The MLS Cup Playoff picture following Week 25 looks vastly different for teams in the Eastern Conference compared to those in the Western. While the West now has three of the four places locked up, the results from the weekend made the Eastern Conference race the one to watch - as only 11 points separates first place from fifth with only a handful of games to play. Click here for the complete standing http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/standings/.
With a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Sunday, September 18, FC Dallas assured themselves of their first post-season appearance since the 2002 season, joining the San Jose Earthquakes and the Los Angeles Galaxy three of the four entries in the Western Conference. The Galaxy, who clinched as a result of RSL losing to Dallas, have now qualified for a League-only 10 consecutive MLS Cup playoffs. The Colorado Rapids lead Real Salt Lake by 12 points in the standings; however of the six remaining games for each side, three are against each other which could make for some interesting contests.
The Eastern Conference-leading New England Revolution lost a wild one away to the MetroStars on Saturday night and now lead D.C. United by only four points. Regardless of their result on Wednesday in Columbus, the Revs will need to wait until their rematch with the Metros on Saturday at Gillette Stadium to find out if they clinch a spot. Kansas City's come-from-behind tie against Los Angeles kept them three points ahead of the Metros for the last spot, and now two points behind the third place Chicago Fire - who trail D.C. United by only two points.
The midweek games are crucial for both the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake - the Crew hosting the Revs while RSL visits the Rapids. While neither team can officially be eliminated from contention with a loss of tie, a win by each will keep the pressure on the team ahead going into the weekend. San Jose could potentially clinch the Western Conference # 1 seed, which would secure them hosting the Western Conference Championship game should they advance past the two-leg Conference Semifinal Series. FC Dallas hosts the Galaxy on Wednesday, looking to separate themselves from the current second place tie in the West - but also an important preview as both teams square off next Wednesday at The Home Depot Center in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship game.
What follows are the scenarios in play ahead of midweek action on September 21:
San Jose Earthquakes could clinch the Western Conference #1 seed:
(a) A win vs. the Chicago Fire AND Los Angeles Galaxy win or tie vs. FC Dallas
