face off on Decision Day, only one of them could surpass the Loons.
There are lots of ways the Loons can clinch a postseason berth on Wednesday, ranging from simple to complex. None would be more satisfying than coming away with a win in front of the home crowd at Allianz Field, singing “Wonderwall” on their way to the playoffs.
Check out the schedule of the playoff scenario games on Wednesday below:
MNUFC vs. Sporting Kansas City
7:00 p.m. CT | FOX Sports North+
Portland Timbers vs. New England Revolution
9:30 p.m. CT | MLS Live on ESPN+
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Philadelphia Union
10:00 p.m. CT | MLS Live on ESPN+
