D.C. United's remarkable 2014 turnaround reached new heights when they became the first Eastern Conference team to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs following Friday's 0-0 draw with Sporting Kansas City. It's DC's first postseason berth since 2012, and it comes on the heels of a paltry three-win campaign from 2013.
Meanwhile, the West could have its third team mathematically join the big dance after LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders. Although they missed an opportunity to clinch their spot in the playoffs last weekend, Real Salt Lake will get another crack when they take on Chivas USA at StubHub Center on Sunday. RSL can lock down their seventh straight trip to the postseason with a win against the last-place Goats.
By virtue of their home loss to the Portland Timbers on Saturday, the San Jose Earthquakes were officially eliminated from playoff contention, and the Colorado Rapids joined them Sunday with a home loss to Seattle.
The Chicago Fire, meanwhile, are also on the brink of elimination.
Here are the updated MLS playoff scenarios heading into matches on Sunday, Oct. 5:
Real Salt Lake will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs IF
- Real Salt Lake win vs Chivas USA on Sunday
Chicago Fire will be eliminated from playoff contention IF
- Chicago Fire lose or tie vs. Montreal Impact on Sunday
CLINCHED A 2014 MLS CUP PLAYOFF BERTH:
Eastern Conference (1 of 5): D.C. United
Western Conference (2 of 5): Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy
ELIMINATED FROM 2014 MLS CUP PLAYOFFS:
Eastern Conference (1 of 5): Montreal Impact
Western Conference (3 of 4): Chivas USA, San Jose Earthquakes, Colorado Rapids
