The weekly playoff watch is starting to come into focus for who the nine playoff teams will be in the Western Conference. Both FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake got in the driver's seat this past weekend with their games in hand, and each could secure a spot this weekend with wins.
This week, we're going to ditch a couple more teams from our playoff watch, as they've either been eliminated from contention or have punched their ticket to the playoffs.
FC Dallas - 41 points (8th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 2): 10/11 at LA Galaxy, 10/18 at Vancouver
Last week’s result: 2-1 win vs LA
Maximum Points Number: 47 points if they win out
Notes: A win this weekend in LA clinches a playoff spot for FC Dallas, which really means FC Dallas controls their own destiny here in this playoff race right now.
What FCD needs this weekend: Win, baby, win.
Real Salt Lake - 40 points (9th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 2): 10/11 at Seattle, 10/18 at St. Louis
Last week’s result: 1-0 win vs Colorado
Maximum Points Number: 46 points if they win out
Notes: RSL is really the one club that is making this interesting for FC Dallas in the final month of the season. Like Dallas, they have a game this weekend that can determine whether or not they make the playoffs or if they’ll need a result on Decision Day.
What FCD needs this weekend: A loss or a draw would be fantastic.
Colorado Rapids - 40 points (10th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 1): 10/18 vs. LAFC
Last week’s result: 1-0 loss vs RSL
Maximum Points Number: 43 points if they win out
Notes: Colorado's loss to RSL saw the Rapids' playoff hopes dwindle a bit more. The best they can hope for is a home win on Decision Day against a hot LAFC squad and hope that either RSL or Dallas slips up this weekend. Hopefully, Dallas picks up a win this weekend in LA and we're not stressing over the Rapids anymore.
What FCD needs this weekend: They're off this weekend.
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San Jose Earthquakes - 38 points (11th Place)
Schedule (Matches remaining: 1): 10/18 vs. Austin
Last week’s result: 4-1 loss at Vancouver
Maximum Points Number: 41 points if they win out
Notes: Their blowout loss at Vancouver was a nice thing for Dallas fans to see. San Jose can only tie Dallas on points at this point if Dallas were to lose their final two games of the regular season. They also have a Decision Day match against Austin, which could be an interesting one for the Verde, who are hoping not to get passed in the standings by Dallas or even RSL.
What FCD needs this weekend: They're off this weekend.
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