MLS Decision Day: CF Montreal eyes top seed; Whitecaps push for playoffs

CF Montreal have their sights set on the top as they visit Inter Miami to close out the 2022 season on Sunday.

Montreal (19-9-5, 62 points) can claim first place in the Eastern Conference with a win against Miami, combined with a Philadelphia Union loss or draw against Toronto FC.

"I think it's always good to go for first place. It's an objective as a group," Montreal midfielder Ismaël Koné said.

Defender Joel Waterman will be available for Montreal on Sunday after he was injured last week while midfielder Djordje Mihailovic returns from a one-game suspension.

Montreal could, however, be without forward Romell Quioto, who suffered a thigh injury while representing Honduras during the international break.

Inter Miami (14-13-6, 48 points) head into the match eyeing fourth place in the Eastern Conference table. A win combined with a New York Red Bulls loss or draw would give the Herons the chance to host their first-ever playoff match.

"The mood is incredibly high," coach Phil Neville said. "We're in but we're not done. This is the start, hopefully, of a long successful journey from now to the end of the season. We're hitting form at just the right time. We've got momentum, we've got confidence, we've got belief, we've got the spirit, and we need to keep that going."

Gonzalo Higuain has 14 goals in his past 15 games, including each of the past five. His next goal would match the longest scoring streak of his career (with Serie A sides Napoli from January to February 2016 and Juventus from December 2016 to January 2017).

Miami has won 10 of its past 13 home games.

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Minnesota United are sharing the same battle cry as they head into their Decision Day showdown on Sunday in Saint Paul, Minn.

"Win and