Gary Smith says Nashville "have not lost hope" they could yet finish in the top six in the East despite a costly defeat to Dallas in midweek.
Nashville went down 1-0 in their penultimate regular season game, meaning they head into Decision Day eighth - behind New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls.
The Revs and the Red Bulls are playing Supporters' Shield contenders Philadelphia Union and Toronto, though, while Nashville face Orlando City, a side who appear to have nothing to play for.
Smith said: "I know that New England has a very tough game - as do we - and so do the New York Red Bulls on the other side of the chase for that.