The Final Push to the Playoffs will unfold Sunday when Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake square off in one of five Western Conference matches to kick off simultaneously at 4 p.m. CT.
The penultimate weekend of the 2016 MLS regular season is chock full of games that carry upmost importance in the playoff race, and Sunday's contest at Rio Tinto Stadium is no exception.
Peter Vermes' men are chasing a sixth straight appearance in the MLS Cup playoffs. If the dominoes fall their way, they could have that berth wrapped up by the end of Sunday.
- Sporting KC will clinch a playoff berth on Sunday if they win at Real Salt Lake AND Portland Timbers does not defeat Colorado Rapids
The above scenario is the only way Sporting KC can secure a playoff spot in Week 33. If Sporting KC fails to win and Colorado does not pick up points at Portland, Vermes' side will have to take care of business the following Sunday in a Decision Day clash against the San Jose Earthquakes at Children's Mercy Park (tickets).
While qualifying for the postseason remains the chief objective, Sporting KC still has a shot to claim a top-four finish in the West and host a playoff game in the knockout round on Oct. 26 or 27. These chances were boosted slightly when Seattle Sounders FC stuttered to a 0-0 home draw against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night.
- Sporting KC will clinch a top-four spot in the Western Conference if they win their last two games AND Seattle takes three or fewer points from their final two games (at FC Dallas on Oct. 16, vs. Real Salt Lake on Oct. 23).
Once Sunday's games go final, Sporting KC will know exactly what needs to happen on Oct. 23 in order to make the playoffs — if they haven't done so already. Visit SportingKC.com after the final whistle to see updated postseason scenarios heading into Decision Day.
MLS Western Conference standings (through Oct. 15)
<strong>TEAM</strong> |
<strong>GP</strong> |
<strong>W</strong> |
<strong>L</strong> |
<strong>T</strong> |
<strong>PTS</strong> |
<strong>REMAINING<br>
GAMES</strong> |
1. Colorado Rapids <strong>- x</strong> |
32 |
15 |
5 |
12 |
57 |
at POR<br>
vs. HOU |
2. FC Dallas <strong>- x</strong> |
32 |
16 |
8 |
8 |
56 |
vs. SEA<br>
at LA |
3. LA Galaxy <strong>- x</strong> |
32 |
11 |
6 |
15 |
48 |
at HOU<br>
vs. FCD |
4. Seattle Sounders FC |
32 |
13 |
13 |
6 |
45 |
at FCD<br>
vs. RSL |
5. Real Salt Lake |
32 |
12 |
11 |
9 |
45 |
vs. SKC<br>
at SEA |
<strong>6. Sporting KC</strong> |
<strong>32</strong> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<strong>43</strong> |
<strong>at RSL<br>
vs. SJ</strong> |
7. Portland Timbers |
32 |
11 |
13 |
8 |
41 |
vs. COL<br>
at VAN |
8. San Jose Earthquakes |
32 |
8 |
11 |
13 |
37 |
vs. VAN<br>
at SKC |
9. Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
32 |
9 |
15 |
8 |
35 |
at SJ<br>
vs. POR |
10. Houston Dynamo |
32 |
7 |
13 |
12 |
33 |
vs. LA<br>
at COL |
x - Clinched playoff spot
