MONTREAL - The Impact's chances of getting into the 2011 playoffs hinge on two games Saturday.
On the one hand they are hoping to score the maximum three points for a victory against the Atlanta Silverbacks in a game that starts at 7 p.m.
The Impact trail the Minnesota Stars by one point.
The good news is that the Impact will be playing the last-place team in the NASL, whereas the Stars will be playing the best, the Carolina RailHawks.
However, Minnesota has handled Carolina this season, going 1-0-2 against the league-leading Railhawks, who have lost their last three games.
Montreal has not dominated last-place Atlanta, having scored a win, a tie and a loss against the Silverbacks this season.
In the event that Montreal and Minnesota are tied after tonight's games, the Impact will advance to the playoffs rather than Minnesota, due to goal differential.
Montreal, after staggering through the early part of the season, have gone 5-1-2 in their last eight and boast the second-best defensive record in the NASL.
Defenders Simon Gatti and Nevio Pizzolitto are expected to be in the lineup after being suspended for receiving five yellow cards. Hassoun Camara will not play, due to thigh injury.
This is the last chance for the Impact to challenge in the NASL playoffs, as the team switches to the more-advanced MLS next season.
