The MLS season is down to its final two weeks and while most of the playoff spots are locked up, there is still plenty to play for.
Today's matches will go a long way toward clearing up the playoff picture, particularly which ten teams will be in the post-season. Houston's win against Portland on Friday night pushed the Chicago Fire to the bring of elimination. Now, the only way the Fire can reach the playoffs is with two wins, two New York losses and two losses out of three games for D.C. United. Even then, Chicago must have an eight-goal edge in goal differential disappear for New York.
In other words, we are down to 12 teams having legitimate chances for the post-season.
Portland and D.C. United are chasing New York, Columbus, Sporting KC and Colorado for the final playoff spots, and the Timbers will travel to D.C. for what amounts to an elimination game at RFK Stadium.
Today's big game will be played at Livestrong Sporting Park, where Sporting Kansas City will face the Red Bulls. A KC win clinch a playoff berth and also move Sporting past Houston for second place in the East. KC could be in first place by the end of the day with a win and Philly loss to Toronto FC. The Red Bulls need the win to clinch their own playoff berth, and to move ahead of Sporting KC in the standings.
D.C. United find themselves in must-win mode tonight, taking on Chicago in the first of three home games to close out the season. A loss would leave D.C. on the bring of elimination, while a win would give Ben Olsen's squad new life heading into the Portland match.
Here is how the playoff standings look heading into today's action:
MLS PLAYOFF STANDINGS
EAST
1. Philadelphia.......47 pts......32 games........vs. TFC, at NYRB
2. Houston............46 pts......33 games....... vs. LA
3. Sporting KC........45 pts......32 games........ vs. NYRB, at D.C.
WEST
1. LA Galaxy.........64pts......32 games....... vs. Chivas USA, at HOU
2. Seattle............57 pts......32 games....... vs. SJ, at Chivas USA
3. Real Salt Lake....52 pts......33 games....... vs. Portland
WILD CARD
1. FC Dallas..........49 pts......32 games....... vs. VAN, at SJ
2. Colorado...........46 pts......33 games....... at VAN,
3. Columbus..........44 pts......32 games....... at NE, at Chicago
4. NY Red Bulls.......43 pts......32 games....... at Sporting KC, vs Philly
===============================================================================
5. Portland..........40 pts.....32 games....... at D.C., at RSL
6. D.C. United......38 pts......31 games...... vs. CHI, vs. Portland, vs. SKC
7. Chicago..........37 pts......32 games...... at D.C. United, vs. Columbus
===========
There is still something to play for in the Western Conference, with FC Dallas still in range of Real Salt Lake for the No. 3 seed. The real question is whether moving up to No. 3 would even be a reward considering the No. 4 seed means a move to the Eastern Conference bracket with a wild card victory.
Portland isn't quite dead in the water yet. If the Timbers win out, they could still qualify if either Columbus or New York fail to win either of their remaining matches, or of Sporting Kansas City loses their two remaining matches.
Philadelphia can clinch the Eastern Conference regular season title today with a win and a loss or tie by Columbus and loss or tie by Sporting Kansas City. The Crew still have a chance to win the East if they win out and both Philadelphia and Sporting Kansas City fail to win out.
What do you think of the MLS playoff race? Who do you see winning the East? Think D.C. or Portland can catch the pack for one of the final playoff spots?
Share your thoughts below.
