The San Jose Earthquakes have advanced to the Round of 16 with a spectacular week that included wins over Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4-3) and Chicago Fire FC (2-0). Those two matches, coupled with their previous draw against Seattle Sounders FC, gave San Jose seven points and first place in Group B.
While there is apparently some fluidity with regards to the date and time of the match, the bracket on MLSsoccer.com shows the Quakes’ next opponent will be the third-place finisher in either Group A, C or D.
The only one of those three groups with final standings already set in stone is Group A, with New York City FC sitting in third with a 1-2-0 record (3 pts.). Group C will be confirmed tonight when D.C. United take on the Montreal Impact at 7:30 p.m. PT. Group D will play the remainder of their matches on Wednesday.
The fate of Group C is complicated due to the parity of the teams. Should D.C. defeat Montreal, then D.C., Toronto FC and the New England Revolution would all finish with an identical 1-0-2 record, with the goal-differential and goals-for tiebreakers coming into play.
Here’s a more in-depth look into Group C:
If D.C. wins by 2+, they would earn first place. Toronto FC and New England would drop to second and third, respectively.
If D.C. wins 1-0 or 2-1, they would finish in second place behind TFC. New England would drop to third.
If D.C. and Montreal tie, D.C. would finish in third.
If Montreal wins, they would jump over D.C. and finish in third.
Keep in mind that not all third-place finishers will advance. In fact, only four of the six groups will be sending three teams through, and as it’s shaking out, goal differential will be crucial.
To see the full Group Stage standings, click here.
