With Sunday's win over FC Cincinnati, the Union has jumped back into 2nd place in the Eastern Conference. With decision Sunday all that is left, the final day of games in the MLS Regular Season, the Union must do something they have never done in their history to lock up 2nd place.

The Union sits tied with Nashville with 53 points, however, owns the tiebreaker of the number of wins. NYCFC sits 4th with 50 points. However, NYCFC also has 14 wins.

The Union travels to Yankee Stadium for the season finale, and what is it that the Union has never done in Yankee Stadium?

Win.

The Union has an awful history away at NYCFC. Holding a record of 0 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.

Now, many among MLS will say that NYCFC playing inside Yankee Stadium (a baseball stadium) holds a fairly unfair advantage. They are not wrong. NYCFC pitch at Yankee Stadium is the smallest pitch in all of MLS. The smallest pitch allowed under FIFA regulations is 70 yards X 110 yards. Most of the time NYCFC has been right on that line, and in past years has been under controversy for being smaller than it.

No More Excuses

While yes the Yankee Stadium pitch is bad to play on and bad for MLS to keep allowing it to happen, there are no more excuses. NYCFC has an advantage, but they are not invincible.

The Union beating NYCFC in Yankee Stadium to lock up the 2 seed would be a huge statement heading into the playoffs.

The best thing about the situation is the Union is in full control of their destiny. Win, and they're a second. A draw and some help could see the same result.

A Loss Could Be Catastrophic

If NYCFC wins, the two are tied on points with NYCFC holding the tiebreaker. If Nashville grabs a point or 3 against NYRB, then the Union would fall to 4th and almost guaranteed to only see 1 home playoff game.

Atlanta and NYRB play each other on Wednesday, and there is a scenario that could cause the Union to drop completely out of contention of a home playoff game should everything go against them.

While that is unlikely, all stress can be taken away should the Union take care of business.

The Union has never walked into NYCFC and Yankee Stadium and left victorious, but there's a first time for everything, right?

 

Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation