Around 6:25 p.m. Sunday, referee Dave Gantar will sound his whistle for the last time and mark the end of D.C. United’s regular season finale against FC Cincinnati at Audi Field. At about the same time, 11 other MLS matches with synchronized kickoffs will also conclude, locking in the standings and the playoff pairings.
If all goes according to United’s plan, there will be no need to check out-of-town scores until the players and coaches roll back into the locker room.
United is in control, knowing a victory over the league’s worst team will secure a home playoff game.