With one match to play, six teams are still alive with the chance to claim one of the two remaining spots in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The scenarios for the teams in contention are nearly as daunting as their matches this final weekend.
The Colorado Rapids are in the best spot of all the contenders, as it is the only side that can really control it’s own destiny. A win for the Rapids Saturday at Real Salt Lake will result in a playoff berth.
The Rapids, however, are winless in the last six matches, and leading scorer Conor Casey hasn’t found the back of the net in five matches.
Colorado heads into the final match with 40 points, but must win as four (yes, FOUR) teams on the Rapids heels with 39 points.
Having four teams tied at 39 makes the remaining playoff picture muddy at best. Remarkably, none of those four clubs will play at home this weekend.
Toronto FC has, on paper, the easiest match of the weekend, going up against the 4-19-6 New York Red Bulls side that is winless in its last five. Toronto registered wins of 2-1 and 2-0 over New York in June.
It’s a similar situation for DC United, as 8-13-8 Kansas City awaits on Saturday. United defeated the Wizards 1-0 last month and played to a 1-1 tie earlier in the season.
Dallas matches up against a Seattle side that has already secured it’s playoff berth. However, the Sounders still have an outside chance at clinching homefield for the conference playoffs, so this will not be a match Seattle takes lightly. The only previous meeting between the sides this season resulted in a 1-1 draw.
New England is the only club waiting until Sunday to play. By the time New England takes the pitch in Columbus, the Revolution will know exactly what is required to make the playoffs. New England lost 1-0 the last time these two sides played.
Real Salt Lake has the most remote chance of making the postseason. Firstly, the club must defeat Colorado at home on Saturday. That would push the side to 40 points. If all four teams with 39 points lose, Salt Lake would get in. However, if two of those 39 point teams win, Salt Lake would find its push was too little too late.
The MLS Cup Playoffs will open on October 29.

