The song remains the same for Columbus Crew SC ahead on Sunday’s home match against Minnesota United FC – "win and we’re in."
Despite a 2-1 loss at Orlando City SC on Oct. 21, Crew SC remains in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and controls its own destiny heading into Decision Day on Oct. 28.
Here’s a breakdown of how Crew SC can qualify for the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs and how the Eastern Conference could end up looking by Sunday night.
What sees Columbus into the postseason:
A win over Minnesota seals a second-straight trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs for Columbus, as two points currently separate the Black & Gold from the seventh-place Montreal Impact.
If Columbus was to lose, a Montreal loss OR draw would still see Crew SC into the postseason.
Should Montreal win at New England on Sunday, Columbus would need a victory against Minnesota to claim a postseason berth.
What’s at stake:
There is not much to definitively say about the Eastern Conference’s top seven positions until Sunday’s conclusion.
Crew SC could make a leap into fourth place and host a Knockout Round match, should the Black & Gold defeat Minnesota and both Chicago AND New York City win. A sixth-place regular-season finish for Columbus would pit the Black & Gold against Philadelphia or New York City FC in a road Knockout Round match.
Since NYCFC is hosting the Union, a win for either club will seal third place. NYCFC could also secure third place with a draw, while Philadelphia could finish anywhere between third and sixth place.
D.C. United – who travels to Chicago on Sunday – could finish as high as fourth or as low as sixth but is mathematically eliminated from claiming a top-three spot.
As for Montreal, the Impact could only claim the sixth and final spot should they defeat New England and Crew SC lose or draw to Minnesota.
