FC Cincinnati clinched its first-ever MLS Cup Playoffs berth with a comprehensive 5-2 win on the road over DC United. A flurry of early goals got the ball rolling and the visitors never let up as Brazilian forward Brenner bagged a first-half hat-trick.
Here we are. Decision Day. A season potentially summed up in one moment. For the seven teams whose campaigns still hang in the balance, defeat is simply not an option. For spectators, the tension has been turned up to the max as six of the seven sides play each other in their final games of the season. After 90 minutes of intensity, stress will give way to both elation and agony. As we go into Decision Day, let’s break down what every team is playing for.
Andre Shinyashiki scored in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time for a 2-2 tie against visiting Columbus on Wednesday, but Charlotte FC were still eliminated from playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte trailed 2-0 in the second half.
The Crew (10-7-16, 46 points) currently hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the East. Inter Miami previously sat below Columbus, but they defeated Orlando 4-1 later Wednesday night and now sit at fifth in the conference. Cincinnati, which also has 46 points, sits at sixth.
The business end of the MLS season is upon us, and with the MLS playoffs kicking off in just under a month, every game matters. Only six sides have officially been eliminated from playoff contention going into the international break and the race for the Supporter’s Shield is very much alive. Following Match Week 32, let’s break down what every team is playing for from here on out.
Remaining Opponents: Charlotte FC, Toronto FC
“Who is Brandon Vazquez?” is a question that United States men’s national team fans could be asking themselves. If you’re a fan of the USMNT who doesn’t pay too much attention to Major League Soccer, then you might not know about the 23-year-old FC Cincinnati forward.
Gonzalo Higuaín is making a habit of scoring worldies for Inter Miami. Almost a month ago, the Argentine scored a ridiculous free kick from just outside of the box against Cincinnati. Tonight, he hit copy and paste against the New York Red Bulls.
GONZALO HIGUAIN!
This set piece stunner gives @InterMiamiCF the lead! pic.twitter.com/t87fJB0OOD
If someone had asked me close to this time last year which USMNT strikers would go to Qatar I would have had Ricadro Pepi top of mind. Fast forward to present day and the job for the starting striker at the World Cup with the USMNT is there for the taking with several bidders.
Josh Sargent is in the best form of his career, Jordan Pefok has been a menace in front of goal for Union Berlin and Haji Wright is racking up the goals in Turkey. All three USMNT strikers had goal contributions this weekend.
Chris McVey's stoppage-time tally helped host Inter Miami escape with a 4-4 draw against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
McVey scored in the seventh minute of added time, firing one just under the crossbar.
Absolute stunner in the final moments! @InterMiamiCF level it! pic.twitter.com/u5Lt9ndgrD
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 31, 2022
Brenner completed his first career MLS hat-trick in the 70th minute to help host FC Cincinnati record a 4-4 draw against New York City FC on Wednesday.
Brenner, who also scored in the 24th and 30th minutes, additionally had two apparent goals overturned by video review. He sent a brilliant back-heel kick into the net in the first half. However that was denied after officials deemed the ball crossed the end line prior to the apparent score. He also seemingly scored in the 89th minute, however officials deemed Cincinnati was offside prior to the tally.
We're almost three months into the 2022 MLS season, affording us enough time to showcase some of the most exciting new stadium food options after collecting them from the Bible of arena grub, @FootyScran.
It's the best account around to make you both incredibly hungry and excited for Saturday, although the reaction to MLS food usually justifiably ranges from "that looks delicious" to "why the hell are they paying $25 for chicken over there?"
What is scran?