Philadelphia Union: Are the Union Playoff bound?

The Philadelphia Union are in the playoff race for only the second time in the franchise’s seven-year history and for the first time since 2011.

With 10 games remaining on the season, what do the Union need to do to secure a playoff spot, and where will they likely finish?

The MLS season is reaching the home stretch and the playoffs are a just a few short months away. The last regular season games of the season are scheduled for October 23rd, so with 10 games remaining for the 4th place Union, they have their work cut out for them. The top six teams in each conference make the playoffs, twelve teams in total. The 1st and 2nd seed’s of each conference receive a bye week, while the 3rd seed hosts the 6th seed and the 4th seed hosts the 5th seed.

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It’s a tight race in the Eastern Conference with the Union sitting in 4th place, just four points behind leader NYCFC, while also having a game in hand on the leader. While in a playoff race, the Union still have a small chance at another type of Silverware, the Supporter’s Shield. The Supporter’s Shield is given to the team who has the most points at the end of the season, out of the two conference’s, while also giving them a spot in CONCACAF Champion’s League.

The Union failed to make the 2015 playoff’s, finishing 9th out of the 10 teams in the East. Securing only 37 points in 34 games. The 1st place New York Red Bull finished with 60 points, while also winning the Supporters Shield. The 6th place Toronto FC, the last seed in the playoff’s, finished with 49 points.

What Lies Ahead

Projected point total’s to make the playoff’s this year is 40 points, the Supporter’s Shield at 61. At the top of the table NYCFC (38 points) but only 9 games remaining. In 2nd, Toronto FC (37 points), followed by New York Red Bull (36 points) but also only have 9 games remaining.

The Union (34 points) are currently sitting 4th. 5th place Montreal (33 points) are right behind them, with 11 games remaining, while the race for 6th seem’s to be between D.C. United(27 points), Orlando City SC (27 points), and New England Revolution (26 points).

With 10 game’s remaining for the Union, they are split 5 a piece, home and away. Strong at home, while struggling on the road, should make for an interesting finish. Let’s take a look at the remaining games as we try to predict the outcome.

Next: Game 1: Toronto FC