We’re about to flip over into the month of October and the final three weeks of the regular season.
The Western Conference playoff race is still pretty tight. Five teams have clinched spots, while three have been eliminated from contention. Thankfully, FC Dallas is still in the hunt here.
We’re still on the same set of clubs that we’ve been watching for the majority of this playoff run. I think next week we’ll be able to toss a couple of teams off the list, though.
Austin FC - 44 points (6th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 3): 10/4 vs. St. Louis, 10/12 vs. LAFC, 10/18 @ San Jose
Last week’s result: 3-1 loss at RSL
Maximum Points Number: 53 points if they win out
Notes: I’m kind of done worrying about Austin in this playoff watch. I think had they won this past weekend and clinched a playoff spot, I would have removed them from this post. Yet, here we are talking about them again. I think they’ll clinch it this weekend against St. Louis. And honestly, that is fine.
What FCD needs this weekend: A draw or loss would be great, but I’m not seeing it happen.
Portland Timbers - 44 points (7th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 2): 10/4 at Seattle, 10/18 vs. San Diego
Last week’s result: 1-1 draw at Vancouver; 2-2 draw vs FC Dallas
Maximum Points Number: 50 points if they win out
Notes: Portland should technically be fine with the 44 points they’ve picked up thus far, but they shouldn’t feel too comfortable given that they’ve only won once in the last two months in the regular season. Not exactly sprinting to the finish line.
What FCD needs this weekend: Another L would be fantastic.
Colorado Rapids - 40 points (8th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 2): 10/4 at RSL, 10/18 vs. LAFC
Last week’s result: 1-1 draw vs Minnesota
Maximum Points Number: 46 points if they win out
Notes: The Rapids lucked out with a draw against Minnesota. There is a slight chance they could still end up stumbling down into 9th when it is all said and done too with this upcoming schedule.
What FCD needs this weekend: I’m good with a draw against RSL.
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San Jose Earthquakes - 38 points (9th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 2): 10/5 at Vancouver, 10/18 vs. Austin
Last week’s result: 1-0 win vs San Diego
Maximum Points Number: 44 points if they win out
Notes: The Quakes jumped back up into the playoffs picture after a big win over San Diego. The next two up won’t be easy though, as Vancouver is chasing a Supporters Shield and Austin could be a tricky season finale for them. Dallas needs them to drop this weekend’s game in Vancouver no matter what.
What FCD needs this weekend: Ideally, another loss would be great.
FC Dallas - 38 points (10th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 3): 10/4 vs. Galaxy, 10/11 at LA Galaxy, 10/18 at Vancouver
Last week’s result: 2-2 draw at Portland
Maximum Points Number: 47 points if they win out
Notes: Two big games against the LA Galaxy coming up. The Galaxy are hoping to avoid the ‘first to worst’ moniker and will definitely be looking to play the spoiler. Dallas has to continue to do what they’ve been doing for the last month and a half and they’ll find a way to sneak into the playoffs. A loss in either LA game though could mean they’ll have to find a way to do it on Decision Day in Vancouver.
What FCD needs this weekend: Win, baby, win.
Real Salt Lake - 37 points (11th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 3): 10/4 vs. Colorado, 10/11 at Seattle, 10/18 at St. Louis
Last week’s result: 3-1 win vs Austin
Maximum Points Number: 46 points if they win out
Notes: RSL continues to find ways to stay alive here with another win. Those next three are going to be very interesting, especially the one in Seattle. If they aren’t able to win at home this weekend against the Rapids, that Seattle game could be one where they might be on the verge of elimination. Let’s hope for that.
What FCD needs this weekend: While another L would be great, a draw against Colorado isn’t the worst idea either.
Houston Dynamo FC - 36 points (12th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 2): 10/4 vs. San Diego, 10/18 at Kansas City
Last week’s result: 3-1 loss at Nashville
Maximum Points Number: 42 points if they win out
Notes: The Dynamo aren’t technically eliminated from contention this week, based on the math, but they’re damn close. They have to win out at this point in order to even have a hopeful chance at the wild card game, but this last loss lets me think more and more that they are cooked.
What FCD needs this weekend: Another loss would be fantastic.
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