There are four more weekends in MLS this season and the playoff race in the Western Conference has gotten tighter and tighter.
While FC Dallas has jumped up into the playoff picture for the first time since early May, we did see some teams in the conference get eliminated from contention this past weekend. Both the LA Galaxy and Sporting KC are not longer in contention, while St. Louis CITY SC is holding on by a tiny margin.
Let's dive into the upcoming schedules for the teams around FC Dallas in the standings and what we need from them this week (there are some midweek games to keep an eye out on here).
Austin FC - 44 points (6th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 4): 9/27 @ RSL, 10/4 vs. St. Louis, 10/12 vs. LAFC, 10/18 @ San Jose
Last week’s result: 2-1 win vs Seattle
Notes: What a big week for Nico Estevez and his club. They pulled off a big USOC semifinal win over Minnesota and then followed that up with a big, late home win over Seattle. It is very possible they could jump the Sounders (only behind them by one point) when it is all said and done. That schedule is fairly easy from here out, too.
What FCD needs this weekend: As much as I would like them to pick up another L, I think they need to help finish RSL off right now.
Portland Timbers - 42 points (7th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 4): 9/24 at Vancouver, 9/27 vs. Dallas, 10/4 at Seattle, 10/18 vs. San Diego
Last week’s result: 1-0 loss at Houston
Notes: I said Portland's schedule was tricky and it gets even weirder from here. They have a big game at Vancouver on Wednesday before hosting FC Dallas on Saturday. Ideally, we're seeing two straight losses here. Those final two games won't be give-mes either.
What FCD needs this weekend: Another L would be fantastic.
Colorado Rapids - 39 points (8th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 3): 9/27 vs. Minnesota, 10/4 at RSL, 10/18 vs. LAFC
Last week’s result: 3-1 loss at FC Dallas
Notes: I'll say it again, I still think the Rapids are cooked here. After seeing them in person this past weekend, I don't think they're a good team right now. They may surprise me with another positive result this weekend at home, but I think at best they're going to finish 9th.
What FCD needs this weekend: One more L would be great.
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FC Dallas - 37 points (9th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 4): 9/27 at Portland, 10/4 vs. Galaxy, 10/11 at LA Galaxy, 10/18 at Vancouver
Last week’s result: 3-1 win vs Colorado
Notes: FC Dallas made sure to make the most of their home games recently, but now they have to really do it on the road again. They've been good enough for most of this season away from home and if they can find ways to get five points out of those final three road games, it should be enough. But, ideally, a win on Saturday in Portland would put things over the top.
What FCD needs this weekend: Win, baby, win.
Houston Dynamo FC - 36 points (10th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 3): 9/27 at Nashville, 10/4 vs. San Diego, 10/18 at Kansas City
Last week’s result: 1-0 win vs Portland
Notes: The Dynamo are hanging on by a thread still following a win at home over Portland. The next two are going to be very tough matches for them, though. I don't see how they get more than a point or two from those matches, which won't be enough.
What FCD needs this weekend: Another loss would be fantastic.
San Jose Earthquakes - 35 points (11th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 3): 9/27 at San Diego, 10/5 at Vancouver, 10/18 vs. Austin
Last week’s result: 3-1 loss vs St. Louis
Notes: Boy, three games left against teams currently in the playoff field. The next two are on the road against teams that are also in the hunt for a Supporters’ Shield. I do not like the Quakes chances here to get any more points this season.
What FCD needs this weekend: Ideally, another loss would be great.
Real Salt Lake - 34 points (12th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 4): 9/27 vs. Austin, 10/4 vs. Colorado, 10/11 at Seattle, 10/18 at St. Louis
Last week’s result: two losses to LAFC
Notes: RSL had games in hand going into last week's and then dropped two straight games to LAFC. They're still in contention but they have to figure out how to pick up six points in their next two games. Given how they're battling Austin next (who appears to be figuring things out) and Colorado (a rivalry game), all bets are off.
What FCD needs this weekend: Give me another L, please.
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