Wilfried Nancy doesn’t live in the past. The Crew coach has already moved forward. But he knows what his team could have done during the 2023 season.
“We could have been first,” Nancy said. “Simple as that. Because we lost so many points. We could have been in this position to compete with Cincinnati.”
Instead, the Crew are preparing for their final game of the 2023 regular season against CF Montreal, and a win secures home-field advantage for the MLS Cup playoffs.
Crew midfielder Julian Gressel says a win is all the Crew are focused on.
“It’s really just about winning Saturday, seeing what comes,” Gressel said. “I know that if we win, we get at least fourth, so that’s obviously something that is nice. We play at home, fan appreciation night, we want everyone to have a good last regular-season home game in front of our fans before the playoffs come.”
While Gressel said a win against Montreal — a team the Crew beat on the road 4-2 Sept. 2 — would give the team a bit of confidence heading into the playoffs, that confidence is not necessary.
“We’re excited to play. It’s not really more than that,” Gressel said. “I don’t think we need a statement to show ourselves we can be good and we can make a run. I think we know that, that if we play at our level and if we are focused on the details in certain, specific moments of the game, then I think we know we can make a run.”
MLS Cup playoff scenarios: Where could the Crew finish?
After Saturday’s match, the Crew will end up as the third, fourth or fifth seed heading into the playoffs.
With a win, the Crew secure home-field advantage. But they could move up to third in the Eastern Conference standings if the New England Revolution either beat or tie the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
If the Crew lose to Montreal, a New England win would push them to fifth place, while a Philadelphia win or tie would keep the Crew in fourth.
If the Crew tie Montreal, they remain in fourth regardless of the outcome of New England vs. Philadelphia.
But no matter what playoff position the Crew secure Saturday, they have a good chance at hosting the MLS Cup Final if given the opportunity.
The Crew, as of now, have a better record than every team in the Western Conference except for St. Louis City FC.
And if the Seattle Sounders beat St. Louis on Saturday, the Crew would officially secure home-field advantage in the MLS Cup Final no matter if they win, lose or tie Saturday.
The Crew take on CF Montreal at 6 p.m. Saturday at Lower.com Field.
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