On Wednesday, Aug. 31, the San Jose Earthquakes became the first team to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, advancing to a Western Conference Semifinal Series by virtue of D.C. United's 5-1 win over Real Salt Lake. With 47 points on the year, San Jose is 28 points ahead of fifth place Real Salt Lake (7 games / 21 maximum points remaining) to lead the Western Conference.
While no other team can clinch a playoff berth during Week 24, Chivas USA could be the first team to be officially eliminated from participating in the post-season with either a loss or tie against San Jose or a Colorado Rapids win against the L.A. Galaxy.
The New England Revolution lead the Eastern Conference with 48, one point ahead of the Quakes in the race for the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the most overall points on the campaign. The remaining teams in the East are in a close race, switching positions in the standings almost weekly.
Real Salt Lake, which is idle this weekend, is clinging to its playoff hopes in the Western Conference. With 19 points and seven games to play - including four on the road - the expansion club will be looking for some needed help this weekend.
What follows are the scenarios in play ahead of weekend action on September 10:
Chivas USA can be eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs with:
(a) Chivas USA loss or tie vs. San Jose Earthquakes
(b) Colorado Rapids win vs. the Los Angeles Galaxy
2005 MLS CUP PLAYOFFS
At the end of the season four teams qualify from each conference and advance to the home-and-home, aggregate goal MLS Cup Conference Semifinals (No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3). The two teams left standing in each conference will meet in the single-elimination Conference Championships with the winners advancing to MLS Cup 2005 at Pizza Hut Park on Nov. 13 (live on ABC Sports at 3:30 p.m. ET).
Tickets for MLS Cup 2005 are currently only available through a random computerized drawing on MLSnet.com or FCDallas.net. Tickets will be made available to the general public in the first week of October.
