Here are the latest developments in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs race after all 12 matches played in Week 30 on Sunday:
Eastern Conference
- No. 1 seed:NYCFC may have lost to the New England Revolution on Sunday, but they still clinched the No. 1 seed after the Philadelphia Union fell to Columbus Crew SC in a match that was delayed due to weather. The road to MLS Cup in the East goes through the Big Apple.
- Who will host in Round 1? (No. 2-No. 4 seeds): With Philadelphia and Atlanta United firmly locked in to host Round One knockout matches, there's one host slot remaining that will be up for grabs on Decision Day. D.C. United (currently at No. 4 on 49 points) are in pole position, but the New York Red Bulls (No. 5 on 48 points) and Toronto FC (No. 6 on 47 points) are also in the running. D.C. and Toronto finish their season at home, while the Red Bulls are in Montreal.
- Chase for final playoff spots (No. 5-No. 7 seeds): The New England Revolution clinched the final postseason berth on Sunday with their 2-0 win over conference leaders NYCFC. Bruce Arena's squad will hit the road in Round One of the playoffs no matter their Decision Day result in Atlanta. It's only a question of where they will go ... and another trip to Atlanta is one potential scenario.
Western Conference
- No. 1 seed:LAFC clinched the Supporters' Shield on September 25, securing homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, including MLS Cup. They won't have to leave Los Angeles again this year.
- Who will host in Round 1? (No. 2-No. 4 seeds): It's four teams fighting for the three spots in the West that grant the opportunity to host a Round One knockout match. Minnesota United (No. 2 on 53 points), Seattle Sounders (No. 3 on 53 points) and the LA Galaxy (No. 4 on 51 points) will start Decision Day occupying those places, but Real Salt Lake (No. 5 on 50 points) can still catch them. Seattle and Minnesota go head-to-head next Sunday for the No. 2 seed behind LAFC.
- Chase for the final playoff spots (No. 5-No. 7 seeds): Real Salt Lake officially clinched a playoff berth on Sunday, leaving just two spots up for grabs and four teams battling it out in the final matchday of the season. The Portland Timbers (No. 6 seed on 46 points) will host the San Jose Earthquakes (No. 8 seed on 44 points) on Decision Day in what essentially amounts to a play-in match after San Jose lost their 5th in a row. Meanwhile, FC Dallas (No. 7 on 45 points) have destiny in their hands -- a win at home against Sporting Kansas City would lock up their spot in the postseason. The Colorado Rapids, once considered a playoff longshot, are still alive but they will have their work cut out for them, needing a win at Shield winners LAFC, a loss by FC Dallas and a loss or tie for San Jose.
The latter scenario in the West would bring the standings tiebreakers into question: (1) wins, (2) goal differential, (3) goals scored, followed by six other criteria if those don't resolve the points deadlock.
