They didn't have to take the pitch to do it, but Sporting Kansas City are into the postseason for the third straight year.
Thanks to Philadelphia's 1-1 draw with D.C. United on Saturday, Peter Vermes' gang clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, joining the New York Red Bulls as the only teams thus far who have guaranteed themselves postseason play.
Sporting could have finished the job on their own last Wednesday with a win in Houston, but could only manage a 0-0 draw against the Dynamo. Yet the weekend's results got the math done for them as they are guaranteed to finish no lower than fifth place in the Eastern Conference (they own the tiebreaker over Phily).
SKC are also still in contention for their second-ever Supporters' Shield, as their 52 points trail only New York's 53. Real Salt Lake also have 52 points, but hold the tiebreaker over Sporting.
Seattle again missed their chance to book their ticket, losing 1-0 in Portland and failing to clinch for the third straight game.
With two weeks to go in the 2013 season, only D.C. United, Toronto FC, Chivas USA and FC Dallas have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
