An odd thing has happened as we've wound our way toward the end of the season. Instead of teams dropping off our MLS playoff watch list, we've actually had to add a team. The Chicago Fire, on the strength of a recent 5-1-1 run are suddenly just three points off the pace and could theoretically move into playoff position with a win over the Dynamo on Saturday.
MLS Playoff Cheat Sheet: Guide To Weekend Watching
We've also been forced to adjust the way we're looking at the teams as the once-comfortable Colorado Rapids suddenly need to be worried about just making the playoffs. Sitting at 42 points, they are just four points ahead of the No. 11 spot.
Playoff race
Here's how the MLS playoff race is shaking out:| Team | Pts | W | GD | GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy | 61 | 17 | 22 | 30 |
| Real Salt Lake | 51 | 15 | 12 | 30 |
| Sounders | 54 | 15 | 17 | 30 |
| FC Dallas | 46 | 13 | 3 | 30 |
| Sporting KC | 44 | 11 | 7 | 31 |
| Union | 43 | 10 | 7 | 30 |
| Dynamo | 42 | 10 | E | 31 |
| Rapids | 42 | 10 | 1 | 31 |
| Crew | 41 | 11 | -4 | 31 |
| Red Bulls | 39 | 8 | 5 | 30 |
| United | 38 | 9 | 1 | 29 |
| Timbers | 37 | 10 | -7 | 30 |
| Fire | 36 | 7 | E | 30 |
| Chivas USA | 35 | 8 | 1 | 31 |
The race for the Supporters' Shield is basically over as the Los Angeles Galaxy can clinch it with a win and anything less than a Seattle Sounders victory on Saturday.
Race for top spot in East
Sporting Kansas City: A season that started with 10 games on the road will curiously enough end with 2 of 3 away from Livestrong Park. They currently lead the race by one point and have played one more game than the Union. Facing the San Jose Earthquakes this is a game they need at least a point from.
Philadelphia Union: They are in great position to win the East, considering they have a game in hand and are just one point back. Their win on Thursday against DC United was huge in getting them here. The question they need to ask themselves, though, is winning the East and facing the top wild card team really better than playing the No. 3 team in the conference?
Houston Dynamo: With just three games left to play and only four points separating them from the No. 11 spot, they can't be worried about anything other than piling up points. Facing the suddenly surging Chicago Fire, they absolutely need at least a point.
Columbus Crew: At -4 goal-difference they are probably the worst team in contention for a playoff spot -- yes, worse than Chivas USA or the Fire -- but amazingly can still win the East with a strong finish. On the other hand, a loss to United on Sunday could leave them outside of the playoff picture.
Wild-card race
Colorado Rapids: As recently as a week ago, we weren’t listing the Rapids in this because we figured they were free and clear. After they completed a winless September, though, they are suddenly in trouble. Another loss this week could leave them on the precipice. They need points at home against FC Dallas in a bad way.
New York Red Bulls: As much as this season has failed to live up to expectations, the Red Bulls still have a chance to turn it all around. A strong finish coupled with a solid playoff run and who knows what can happen? They won a huge game last week against the Timbers. Now they have another big one against Toronto FC. Three points are vital.
DC United: Despite a loss to the Union on Thursday, they are still in solid position. But their margin of error is quickly slipping away. A loss to the Crew on Sunday and suddenly they are needing to almost win out. They aren’t just chasing the No. 10 spot, they are also trying to keep pace with those chasing them.
Portland Timbers: Just two points back of the No. 10 spot, they were dealt a huge blow last week when they lost to the Red Bulls. If they lose to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday, go ahead and close the book on them.
Chicago Fire: Believe it or not a win on Saturday could put them right back in the playoff picture. Of course, a loss probably ends that conversation, too. Judging from their lineup choice, coach Frank Klopas is more concerned about Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup final.
Chivas USA: As much as I’d like to start crossing names off this list, the Goats won last week and are still alive. Their margin for error is still nil, though. A win on Sunday against the Union is an absolute must.
Supporters’ Shield
LA Galaxy: A win on Saturday against Real Salt Lake basically locks it up. A loss doesn’t really change much.
Seattle Sounders: They need to beat the New England Revolution on Saturday to have any hopes at the Shield. They could run the table and still fall short. This race is basically over.
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