Checking in on Wednesday's MLS results and the impact on NYCFC

New York City FC did not play on Wednesday night, but many other teams in Major League Soccer had games throughout the night. These mid-week fixtures influenced the Pigeons in the Eastern Conference standings and their playoff hopes.

Of course, it is believed that NYCFC will not make the playoffs. This is regardless of how they finish the final two games of their season.

Before Wednesday's MLS slate began, the Pigeons sat in eighth place. After the fixtures, they dropped down to 10th place. Which matches impacted the movement and hurt NYCFC's chances of making the playoffs?

NYCFC did not play, but Wednesday's games influenced the team

CF Montréal vs Houston Dynamo FC

CF Montréal and Houston Dynamo FC ended their match in a 1-1 draw. For NYCFC, a Montréal loss would have been ideal. It almost happened, but Lassi Lappalainen had other ideas by scoring a late stoppage-time goal. This puts the Canadian side level on points with the Pigeons. Both have 38, but Montréal sits in ninth place.

Charlotte FC vs Toronto FC

Charlotte FC scored three goals to beat Toronto FC, 3-0. It would have been better for NYCFC if the Reds would have grabbed the win. Although, no one thought Toronto would win. There is a reason the team sits in last place.

Nonetheless, this puts Charlotte in 13th place with 36 points. Remember, if The Crown wins their remaining three games, then they will end the year with 45 points. The Pigeons can only earn a max of 44.

FC Cincinnati vs the New York Red Bulls

FC Cincinnati decided to rotate a lot of their squad. As a result, the New York Red Bulls beat the Supporters' Shield winner, 2-1. This was another game where it would have been better for the red team to win. Still, the Red Bulls have 37 points and are in 12th place. NYCFC can finish above their Hudson River Derby rival by winning their final two fixtures.

Austin FC vs D.C. United

NYCFC will play against D.C. United this weekend. A loss against Austin FC would guarantee the Pigeons finishing above D.C. in the Eastern Conference. Thankfully, Austin came to play and earned a 3-0 win.

Therefore, D.C. have 37 points and sit in 11th place. The most they can earn is 40 points.

Chicago Fire FC vs Inter Miami CF

For NYCFC, a draw between Chicago Fire FC and Inter Miami CF would have been the desired result. Chicago had other ideas though. They beat the Herons, 4-1. This puts the Fire in eighth place with 40 points. If the Fire wins their weekend battle against Charlotte, and if NYCFC beats D.C., then a win will be a must on Decision Day. At least Miami's loss keeps them in 14th place.

Wednesday's results were negatively mixed for New York City FC. They are not eliminated from the postseason yet, so there is that one positive.