The MLS Cup Playoff field is set, but every game this weekend has seeding implications. After San Jose's 3-0 defeat of Chivas USA on Wednesday, a number of scenarios opened up across the board.
For the Quakes, a win would mean at least a guarantee to keep their No. 7 position. However, if San Jose tops Kansas City and Seattle loses against Houston or the Quakes win by two goals or more and Sounders FC draws, the Silicon Valley side would slide into the No. 6 spot.
Should San Jose lose or draw, it could also move back to No. 8 should the Colorado Rapids win or draw against Real Salt Lake. The defending MLS Cup Champions won't take that match up lightly, however, with the Supporter's Shield still within their grasp.
Real needs three points and an LA Galaxy loss or draw against FC Dallas to earn the regular season award.
FC Dallas is another team with incentive to push for a result this weekend as they try to hold off a streaking Sounders FC squad for the top Wild Card position.
There are no guarantees this weekend. The San Jose Earthquakes could finish anywhere from No. 6 to No. 8 and could face Los Angeles, Real Salt Lake, Columbus or New York in the opening round of the playoffs.
2010 MLS CUP PLAYOFF STANDINGS
Through Thursday, October 21, 2010, 12:16 am ET
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">PTS</span> |
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">GP</span> |
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">W</span> |
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">L</span> |
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">T</span> |
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">GF</span> |
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">GA</span> |
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">GD</span> |
|
x - Los Angeles Galaxy (1W) |
56 |
29 |
17 |
7 |
5 |
42 |
25 |
17 |
x - Real Salt Lake (2W) |
55 |
29 |
15 |
4 |
10 |
43 |
18 |
25 |
x - New York Red Bulls (1E) |
48 |
29 |
14 |
9 |
6 |
36 |
29 |
7 |
x - Columbus Crew (2E) |
47 |
29 |
13 |
8 |
8 |
37 |
33 |
4 |
x - FC Dallas |
50 |
29 |
12 |
3 |
14 |
41 |
26 |
15 |
x - Seattle Sounders |
48 |
29 |
14 |
9 |
6 |
38 |
33 |
5 |
x - San Jose Earthquakes |
46 |
29 |
13 |
9 |
7 |
33 |
29 |
4 |
x - Colorado Rapids |
45 |
29 |
12 |
8 |
9 |
42 |
30 |
12 |
Kansas City Wizards |
36 |
29 |
10 |
13 |
6 |
32 |
34 |
-2 |
Chicago Fire |
33 |
29 |
8 |
12 |
9 |
33 |
37 |
-4 |
Toronto FC |
32 |
29 |
8 |
13 |
8 |
30 |
39 |
-9 |
New England Revolution |
32 |
29 |
9 |
15 |
5 |
32 |
48 |
-16 |
Philadelphia Union |
31 |
29 |
8 |
14 |
7 |
34 |
46 |
-12 |
Houston Dynamo |
30 |
29 |
8 |
15 |
6 |
38 |
48 |
-10 |
Chivas USA |
28 |
29 |
8 |
17 |
4 |
30 |
41 |
-11 |
D.C. United |
22 |
29 |
6 |
19 |
4 |
19 |
44 |
-25 |
