Philadelphia Union know that their 1-1 draw against Atlanta United at Subaru Park on Saturday was a big opportunity missed, but they still sit inside the playoff line with 3 games to go and destiny in their own hands.
If they can take care of business in their next 3 games, they’ll punch their ticket to the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. But if they drop points against either Orlando or Columbus on the road, and don’t get help from teams around the league, Union could be packing it up early for the first time since 2017.
Relevant Weekend Results
Even though Philly dropped points in their 1-1 draw against Atlanta at home this weekend, they were able to get some help around the league, with the only real result going against them being Montreal’s 3-0 win against San Jose, bumping them up to 37 points and out of the playoff picture only due to a tie-breaker with 3 games to go.
Rev’s win keeps Nashville 4 points below Union and the final playoff spot, while Chicago’s 1-1 draw against Toronto keeps Union tied on points with John Herdman’s side, giving them an opportunity to jump up in the standings. A win for both Columbus and Miami would have helped Union even more, but holding DC and Charlotte to draws is ultimately helpful.
Good Results for Philadelphia
DC United 2 – 2 Columbus Crew – Good Result
Inter Miami 1 – 1 Charlotte FC – Good Result
New England Revolution 1 – 0 Nashville SC – Good Result
Chicago Fire 1 – 1 Toronto FC – Good Result
Bad Results for Union
CF Montreal 3 – 0 San Jose Earthquakes – Bad Result
Updated Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
| Standings | Games Played | Total Points | Final Games of Season |
| 1) Inter Miami (X) | 31 | 65 | @ CLB, @ TOR, vs NE |
| 2) Columbus Crew (X) | 30 | 57 | vs MIA, vs PHL, vs NE, @ NYRB |
| 3) FC Cincinnati (X) | 31 | 56 | @ NYCFC, vs ORL, @ PHL |
| 4) Orlando City SC (X) | 31 | 46 | vs PHL, @ CIN, vs ATL |
| 5) NYCFC (X) | 31 | 44 | vs CIN, vs NSH, @ MTL |
| 6) New York Red Bulls (X) | 31 | 44 | @ TOR, @ ATL, vs CLB |
| 7) Charlotte FC | 31 | 42 | vs CHI, vs MTL, @ DC |
| 8) Toronto FC | 32 | 37 | vs NYRB, vs MIA |
| 9) Philadelphia Union | 31 | 37 | @ ORL, @ CLB, vs CIN |
| 10) CF Montreal | 31 | 37 | @ ATL, @ CLT, vs NYCFC |
| 11) Atlanta United | 31 | 34 | vs MTL, vs NYRB, @ ORL |
| 12) DC United | 31 | 34 | @ NSH, @ NE, vs CLT |
| 13) Nashville SC | 31 | 33 | vs DC, @ NYCFC, @ CHI |
| 14) New England Revolution | 31 | 30 | @ HOU, vs DC, @ CLB, @ MIA |
| 15) Chicago Fire (E) | 30 | 32 | @ CLT, vs NSH |
Chances of Union Making the Playoffs
After this weekend’s results, Union’s chances of locking down one of the 3 remaining playoff spots has moved to 44%, according to playoffstatus.com, while Atlanta, Toronto, Montreal, and DC’s chances have all fallen below 20%
Games to Watch This Weekend
Winning all 3 of their final games would be the easiest way for Union to secure their spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, but all 3 of those games come against really tough opponents. If Union fail to take care of business themselves, they’ll have to rely on help from around the league to sneak into one of the final playoff spots come Decision Day. Here’s the matchups on Wednesday night that could have an impact on Union’s playoff hopes
Atlanta United (11th) vs CF Montreal (10th) – 7:30pm
Result that helps Union: Draw
Charlotte FC (7th) vs Chicago Fire (15th) – 7:30pm
Result that helps Union: Chicago Win
Toronto FC (8th) vs New York Red Bulls (6th) – 7:30pm
Result that helps Union: Red Bulls win
Nashville SC (13th) vs DC United (12th) – 8:30pm
Result that helps Union: Draw
Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images
