That's what matters. On Saturday, DC United has a chance to reach the 2024 MLS Audi Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2019.

The only thing standing in the way of a playoff spot is Charlotte FC. The North Carolina team currently sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-9-11 (WDL) and is enjoying success under first-year head coach Dean Smith. It was announced that the former Brentford, Aston Villa and Norwich City manager would be taking over the touchline duties for Charlotte in the winter and the team haven't looked back since.

Consistency and defensive solidity have been key for Charlotte in 2024, as the team has compiled one of the best defensive records not only in the Eastern Conference, but in all of MLS. In 33 games played, Charlotte has only allowed 37 goals, meaning DC United has a lot of work to do.

With one game to go, black and red striker Christian Benteke leads the MLS Golden Boot race with a four-goal lead. He will look to add to his resume not only to secure his place in MLS history, but also in DC United history by sending the Black and Reds into the playoffs with one of his patented goals at Audi Field .

There are several scenarios in which DC United clinch a playoff spot, but here's the simplest: win and you're in.

After that it gets more complicated. But here's the full breakdown:

DC United secures spot in the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with:

• DC United WIN/Draw against Charlotte FC OR
• CF Montréal LOSS vs. New York City FC AND Philadelphia Union LOSS/Draw vs. FC Cincinnati AND DC United ADVANTAGE in tiebreaker vs. CF Montréal OR
• CF Montréal LOSS vs. New York City FC AND Atlanta United LOSS/Draw vs. Orlando City SC AND DC United ADVANTAGE in tiebreaker vs. CF Montréal OR
• Philadelphia Union loss/draw against FC Cincinnati AND Atlanta United loss/draw at Orlando City SC

• DC United's regular season record against Charlotte FC is 2-2-1 with six goals scored and four goals conceded.
• Striker Christian Benteke continues his aerial dominance with 431 aerial duels this season. Benteke also leads the league in headshots with 46.
• The Black and Reds have scored 52 goals this season. 31 from play, 15 from set pieces, five from the penalty spot and one from a free kick.
• Midfielder Mateusz Klich leads the team with 13 assists and 69 successful crosses this season. Klich ranks 4th in the MLS in successful crosses
• DC United ranks 3rd in MLS with an average of 11 successful tackles per game and a tackle success rate of 62.8%. Charlotte FC ranks 29th in MLS with an average of 7.4 successful tackles per game and a tackle success rate of 57.7%.