Two Solitudes Derby: Playoff Scenarios

The Montreal Impact have qualified for the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs, thanks to their 2-2 draw against Toronto FC and some help from the Chicago Fire, who downed the New England Revolution 2-1 to secure Montreal’s seat in the playoffs.

Toronto had previously qualified, but their failure to win over Montreal means they may still have to fight their way through the knockout round.

October 23rd is the final regular season match day, with playoff seeds yet to be decided. While somewhat unlikely at this stage, the Two Solitudes Derby could again rear its head in the race for the MLS Cup. Which scenarios would see Montreal face Toronto in the playoffs for the second year running?

Knockout Round

Toronto FC will host the Montreal Impact in the knockout round on October 26th if:

• The Montreal Impact lose to the New England Revolution, AND
• The Philadelphia Union defeat the New York Red Bulls, AND
• New York City FC beat Columbus Crew SC OR the Chicago Fire take an upset win over Toronto FC OR both of those games end in ties

Conference Semifinal

Montreal Impact will play Toronto FC in a home-and-home series for the conference semifinal on October 30th and November 6th if:

• The Montreal Impact lose to the New England Revolution, AND
• Toronto FC beat the Chicago Fire, AND
• The Philadelphia Union defeat the New York Red Bulls, AND
• Columbus Crew SC defeat or draw New York City FC, AND
• The Montreal Impact defeat the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium in the knockout round

Conference Final

Any other combination of results will mean the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC will not face each other again in 2016 unless both teams manage to qualify for the eastern conference finals.

The eastern conference finals are to be held on November 22nd and 30th.