You'd hope the quality and consistency of playing surfaces wouldn't be an issue for any team during the MLS Cup playoffs, but it might be a scrutinized factor for FC Cincinnati's upcoming best-of-three series against New York City FC.

Ahead of FC Cincinnati's third straight season in the MLS Cup playoffs, the club improved its record to 18-11-5. FCC was assured the No. 3 seed prior to the regular-season finale, but the win clinched the club's spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

FC Cincinnati earned a 2-1 Decision Day win over Philadelphia Union Saturday night at Subaru Park. The Orange and Blue (18-11-5, 59 points) finish the regular season with 11 road wins, tied for MLS post-shootout record,

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 28: Luca Orellano #23 of FC Cincinnati celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second half of a MLS soccer match against Los Angeles FC at TQL Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Like much of the second half of FC Cincinnati's season, Saturday's win offered some answers but few that were definitive.

After going up early, the Union conceded twice, including a shockingly bad Jakob Glesnes own goal. The Union ended the season with a 9-15-10 record, landing in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.

FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union will reconvene their rivalry in a high-stakes regular season finale Saturday at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Both clubs have something to play for and while FCC has already guaranteed itself a future in the upcoming postseason, the Union can't say the same.