MLS NEXT Pro News

2024 MLS NEXT Pro Matchweek 26 Playoff Clinching Scenarios

FCC2 Could Clinch

Matchweek 26 brings FC Cincinnati 2 an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot while others look to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Check out their clinching and elimination scenarios below as the team from Ohio looks to make their first-ever appearance in the MLS NEXT Pro post-season.

Eastern Conference

Can clinch a playoff spot if:

1) CIN win + Chattanooga FC (CFC) 2 or fewer points + Orlando City B (ORL) 1 or fewer points + Toronto FC II (TOR) 2 or fewer points
OR

2) CIN win + CFC 2 or fewer points + ORL 1 or fewer points + Inter Miami II (MIA) loss
OR

3) CIN win + CFC 2 or fewer points + Crown Legacy FC (CLFC) loss + MIA loss + TOR 2 or fewer points

Is eliminated if:

1) HNT 1 or fewer points
OR

2) HNT shootout win + CFC win + Chicago Fire II (CHI) 1 or more points + ORL 1 or more points

Western Conference

Is eliminated if:

1) MIN loss
OR

2) MIN shootout loss + Houston Dynamo 2 (HOU) 1 or more points
OR

3) MIN shootout loss + Portland Timbers2 (POR) win
OR

4) MIN shootout loss + Sporting Kansas City II (SKC) win + COL win + POR shootout win

Is eliminated if:

1) COL loss + HOU win + Austin FC II (ATX) 2 or more points
OR

2) COL loss + ATX win + HOU 2 or more points

Playoff Qualification & Tiebrakers

Playoff Qualification

  • Eight teams qualify from each Conference (16 total): the two Division Champions + the next six teams with the most points

Tiebreakers

1. Total Number of Wins (in regulation)

2. Goal Differential

3. Goals For

4. Shootout Wins

5. Away Goals Differential

6. Away Goals For

7. Home Goals Differential

8. Home Goals For

9. Fewest Disciplinary Points

10. Coin Toss (tie of two Clubs) or Drawing of Lots (tie of three or more Clubs)