So, 14 games remain on the MLS regular season schedule and six of the eight playoff teams have clinched their spot in the post-season. Hard to believe, then, isn't it, that I've found 11 games that could have big-time importance in the structure of the playoffs. Then again, First XI has always championed the belief that "every game counts." Without further delay, here are 11 games you should not miss the rest of the way:
11. Chivas USA at FC Dallas (Thurs, Oct. 11).
Thursday Night on ESPN2, we get it rolling with a big game for Chivas USA if they entertain any hope of winning the Supporters' Shield. This is the game in hand Chivas holds on D.C. United. Win and they're all tied up heading into the final two games. Lose and Chivas USA has a tall task to win the Shield, not to mention they'll keep Houston alive in the race for the Western Conference title and the all-imporant home field advantage.
10. Chicago at D.C. United (Sat., Oct. 13).
The Fire, of course, are clinging to their playoff lives and it won't get any harder for them the rest of the way than having to play the best team in MLS at RFK, which is arguably the toughest place to play. It doesn't seem like a long time ago (two years ago) that I watched the Fire take apart D.C. at RFK in the playoffs, so it doesn't seem too far fetched that Juan Carlos Osorio will have Blanco and Co. ready to compete like crazy for these points. As for D.C., they're also going to want to hold serve in the Supporters' Shield race.
9. Columbus at New England (Sat., Oct. 13).
You just know Sigi Schmid and the Crew want a playoff spot to show for the improvements they've made this season, but if they're going to gain admittance to the postseason party, they need to win their final two and pray for help. So, go to Gillette and take three points and see where everything else falls. I don't know about the rest of you, but I kind of miss fall soccer in Ohio. Been too long.
8. Toronto FC at Los Angeles (Sat., Oct. 13).
The Galaxy believe they can do what New England did in 2002. That is, go crazy down the stretch, make the playoff and win it all. We'll see. Like the Crew, the Galaxy have absolutely zero wiggle room. Playing TFC at home, well, LA's gotta win. That's all.
7. Colorado at Chivas USA (Sun., Oct. 14).
The Rapids need points and no one's been able to take the full three from Chivas USA yet this season. You have to think this game marks the end of the road for a Colorado team that has made a million changes, has looked good at times, and seems headed for more changes in the near future. But, you never know. Chivas could be tired after their game in Dallas on Thursday and the quick turnaround. And, if Chivas feels it's not all that important to win the Supporters' Shield or the West, they might just start preparing for the playoffs.
6. Houston at Real Salt Lake (Mon., Oct. 15).
Houston's going to have to go it the rest of the way without the non-stop running and tackling of Ricardo Clark, but they've done all right in the past when he's been out of action, either due to cards or the national team. Like Chivas USA, Houston's a very tough team on their home field, so you've got to think they're going to push it to the wire. Then again, no one likes playing on that FieldTurf in Salt Lake.
5. New York at Los Angeles (Thurs., Oct. 18).
Assuming LA takes care of Toronto, the Galaxy will be taking on a New York team that's probably going to be more focused on getting itself healthy for the playoffs. Home game for the Galaxy, so you've got to like their chances of making it six in a row and, yes, keeping their hopes alive for a miracle finish. Just one thought on the Red Bulls. I hope they find some magic down the stretch here. It's time for that team to make it through a round of the playoffs for the first time since Clint Mathis had hair to comb.
4. Columbus at D.C. United (Sat., Oct. 20).
Well, obviously the importance of this one hinges on if the Crew can go to Foxborough and get points. If they can't, this game at D.C. might not survive as a game of importance for the Crew. It does loom, however, as the game when D.C. can celebrate the Shield. That's the likely scenario. Columbus playing out the string against a home team from D.C. that is going to want to give the fans a little something for the effort. I see United players dancing and chanting with the Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles.
3. Real Salt Lake at Colorado (Sat., Oct. 20).
Yeah, maybe wishful thinking here, but if the Rapids can hang in there, you cannot ask for a better finale than a home game against RSL. Still, as we mentioned up top, the Rapids don't only need to win out, they need some assistance from Chicago or K.C. Actually, they need both to collapse. Ain't happening.
2. Houston at Chivas USA (Sat., Oct. 20).
It could be the game that decides the Western Conference. Or it just might be a preview of the Western Conference final on the field where it will be played. This is a nice little rivalry, too, by the way, dating back to a few ferocious contests a year ago. If you're like me, you're thinking that the top four teams in the league, D.C. and New England, and Chivas USA, are advancing to the conference finals. So, I'll be watching this game for clues of what might be in store down the road.
1. Los Angeles at Chicago (Sun., Oct. 21).
This one's not all that crazy, folks. Chicago's got to go to D.C. LA's got home games against TFC and New York. The chances of LA winning two and Chicago losing are pretty good, which would set up yet another end-of-season clash for the final playoff spot. If that happens, well, you cannot ask for much more than that. Here's hoping this game has it all.
Jeff Bradley is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. Send your comments and complaints (200 words or less, please) to Jeff at jbradleyespn2003@yahoo.com and he promises to read (but not respond to) all of them. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com.
