Minnesota United clinches MLS playoff berth after schedule disruptions from COVID-19

Major League Soccer announced Thursday that, due to a new playoff qualification, Minnesota United has clinched an Audi 2020 MLS Playoff berth on points per game due to schedule disruptions from COVID-19.

Multiple clubs will finish the season without playing the 23 scheduled matches. Prior to resuming the season following the MLS is Back Tournament, MLS stated in early August the league would use points per game as opposed to total points to determine playoff qualifiers in the case clubs played an uneven number of games.

MLS states points per game will also be used to determine the overall MLS standings, with the top United States-based team earning a berth in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. For Canada, the champions of the Canadian Championship, qualify for the Champions League.

MLS also confirmed that the regular season would conclude on Decision Day on Nov. 8 and that matches will not be scheduled during the FIFA international window. Due to the limited number of remaining match dates, not all clubs will be able to play all of their originally scheduled games this season. While the 14 Eastern Conference teams are on track to complete all 23 regular season matches, the 12 Western Conference teams will not finish the regular season with the same number of matches played.

For more information on the MLS playoffs and new rules surrounding it, click here.