Saturday night's results ensured that two of the league's regular powers, the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake, will find themselves back in the playoffs once again.
LA's 4-2 win over Toronto FC put them second in the Western Conference on 49 points, and secured their fourth straight postseason berth. The defending MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield champions had looked like longshots back in May after a flaccid start to the season, but have arguably been the league's best team over the past three months. Nonetheless, it does look like their hopes of claiming a third straight Shield have fallen by the wayside as San Jose have an 11 point lead at the top of the West.
COMPLETE MLS REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS
RSL are officially into the playoffs for the fifth straight season as Jason Kreis' men took a nervy 2-1 win over Portland despite playing without leading scorer Alvaro Saborio. It was a bit of a breakout offensive performance from the Claret-and-Cobalt, who've seen their attack go bone dry over the past six weeks. They're tied with LA on 49 points, but LA hold the tiebreaker for second place on goals scored.
On Sunday in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia need a win over Houston or they're mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Toronto FC and the New England Revolution are already out of the hunt in the East.
The top five teams in each conference qualify for the postseason.
