Photo by ISIphotos.com
by TRAVIS CLARK
September is right around the corner, and this translates into the most important part of the season for MLS clubs fighting for their playoff lives. At this point, only Columbus, Chicago, and Houston can be considered locks to qualify for the postseason, barring a collapse of epic proportions. The remaining five spots will be hotly contested by just about every club except New York.
With three teams tied for the last spot, it's becoming clear that the race will come down to the final day of the regular season. A quick survey of these contenders and their schedules tell a great deal. Clubs like Colorado, New England and Chivas USA have to be encouraged by their remaining fixtures, while a congested and busy stretch could spell doom for D.C. United and a tough closing schedule could doom struggling Seattle.
Here is a look at how the schedules shape up for all the team's contending for playoff spots:
New England turned a few heads with their six point performance during a four day stretch last week. They control their playoff destiny, having played just 20 games and sitting in a tie for eighth. Five games remain at home and five on the road — though home matches are far from easy, with Chicago, Columbus, and Seattle all make the trip to Gillette. Still, building on this recent momentum is vital if Steve Nicol plans on making the playoffs.
Joining the Revolution with a few games in hand is Chivas— who have played four less games than West-leading Houston and right their sinking ship with an important win against Toronto. They essentially have six home games remaining, counting the SuperClasico this weekend. It's not an easy stretch to say that least, with visits to Chicago, Seattle, and D.C., but thanks to the hot start things are still look good for Preki's side.
Speaking of cake walks, Colorado has a very decent chance of qualifying for the postseason. After a visit from Houston on the weekend, they'll get Toronto twice, home and away, then San Jose. Throw in winnable trips to Kansas City and Dallas, and things aren't look too bad for Rapids fans.
As previously mentioned, D.C. United is one of the clubs with a murder's row of a schedule. Their CONCACAF Champions League will either be a blessing or a curse come the end of the season, and they are currently on the outside looking in. The good news is that they have more home games left than away trips, but the bad is that they are on a four game win-less streak in the league. Visits from Seattle, and Columbus will be tricky. The draws must turn to wins for this club to fulfill its postseason dreams.
Things are really in the Galaxy's favor this year. Gone are the days of the Beckham tour, and the result is five home games out of the remaining seven. These includes visits from San Jose, Dallas and Toronto — though they face more difficult match-ups on the road, traveling to Columbus and Houston. Still, chances are that L.A. qualifies for the postseason for the first time since 2005.
For Toronto FC, they'll have to make things happen away from BMO Field, wrapping up the season with five of their last eight games on the road. While one of those includes a trip to Giants Stadium to take on the Red Bulls, their 2-5-3 away record can't inspire much confidence. Nine points from the three home games against Colorado, San Jose and Real Salt Lake should be good enough to qualify — assuming they can grab an extra point or two on their travels.
If Real Salt Lake plans on making the playoffs for the second season in a row, they've got to start tonight with a win against Chivas. A win tonight puts them right in the mix of things — a loss could spell doom. The remaining schedule is a bit of a mixed bag, with a visit from New York and a trip to Dallas, but also must head to Houston and host the Fire, the league's best team on the road.
The playoffs are in sight for the Seattle Sounders, but the schedule doesn't do them any favors. Three road games in three weeks at the end of September into October means that Seattle will likely need a win in either New England, Columbus or Kansas City to ensure that their dream season continues.
It's too little too late for San Jose, Kansas City and Dallas who barring a miraculous run will fail to keep up with the rest of the league. All three have struggled to win consistently, though it's worth noting that the Wizards have played just 20 games.
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Who has the easiest schedule of the remaining playoff teams? Who is going to make the playoffs come October? Think KC, Dallas or San Jose can make a unlikely run? Share your thoughts below.