Just at it appeared an opponent had figured out how to blunt the impact of star Seattle Sounders acquisition Nicolas Lodeiro, the Uruguyan product knuckled in a free kick to equalize against the San Jose Earthquakes. Though the 1-1 draw earned the Rave Green a crucial point in their belated playoff push, the result's impact was muted for both squads:
With the Portland Timbers taking a full result during a simultaneous game against Real Salt Lake, and Vancouver passing both squads with a 3-1 victory in rainy Columbus earlier in the slate, the Quakes sit eighth (33 points) and the Sounders, ninth (32 points). They trail fifth-place Sporting Kansas City (39 points) and sixth-place Portland (38 points) for the final two spots, while each holding a pair of games in hand (27 played, vs. 29 for SKC/POR). It's going to take a sustained upswing -- plus a swoon by either Sporting or Portland -- if San Jose or Seattle intended to climb above the red line before the schedule is complete.
Western Conference Playoff Bracket as Sept. 10
Conference Semifinals
1. FC Dallas
Conference Semifinals
2. Colorado Rapids
Knockout Round
3. Real Salt Lake
VS.
6. Portland Timbers
Knockout Round
4. LA Galaxy
VS.
5. Sporting Kansas City
