With the playoffs right around the corner, the Montreal Impact has one foot in the door in just its second season in Major League Soccer. Following its 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union last Saturday at Stade Saputo, the Impact plays its 34th and final game of the 2013 season in Toronto on Saturday.
The Impact has amassed 49 points so far this season in 33 games played, and is left with a critical match against Toronto FC at BMO Field at 4pm to conclude the campaign. The game will be broadcast live on TSN and RDS, and on the radio on CJAD800.
The standings are extremely tight, with Chicago (49pts), Houston (48pts) and New England (48pts) nipping at the Impact’s heels – sitting currently in third place in the Eastern Conference’s standings. The four teams play their remaining games on this upcoming weekend.
Here's what you'll need to watch this weekend, on top of the crucial game in Toronto :
Saturday, October 26:
Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact, 4pm
Sunday, October 27:
D.C. United vs. Houston Dynamo, 1:30pm
Columbus vs. New England, 4pm
New York vs. Chicago, 5pm
Here are the different playoff scenarios:
1. If the Impact beats TFC
The Impact automatically qualifies for the playoffs.
Houston and New England have no chance of catching the Impact.
Chicago can only tie the Impact in points, and currently sit six goals back of the second tiebreaker between the two clubs (goals for).
2. If the Impact ties vs TFC
Houston must win to pass the Impact.
New England must win to pass the Impact.
Chicago must win to pass the Impact or tie, scoring six more goals than the Impact after Saturday’s game.
3. If the Impact loses to TFC
Houston would need to win to supplant the Impact, who holds the tiebreaker between these two clubs (wins).
New England would need to win (same tiebreaker).
Chicago would have to win or tie.
Keep in mind that the Impact has four victories on the road this season, the same number as Houston and Chicago, while New England took five games away from home.
