Nashville SC playoff clinching scenarios

Nashville SC can officially clinch a spot in the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs tonight. With six games left to play, the Coyotes are currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, with 43 points from 28 matches.

Here’s how they can secure a postseason berth tonight. All scenarios require a win against San Jose Earthquakes (9:30 pm CT, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).

1. Nashville SC WIN at San Jose Earthquakes 
   • AND D.C. United LOSS/DRAW vs. New York Red Bulls 
   • AND Charlotte FC LOSS/DRAW at FC Cincinnati 
   • AND Inter Miami CF LOSS/DRAW at Orlando City SC OR
2. Nashville SC WIN at San Jose Earthquakes 
   • AND D.C. United LOSS/DRAW vs. New York Red Bulls 
   • AND Charlotte FC LOSS/DRAW at FC Cincinnati 
   • AND Chicago Fire FC LOSS/DRAW vs. New England Revolution OR
3. Nashville SC WIN at San Jose Earthquakes 
   • AND D.C. United LOSS/DRAW vs. New York Red Bulls 
   • AND Inter Miami CF LOSS/DRAW at Orlando City SC 
   • AND Chicago Fire FC LOSS/DRAW vs. New England Revolution

Three of the four other matches that could affect Nashville’s playoff spot kick off at either 6:30 or 7:30 central, meaning Nashville could know that scenario two is possible before their match begins. Inter Miami’s trip to Orlando City is at 6:30 pm CT on Sunday night.

Nashville have qualified for the postseason in each of their first three seasons. They have advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals twice, losing in extra time to Columbus Crew in 2020 and on penalties to Philadelphia Union in 2021.

Author: Ben Wrightis the Director of Soccer Content and a Senior MLS Contributor for Broadway Sports covering Nashville SC and the US National Team. Previously Ben was the editor and a founder of Speedway Soccer, where he has covered Nashville SC and their time in USL before journeying to Major League Soccer since 2018. Raised in Louisville, KY Ben grew up playing before a knee injury ended his competitive career. When he is not talking soccer he is probably producing music, drinking coffee or hanging out with his wife and kids. Mastodon

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