New York City FC enters Decision Day — the final day of the Major League Soccer regular season — in second place in the Eastern Conference.
A win would secure a second-place finish and a bye in the mid-week knockout round game.
A draw or a loss could drop City down to third, fourth or fifth place, depending on the results of its rivals, Atlanta United, Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew SC.
Here are the potential playoff scenarios:
NYCFC finishing as the number 1 – 2 seed:
If NYCFC finishes as the Eastern Conference’s first or second seed, the second leg of the conference semifinals will be played on Wednesday, Nov. 1, instead of Sunday, Nov. 5, due to an event at Yankee Stadium scheduled prior to the MLS season.
NYCFC finishing as the number 3 – 4 seed:
If the club finishes as a three or four seed, a knockout round game would take place at home on either Oct. 25 or 26. With a win, the club would qualify for the conference semifinals and would host Leg 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Oct. 30 or 31.
NYCFC finishing as the fifth seed:
If the club finishes as the fifth seed, the team would play the knockout round game on the road. With a win, the club would qualify for the Conference semifinals and would host Leg 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Oct. 30 or 31.
MLS CUP PLAYOFFS HOME SCHEDULE
Knockout Round Games (seed 3-4)
Oct. 25 or Oct. 26
Conference Semifinals
If New York City FC is the number 1 or 2 seed
Leg 2: November 1
If New York City FC is the number 3 – 6 seed
Leg 1: October 30-31
Conference Championship
Leg 1: November 21
or
Leg 2: November 28-29