The first Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs spot belongs to FC Cincinnati, continuing the Eastern Conference club’s ascension under head coach Pat Noonan and general manager Chris Albright.
The Orange & Blue’s berth was secured with a 2-1 win Wednesday evening at Atlanta United in Matchday 29, occurring nearly two months before Decision Day (Oct. 21).
Cincy are atop the Supporters’ Shield table, pursuing the club’s first MLS-era trophy and the single-season points record the 2021 New England Revolution (73) set. With eight games remaining, they have 57 points and are playing at a 2.19 points-per-game pace.
Playoff history, key pieces
This is Cincy’s second straight playoff trip after they spent each season from 2019-21 as MLS’s last-place team, a rough start to their expansion journey. But they took a big step forward in 2022, winning their Eastern Conference Round One matchup at the New York Red Bulls before losing a Semifinal bout at the Philadelphia Union.
Cincy's 2023 squad includes an All-Star trio in midfielder Luciano Acosta, left wingback Álvaro Barreal and center back Matt Miazga – while strikers Brandon Vazquez and Aaron Boupendza complete their attacking trident after Brenner was transferred midseason to Serie A side Udinese. Acosta (Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidate), Boupendza and d-mid Obinna Nwobodo are their three Designated Players.
Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs
MLS Cup presented by Audi is set for Dec. 9, while the playoffs begin Oct. 25-26 with Wild Card matches. All games can be watched on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
- Seeds 1-7 in each conference qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 series.
- Seeds 8-9 in each conference qualify for the Wild Card matches.
