Today is the day. After a tumultuous season, we are on tenterhooks to see if D.C. United will finally clinch a playoff spot or, if it will be, “better luck next year.”

Head coach Troy Lesesne has taken D.C. United from a tenuous position in the Eastern Conference basement to a tenacious force on the pitch. It’s been a rocky season, no doubt about it, but Lesesne’s steadfast vision and perseverance have paid off. Whether D.C. United clinches a playoff spot tonight or not, there is plenty to be proud of this season.

Tonight’s opponent, Charlotte FC, is just as keen to win tonight to ensure they maintain the upper hand heading into the postseason. Charlotte currently sits in 6th in the Eastern Conference. The Crown has played a very strong defensive game this season, which will put D.C. to the test tonight as they try to lock down all three points. Head coach Dean Smith, formerly with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Norwich City, has been successful in Charlotte since his appointment over the winter, and we don’t see him letting up.

Alright, on to the reason you’re probably here. How does D.C. United secure that wild card playoff match?

Here are all the scenarios in which the Black-and-Red will move forward into the playoffs:

• D.C. United WIN/DRAW vs. Charlotte FC OR
• CF Montréal LOSS vs. New York City FC AND Philadelphia Union LOSS/DRAW vs. FC Cincinnati AND D.C. United ADVANTAGE in tiebreakers over CF Montréal OR
• CF Montréal LOSS vs. New York City FC AND Atlanta United LOSS/DRAW at Orlando City SC AND D.C. United ADVANTAGE in tiebreakers over CF Montréal OR
• Philadelphia Union LOSS/DRAW vs. FC Cincinnati AND Atlanta United LOSS/DRAW at Orlando City SC

While D.C.’s easiest option forward is to win tonight, the Black-and-Red are by no means completely out of luck if they don’t—a relief from earlier in the season when we felt there might not be a chance at the playoffs at all.

Hear everything head coach Troy Lesesne had to say at the pre-game press conference here.

Let us know your thoughts about tonight’s match in the comments below, and be sure to join us live here during the game to chat with your fellow supporters.

Key Player: Christian Benteke

Make no mistake: Christian Benteke has been D.C. United’s MVP this season, and we’ll be looking to him to propel the Black-and-Red into the playoffs. Benteke also leads the Golden Boot race with four goals to spare. We’ll be looking for him to increase his tally tonight.

Watch Out For: Pep Biel 

Charlotte’s danger man, Pep Biel, has been on fire since joining the club on loan in August from  Olympiacos. The Crown’s strategy is simple: keep their defense locked down tight, then feed the ball to Biel and watch him create. The Black-and-Red must be strong on both fronts to shut down Charlotte tonight.

Challenges: Everything is on the line for the Black-and-Red tonight. Faced with Charlotte’s strong defense, D.C. will have to leave it all on the pitch in search of a playoff berth.

Previously: D.C. United lost 1-0 to Charlotte FC back in June at Bank of America Stadium. The Black-and-Red will look for their third all-time regular season win against Charlotte tonight.

D.C. United Availability:

Out: Matai Akinmboni (ankle), Conner Antley (knee), Jackson Hopkins (ankle), Garrison Tubbs (thigh)

Questionable: None

Charlotte FC Availability:

Out: Jahlane Forbes (hip), Nikola Petković (knee)

Questionable: David Bingham (back)

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC

Kickoff time: 6:00 pm ET

Referee: Jair Marrufo

Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV