After five clubs from the Western Conference punched their tickets to the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs on Wednesday, three postseason berths remain up for grabs as the playoff race reaches its final two weeks.
Sporting KC is one of seven teams vying for the final three playoff spots in the tightly-contested Western Conference standings entering a tense slate of matches on Saturday night poised to set the stage for Decision Day on Oct. 21 and make or break the playoff hopes for teams precariously positioned near the playoff line.
Team | Points | Schedule |
Portland Timbers | 43 | at MTL, vs HOU |
San Jose Earthquakes | 42 | at DAL, vs ATX |
FC Dallas | 41 | vs SJ, vs COL, at LA |
Sporting KC | 38 | at RSL, vs MIN |
Austin FC | 38 | vs LAFC, at SJ |
Minnesota United FC | 38 | vs LA, at SKC |
LA Galaxy | 35 | at MIN, vs RSL, vs DAL |
Currently in a three-way tie for 10th place along with Austin FC and Minnesota United, Sporting sits three points back of FC Dallas for the ninth and final playoff position with two matches - and the potential for six pivotal points - remaining in the regular season.
Sporting Kansas City's postseason pursuit will continue on Saturday as the club travels to take on Real Salt Lake at 8:30 p.m. CT with the result carrying major implications in the club's playoff picture. While a win could move SKC above the playoff line, a loss or draw could result in elimination from playoff contention.
RSLvSKC PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Sporting KC will be eliminated from the playoff race on Saturday if…
- FC Dallas beat or tie San Jose, and
- Sporting KC lose to Real Salt Lake
OR
- FC Dallas beat San Jose, and
- Austin FC beat LAFC, and
- Sporting KC tie Real Salt Lake
Saturday's showdown will be available on Apple TV in English and Spanish for MLS Season Pass subscribers and local radio coverage will air on Sports Radio 810 WHB as well as La Grande 1340 AM with streams in the Sporting KC app.
In addition, pub partners in the Sporting Pub Network will show all of the action including a watch party at No Other Pub (1370 Grand Blvd.) in the KC Power & Light District starting at 7:30 p.m. and featuring $4 domestics, $5 wells and 50% off select appetizers.
