Come late October, there will be two groups of clubs in MLS: the haves and have nots.
For the time being, all 20 teams are still in the running for the first group, those who keep their MLS Cup dream alive by booking a place in the playoffs. As of Sunday morning, there are still 12 spots to chase, but that will almost certainly change by the end of the day.
Three teams have the opportunity to book their place in the 2016 playoff field today, assuming the results go their way: FC Dallas, Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls. Go ahead and bookmark the standings and playoff field as it currently stands for the stretch run.
Two teams with berths on the line play each other on Sunday as Toronto host New York (5 pm ET; FOX, FOX Sports GO, FOX Deportes in US | TSN2 in Canada), while FC Dallas will be watching LA's visit to Kansas City very closely (2 pm ET; FOX, Fox Sports GO, ESPN Deportes in the US | MLS LIVE in Canada).
Here are the current scenarios:
Toronto FC will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs IF
- Toronto FC win vs. New York Red Bulls on Sunday
OR
- Toronto FC tie vs. New York Red Bulls on Sunday
New York Red Bulls will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs IF
- New York Red Bulls win vs. Toronto FC on Sunday
FC Dallas will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs IF
- Sporting Kansas City lose vs. LA Galaxy on Sunday
