Inter Miami hosts Supporters’ Shield winners trying to keep playoff hopes alive.

Messi may play as Inter Miami faces first real ‘must-win’ match Saturday against Cincinnati at DRV PNK Stadium

Herons fans shouldn’t give up hope — never say never — but definitely should face reality: the playoffs are slipping away.

By Ken Garner | Oct 7, 2023

FC Cincinnati forward Dominique Badji holds the Supporters’ Shield, the MLS award for the team with the best regular-season record. / Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

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Besides the Miami-Cincinnati rematch, four games have significance Saturday: Charlotte at Chicago Fire (which just scorched the Herons 4-1); New York City FC at D.C. United (tie, please); Toronto at Red Bulls (c'mon you lowly Reds, rise up in the Meadowlands!), and Portland at Montreal (we desperately need a Portland win).

Here's a look at the positioning of the seven hopefuls heading into this weekend's matches. Seven teams, two spots (8th and 9th) in the playoffs. This may be what our British friends call "squeaky bum time," but you have to admit it's been fun. Vamos, La Rosanegra!

Position, team	Points, W-L-D	Games remaining
8. Chicago	40 (10-12-10)	2
9. Montreal	38 (11-16-5)	2
10. NYCFC	38 (8-10-14)	2
11. D.C. United	37 (9-14-10)	1
12. Red Bulls	37 (9-13-10)	2
13. Charlotte	36 (8-11-12)	3
14. Inter Miami	33 (9-16-6)	3

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