For the first time since 2012, the Chicago Fire will be in the postseason.
The Fire clinched a playoff berth with a 4-1 win at San Jose. Now it’s about playoff seeding.
The Fire were the fourth team in the Eastern Conference to clinch a playoff spot. All six spots are locked up, but four playoff seeds remain unclear. Here’s a look at the final matches and scenarios for playoff seeding heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
Last update: Oct. 22, 5:30 p.m.
Toronto FC
- Record: 20-5-9, 69 points
- Clinched Supporters' Shield
- Last result: 2-2 draw at Atlanta
With a draw in the finale at Atlanta, Toronto set the highest point total in league history.
New York City FC
- Record: 16-9-9, 57 points
- No. 2 seed
- Last result: 2-2 draw vs. Columbus
City fell behind against Columbus and could have lost the first-round bye if Atlanta held on late against Toronto, but NYCFC still finished in second.
Chicago Fire
- Record: 16-11-7, 55 points
- No. 3 seed
- Last result: 3-0 loss at Houston
An early goal sent the Fire in a hole the team never got out of. Results elsewhere prevented the Fire from falling in the standings.
Atlanta United FC
- Record: 15-9-10, 55 points
- No. 4 seed
- Last result: 2-2 draw vs. Toronto
A Sebastian Giovinco wonder free kick prevented Atlanta from getting the first-round bye. Still, Atlanta gets to play at home in the playoffs and is dangerous in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Columbus Crew
- Record: 16-12-6, 54 points
- No. 5 seed
- Last result: 2-2 draw at New York City FC
Columbus carries a 10-match unbeaten streak into the playoffs and will take that streak into Atlanta. Should be fun.
New York Red Bulls
- Record: 14-12-8, 50 points
- No. 6 seed
- Last result: 2-1 win at D.C.
The Red Bulls will head to Chicago after sending RFK Stadium to bed with a loss.