Thierry Henry is down to the bare bones of a squad which must find a way to gain points on Saturday evening from expansion side Inter-Miami, now finding some form.
Miami had struggled throughout the season, but are now unbeaten in three, including two victories, and will feel momentum is with them.
The Impact will feel they are headed in a different direct, possibly the completely opposite one, with injuries piling up and the likes of Raitala and Diop unavailable for other reasons. Victory at Columbus apart, results have not been good either, and these two clubs could exchange Conference places by the time this one concludes.