Match by Match: Breaking down the playoff permutations

Sporting KC celebrate their win over Columbus

Houston Dynamo vs. Chicago Fire


4 pm ET | Saturday, Oct. 1

<strong>TV</strong>
<b>Comments</b>
<p><br><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/telefutura-logo.png" style="width: 97px; height: 37px;"></p><p>KHOU (Houston)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: USA)</p>
A midweek win by Sporting KC bumped the Dynamo out of first place in the East, and Philly&#39;s midweek win bumped them further down, to third. Depending on other results, they could get back to the top with a win. But the Fire are in the playoff hunt now after winning five of their last six.

New England Revolution vs. Seattle Sounders FC


7:30 pm ET | Saturday, Oct. 1

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<p>Direct Kick (USA)</p><p>CSN (New England)<br> KONG (Seattle)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: SEA)</p>
The Revs mathematically could still make the playoffs, but they&#39;ll need three points against the Sounders, who are seven points off LA&#39;s pace for the Supporters&#39; Shield. If Seattle lose and the Galaxy win, then LA will seal the deal.

Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls


7:30 pm ET | Saturday, Oct. 1

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/foxsoccer-logo.png" style="width: 30px; height: 24px;"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/foxdeportes-logo.png" style="width: 33px; height: 20px;"><br><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/tsn2-logo.png" style="width: 50px; height: 11px;"><p>No local</p><p>No online</p>
TFC are also still mathematically alive, but they, too, need to win to stay that way. RBNY, meanwhile, are clinging to the final wildcard spot right now, and need to get a result to fend off any late charge from D.C., Portland, or Chicago.

Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas


9 pm ET | Saturday, Oct. 1

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<p>Direct Kick (USA)</p><p>Altitude (Colorado)<br> FS South West (Dallas)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: COL)</p>
Though they currently occupy first and second&nbsp; in the Wild Card standings, Colorado and Dallas have struggled of late. Colorado are winless in the league since mid August. Dallas have lost three consecutive MLS matches -- and failed to score. And the Rapids are only three points out of the &quot;dropzone.&quot;

LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake


10:30 pm ET | Saturday, Oct. 1

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<p>Direct Kick (USA)</p><p>Prime Ticket (LA)<br> KMYU 2.2 (Salt Lake)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: LA)</p>
Both LA and RSL have clinched playoff berths. Now they are fighting for the Supporters&#39; Shield. The Galaxy hold a seven-point lead at the top of the West, and a win would allow LA to breathe even easier. An RSL win could keep things exciting down the stretch.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City


10:30 pm ET | Saturday, Oct. 1

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<p>Direct Kick (USA)</p><p>CSN (San Jose)<br> KSMO (Kansas City)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: KC)</p>
Sporting hold the top spot in the East and are playing well. San Jose are on the opposite side of things, facing elimination: A loss to Sporting and a win by NY or D.C., and Frank Yallop&#39;s boys are finished.

Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United


4 pm ET | Sunday, Oct. 2

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<p>Direct Kick (USA)</p><p>ONN (Columbus)<br> CSN (DC)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: DC)</p>
D.C. missed a chance to climb into a playoff position on Wednesday. Depending on how the arch-rival Red Bulls fare, they may get another chance against the struggling Crew. A few weeks ago, the Crew were in first place. Now they just trying to maintain their own place in the playoffs.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers


4:30 pm ET | Sunday, Oct. 2

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<p><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/tsn2-logo.png" style="width: 50px; height: 11px;"><br> Direct Kick (USA)</p><p>ROOT Sports (Portland)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: Canada/POR)</p>
The eliminated &#39;Caps -- who will open BC Place on Sunday -- can dent Portland&#39;s playoff hopes. However, a win for the Timbers, who sit two points out of a postseason spot, could see them jump into a Wild Card spot.

Chivas USA vs. Philadelphia Union


8 pm ET | Sunday, Oct. 2

<strong>TV</strong>
<strong>Comments</strong>
<p>Direct Kick (USA)</p><p>Prime Ticket/KWHY (LA)<br> TCN (Philadelphia)</p><p><a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank"><strong>MatchDay Live</strong></a><br> (blackout: LA)</p>
Sitting four points out of a playoff berth, it will be tough for the Goats to make the postseaon. The Union, currently second in the East, look to be in a good position but don&#39;t want to drop points against a lesser side.
Match by Match: Breaking down the playoff permutations -