Post-transfer window results shuffling playoff prospects

When teams reinvented themselves during the Summer Transfer Window, some of them managed to make themselves worse in the short-term. Others, like the New York Red Bulls served notice that they could contend for the Supporters' Shield. New York, San Jose, Columbus and New England are the only teams that are hotter since the close of the window than Seattle Sounders FC.

New York is using their late Summer/Fall surge and locked up the Playoffs. The Crew and Revolution are right behind them and should do that as well.

In the West the hot/cold teams show two sides rapidly climbing the standings - the Earthquakes and Sounders. In fact, the Western Conference has several teams struggling since the window closed on August 6th.

Only the Galaxy can join Seattle and San Jose in winning more matches than they've lost since the close. Upcoming opponents Houston, Kansas City and Salt Lake have a combined 11 losses in their 21 matches during the run-in.

Sporting has given up a staggering 18 goals during this stretch. Woeful Portland has only scored five times in six played.

Sounders FC is in good position now, for not only did the league squander the opportunity granted it during the Dire Days, many are failing right now.

This chart is from WhoScored.com's Custom Dates function.

Seattle's final four matches include games against two of the worst late-season teams in the league, the worst defense in the league during that stretch and nemesis Galaxy, who can't win on the road.

hay fe