Three big storylines

1. LAFC will clinch the Supporters’ Shield this weekend if they get a win at home against Toronto FC and New York City FC drop any points at FC Dallas. So congrats to them. In the Eastern Conference, NYCFC has a five point lead with four games to play over second place Philadelphia Union. That brings the distinct possibility of an MLS Cup final at Yankee Stadium as they are looking like the clear second place in the Supporters’ Shield standings as we hit the home stretch. An MLS Cup at Yankee Stadium would definitely be...something.
2. In the Western Conference there are essentially eight teams vying for seven playoff spots. If the playoffs started today, the Portland Timbers would be the odd team out. The Timbers have had a home-game-heavy finish to the season with their early year extended road trip due to stadium construction, and it was widely assumed they would rocket up the table as the season came to a close. But after their 2-0 home loss to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday they have earned only six points from their last six played, all at home. The Timbers still have three of their last four games at home but this Sunday’s home game against Minnesota United is looking like a game they need to get a result in.
3. In the Eastern Conference, NYCFC, the Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United are already in the playoffs, with Toronto FC, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls essentially qualified (538’s playoff odds have them each at greater than 99% to qualify), so that leaves the New England Revolution, Chicago Fire and Montreal Impact all fighting over one playoff spot. The Revs are at home against Real Salt Lake, the Fire travel to cellar-dwellers FC Cincinnati, and the Impact are in Carson to take on the LA Galaxy. The Revs have a home game, a game in hand and a three point lead on the other two teams coming into the weekend.

From a Sounders point of view

There are six separate scenarios where the Sounders can clinch their eleventh consecutive trip to the playoffs this weekend. Conveniently, MLSSoccer.com already did my for me:

Seattle will clinch a berth in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs if:

• Seattle win vs. D.C. United AND ...
• FC Dallas lose or tie vs. NYCFC

– OR –

• Seattle win vs. D.C. United AND ...
• Portland lose vs. Minnesota

– OR –

• Seattle win vs. D.C. United AND ...
• Portland tie vs. Minnesota AND ...
• San Jose lose or tie vs. Atlanta

– OR –

• Seattle win vs. D.C. United AND ...
• Real Salt Lake lose vs. New England AND ...
• LA Galaxy lose vs. Montreal

– OR –

• Seattle tie vs. D.C. United AND ...
• FC Dallas lose vs. NYCFC

– OR –

• Seattle tie vs. D.C. United AND ...
• Portland lose vs. Minnesota AND ...
• San Jose lose vs. Atlanta

To summarize that wall of text and give the Sounders the best chance to lock in a playoff berth this weekend, we really want the Sounders to get three points, Atlanta United to beat the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas to lose to New York City FC. Also for seeding purposes, we are definitely cheering for the New England Revolution to beat Real Salt Lake in New England.

National TV listings

Atlanta United v San Jose Earthquakes

Date/Time: Saturday, 12:30 PM PT

TV: Univision

Streaming: TUDN Streaming and Twitter Stream of the Week

Portland Timbers v Minnesota United

Date/Time: Sunday, 12:55 PM PT

TV: ESPN

Streaming: Watch ESPN

FC Dallas v New York City FC

Date/Time: Sunday, 3:00 PM PT

TV: UniMas

Streaming: TUDN Streaming and Twitter Stream of the Week

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