With only two games remaining in the regular season, D.C. United's fortunes are looking bright. Following a three-game week in which they posted three wins and earned all nine possible points, the Black-and-Red came out of the international break sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, one point behind the Montreal Impact. United, who haven't lost since Sept. 1 and scored multiple goals in seven straight matches, now host New York City FC on Oct. 16 in the final regular season home game of 2016 before traveling to Orlando City SC on Decision Day. Take a look at the rest of the East and each team's playoff outlook.
If the season ended today...
Eastern Conference
1ST SEED - BYENY Red Bulls
2ND SEED - BYENYCFC
KNOCKOUT ROUND MATCH:
3RD SEEDToronto FC
vs.
6TH SEEDPhiladelphia
October 26th or 27th
KNOCKOUT ROUND MATCH:
4TH SEEDMontreal
vs.
5TH SEEDD.C. United
October 26th or 27th
New York Red Bulls (clinched) | 51 points | +14 GD
Games remaining: v. Columbus Crew SC, at Philadelphia Union
In the hunt for top two seeds and first-round bye
New York City FC (clinched) | 51 points | +4
Games remaining: at D.C. United, v. Columbus Crew SC
In the hunt for top two seeds and first-round bye. A loss puts them at jeopardy of slipping behind Toronto FC, should the Canadians win.
Toronto FC (clinched) | 49 points | +11
Games remaining: at Montreal Impact, v. Chicago Fire
In the hunt for top two seeds and first-round bye. Their Goal Differential puts them ahead of NYCFC should they tie on points.
Montreal Impact | 44 points | -1
Games remaining: v. Toronto FC, at New England Revolution
Need to improve their Goal Differential. A win over their Canadian rivals will keep them in solid position for a Knockout Round match at home.
D.C. United | 43 points | +6
Games remaining: v. New York City FC, at Orlando City SC
Win and you’re in for the Black-and-Red, but in order to secure a home Knockout Round match they’ll need Montreal to drop points.
Philadelphia Union | 42 points | +1
Games remaining: v. Orlando City SC, v. New York Red Bulls
Currently in the final postseason spot, the Union aren’t assured of anything yet. Keep winning and you’re in.
New England Revolution | 39 points | -12
Games remaining: at Chicago Fire, v. Montreal Impact
The Revs need to not only win, but to have the teams above them drop points. Their weak Goal Differential will hurt them in tiebreakers.
Columbus Crew SC | 35 points | -4
Games remaining: at Chicago Fire, at New York Red Bulls, at New York City FC
Win and hope.
