Sunday could be a momentous day for CT United as the first-year expansion side CT United FC looks to clinch the club’s inaugural playoff berth. Catch up on everything you need to know ahead of Decision Day.
Opponent: Inter Miami CF II
Date: Sunday, September 20
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Venue: Knights Field, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Broadcast: The Wax, OneFootball TV, & MLS YouTube Channel
Weather: Decision Day looks to be a wet one in Bridgeport as rain is expected to roll in around kickoff and linger throughout the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will also hover in the upper-60s throughout the contest.
CT United:
Shavar Thomas is on the cusp of history just one year into existence as the club looks to be the first independent side to secure a playoff berth in its first season since Rochester NY FC did so in 2022.
Thomas and CT United enter Decision Day in ninth place, the final Wild Card spot, just two points away from cracking the top seven and securing an automatic playoff berth.
According to the MLS NEXT Pro Playoff scenarios, CT United will secure a spot in the playoffs with two or more points against Miami, a shootout loss and two or fewer points for Philadelphia Union II, a shootout loss and a loss by Orlando, or two or fewer points for Huntsville and one or fewer points for Philadelphia Union II.
While the club finds itself in strong standing ahead of Decision Day, things have been a bit rough as of late as they enter Sunday’s contest with losses in their last three outings, which include a 4-2 loss to RBNY II, a 4-1 loss to Atlanta United 2, and a 1-0 loss to NYCFC II.
Looking at the stats, it’s clear why CT finds themselves on the verge of making the playoffs. CT enters Decision Day ranking second in interceptions per match (10.9), second in tackles per match (20.9), and tied for fourth in shots on target per match (5.6) and seventh in goals per match (1.9).
Forward Barnabas Tanyi will look to add to his historic season. While tied for third in the Golden Boot race with 13 goals on the year, Tanyi is also tied for the second-most goals in a season for an independent side, tied with Gibran Rayo’s total with Rochester NY FC in 2022.
Inter Miami CF II:
2026 was a tough season for Rodrigo Vargas as he and his Miami II side entered Decision Day already eliminated and at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 15 points on a 3-19-5 record and one shootout victory.
Looking at the stats, it's clear why 2026 hasn’t gone Miami’s way as they enter near the bottom in a plethora of categories, including goals scored per match, goals conceded per match, shots on target per match, and touches in the opposing box.
While the season has been a massive failure as a unit, some individuals have carved out solid solo campaigns. None more so than Idoh Zeltzer-Zubida, who leads the team with 10 goals and one assist in 24 appearances.
Forward Mateo Saja has also had success this season with six goals and two assists in 25 appearances. Defender Theo Vorenkamp has been an efficient ball mover for Miami II, leading the club in assists with six in 24 appearances.
Previous Meetings:
Sunday will mark the first-ever meeting between Connecticut and Miami.
