58 Points: The Gap That Decides Miami's Playoff Fate

The point difference between second and third place in the MLS Eastern Conference stands at two points with two regular-season games remaining. That gap was established after Inter Miami drew 2-2 with FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night, while New England Revolution defeated Red Bull New York 3-2.

Riquelme Fillipi scored in the 90th minute to force the tie for the reigning MLS Cup champions. The goal came after Cincinnati had taken a two-goal lead in the final ten minutes of regulation. Kenji Mboma Dem struck in the 80th minute, and Samuel Gidi added his first MLS goal six minutes later on a counterattack.

Inter Miami had controlled the earlier portion of the match. Luis Suárez opened the scoring in the 61st minute, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage. The lead held until the final stretch, when Cincinnati surged to take control. A shot from Evander in stoppage time presented a chance for the visitors to win, but Inter Miami defender Ian Fray blocked the effort.

The result moves New England to 58 points. Inter Miami sits at 56 points. The two clubs will meet on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, for a direct contest over the No. 2 seed. That position carries weight beyond the conference, as it influences the overall seeding for the MLS Cup playoffs.

Cincinnati remains in a race to secure a playoff berth. The visitors needed a win at Miami and a loss by Columbus to Dallas to clinch a spot on Wednesday. That outcome did not occur, leaving their postseason status undecided.

Inter Miami has one match left after the trip to New England. They will host Charlotte on Nov. 7 to conclude the regular season. The league also announced that Cincinnati will visit Miami on Feb. 19, 2027. That match will open the Sprint Season, a shortened calendar designed to bridge the league's current schedule with an international-aligned format starting in July 2027.