Knockout Stage Scenarios - Thursday 3/2

Math is hard. We’re here to help!

With three groups in action tonight (3/2), we’re breaking down exactly what each side needs to do to qualify for the knockout stage!

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

The top two clubs from each group advance to the knockout stage, while remaining entrants are placed in one of two consolation brackets, modeled after the UEFA Europa & Conference League.

Additionally in Division II, the top two third-place finishers advance to the Knockout Stage as "Wild Cards". There are no Wild Card berths in the Premier Division.

TONIGHT'S SCHEDULE

8:30 ET - Forward Madison vs. Maryland Bobcats FC

9:00 ET - Duluth FC vs. South Bend Lions

9:30 ET -  Louisville City vs. Motorik FC

GROUP A

Duluth FC has already clinched first place in Group A and a place in the knockout stage.

Minneapolis City SC and La Barra 608 will play the final match of Group A on Monday, March 6 at 10:00 ET / 9:00 CT. The winner clinches the group’s second berth in the knockout stage, and if the match ends in a draw, Minneapolis will advance to the knockout stage on goal difference.

The South Bend Lions have been eliminated.

GROUP G

Forward Madison FC can win Group G with a win or draw against Maryland. Losing by four goals or less would also secure at least a top-two finish and a berth in the knockout stage for the eMingos.

Maryland Bobcats FC can secure a knockout stage berth with a win by five goals or more. The Bobcats could qualify for the knockouts by posting more points than Greenville this week, or with a win by less than five goals and a Greenville win IF Maryland finishes with a higher goal difference than Greenville.

Greenville Triumph SC can secure a knockout stage berth by posting a better result than Maryland this week. The Triumph could also finish first with a win AND a Maryland win, AND by finishing with a better goal difference than both Madison and Maryland.

Dutch Guard SG can finish second with a win over Greenville AND a Maryland loss to Madison AND by finishing with a better goal difference than both Greenville and Maryland.

GROUP H

Motorik FC & Louisville City FC play tonight, Thursday, March 2 in the final match of matchweek #2.

If Louisville wins tonight’s match, both Louisville and Superior Wolfpack FC would clinch berths in the knockout stage, while Motorik & the Greenville Liberty will be eliminated. Next week’s Louisville - Superior match would determine the order of finish at the top of the group.

A draw in tonight’s match would also secure a knockout stage berth for Superior and eliminate Greenville. It would not secure a top-two finish for Louisville or Motorik.

If Motorik wins tonight’s match, all four clubs in Group H would remain in the hunt for a knockout stage berth, with first through fourth place set to be decided by next week’s results.