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The MLS postseason is fast approaching and several teams are vying for a playoff spot.
With roughly five games left for most clubs, only L.A. has clinched a playoff spot. Interestingly, Eastern Conference leader Columbus is just as likely to miss the playoffs all together as D.C. United, which is currently two points out the final wild card spot, is to win the conference outright.
Here is a team-by-team break down starting with the Eastern Conference.
PENCIL THEM IN
Sporting Kansas City: (40 points, 5 games remaining, +6 on goal differential)
Sporting is the popular pick to win the Eastern Conference even though it currently sits in third. Kansas City features a dynamic offense that has only been kept of the score sheet twice since July (and one came when it played RSL at Rio Tinto earlier this month).
Since opening Live Strong Sporting Park, Sporting Kansas City has been on a tear, only losing three games. The bad news for is all those losses have come against three of the top four teams in the Western Conference, meaning it will desperately want to try and avoid the Western Conference bracket.
The good news for KC is that four of its last five games are at home and are all against Eastern Conference contenders. Keeping in mind that KC hasn't lost to an Eastern Conference foe at Live Strong Park, it really is its conference to win.
WOULD BE SURPRISED IF THEY MISSED OUT
Philadelphia Union: (39, 6, +6)
DOOP, as it is lovingly referred to by its supporters, has been one of the more consistent teams in the East. It has had seven draws in the since July and only three losses. With a game in hand with both Columbus and Kansas City, the Union should finish in the top three in the East as long as it doesn’t drop any points. The bad news for Philly is that it has only won twice since July, and in the playoffs wins are a must. The good news for is that Sebastien Le Toux is in great form in leading the teams in both assists and goals. It’s something it will definitely need in its next two games against Sporting KC and D.C. United.
Columbus Crew: (41, 5, -2)
It’s hard to believe that a team that is on the wrong side of goal differential is actually ahead in points in the East. Columbus has been about the most unpredictable team in MLS this season, only putting together back-to-back wins twice, and back-to-back losses three times.
Columbus hits the road for three of its five games, but its most important games will be at home against L.A. and DC. Los Angeles will be in the middle of a heavy Champions League Schedule where its travel could make it vulnerable. (If the Crew beats L.A. that could give RSL just enough room to grab the supporters shield.)
The Crew's final home game of the season against D.C. United could seal its playoff berth, or see them sitting at home. The bad news for Columbus is its recent form has only seen it gain four points in its last five games, and dropping points this late in the season could spell disaster. The best thing going for Columbus is that they haven't lost to any of their nine possible first-round opponents at home, and that could be just enough for Columbus to make it to the Eastern Conference Championship game.
PLENTY OF HOPE REMAINING
D.C. United: (35, 7, -1)
After acquiring Dwayne DeRosario from the Red Bulls, DeRo has lifted his game to another level with seven goals and five assists in 12 games. Translation: He has been involved of 12 of United's 18 goals in that same span. His arrival hasn't been as fortunate for DC. The United has only gained 19 points in 12 games, not great but there is definitely room for improvement. The bad news is that Chris Pontius, DC's field general, is out for he season with a broken leg. The good news is that they have seven games left giving them plenty of games to gain points on the rest of the East. Its playoff life firmly is in its grasp.
NO GOOD NEWS
Houston Dynamo: (39, 4, -1)
As good as the Dynamo are at home, 9-3-3, they are equally bad on the road in going winless. This is trouble for a team that may potentially have a play in game against a Western Conference opponent, where they will most likely play as the visitors.
The Dynamo only trail the Colorado Rapids in the wild-card race by two points, and if they can finish ahead of the Rapids, who are on a four game losing streak, they will host the Rapids. The bad news is Rapids are one of three teams in MLS to beat the Dynamo in Houston. The really bad news is that the other teams to beat them at home are the Union and the Crew, who are directly ahead of them in the standings. The worst news for the Dynamo is that both Philly and Columbus have at least one game in hand on the Dynamo. Even worse is that DC, which are only four points behind them in the east and wild card race, has three games in hand. Houston needs plenty of chips to fall its way to stay in the hunt.
New York Red Bulls: (36, 5, +3)
New York took a major hit against RSL on Wednesday night, and not just on the field either. After designated player Rafael Marquez threw his teammates under the bus with his post-game comments, it’s hard to imagine a sense of team as well.
The bad news is that their already porous defense was just weakened with the loss of left back Chris Albright. The really bad news is that of the Red Bulls’ last five games three are against some of the most potent offenses in MLS in Los Angeles, Portland, and Kansas City. Should they make it to the playoffs they would most likely travel for a play in game, and they have only one twice on the road this season.
If RBNY manages to get the full three points against SKC and Philly, and that’s a big if, they might make it in. Like Houston, New York needs help from others to make the postseason.
HOW IT WILL PLAY OUT
Sporting Kansas City's schedule favors it too much to lose, so it should finish comfortable atop the Eastern Conference. Philly and DC round out the final spots and Columbus makes the wild card.
For Houston and New York? There is just too much out of their hands to make it to the playoffs.
I have an absolute passion for soccer and a love for all sports. Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Andrew\_J\_Reeves
