Columbus Crew in MLS Cup playoffs: Here's what we know about first round matchup, tickets

When the Crew defeated the Philadelphia Union on Oct. 5 , they secured second place in the Eastern Conference heading into the MLS Cup playoffs.

Securing the No. 2 spot guarantees the Crew home-field advantage for the first game of the best of three series and the third game if necessary. The dates of each first round match have yet to determined and will likely be announced on Sunday, following the league's final regular-season games, which are played on what is known as MLS Decision Day.

Along with the dates of their first-round playoff games, the Crew are also waiting to find out who their opponent will be.

The New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC are vying for sixth in the conference, with Charlotte sitting at 48 point and New York with 47. If they finish the season tied, Charlotte is in control of the tiebreaker with 13 wins compared to New York's 11.

A Charlotte victory in its road match against D.C. United will automatically put Charlotte in sixth and the Red Bulls will take seventh, making New York the first-round opponent for the Crew.

A loss would drop Charlotte behind the Red Bulls, if New York records a win or draw in its final regular-season game, which is against the Crew.

A breakdown of scenarios that will lead to Columbus Crew's first round opponent

Here is who the Crew will face in the first round based on the possible events of the Crew vs Red Bulls and Charlotte vs D.C. United matchups.

Columbus Crew face New York Red Bulls

• If Charlotte wins
• If Charlotte draws and Red Bulls draw/lose
• If the Red Bulls lose

Columbus Crew face Charlotte FC

• If the Red Bulls win/draw and Charlotte loses

Are Columbus Crew playoff tickets on sale?

Despite the fact it is still unknown when the Crew will be playing their first round games, and who they'll be against, Columbus has already started selling tickets for the playoffs.

The Crew have single-game tickets avaible to the public for game one and a possible game three of the first round via Ticketmaster.

Link: Columbus Crew MLS Cup first round playoff tickets

Here is the cheapest ticket for each game.

• Game one: $42
• Game three: $50

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

Get more Columbus Crew content by listening to our podcast

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew in MLS Cup playoffs: Here's what we know about first round matchup, tickets