First Team

Playoff Scenarios: The possibilities of Week 31

Davies - De Rosario - Najar split

Following Friday's matches, there are still nine teams fighting for the final six spots in the MLS Cup Playoffs.


The matches on Saturday will go a long way to settling the dust. Here's how things could shake out.


D.C. United will be eliminated from MLS Cup Playoffs contention if:


  • they lose to Chicago (Oct. 15) AND
  • New York defeats Kansas City (Oct. 15) AND
  • Columbus defeats or ties New England (Oct. 15)


Colorado Rapids will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs if:


  • D.C. United ties or loses to Chicago (Oct. 15) OR
  • New York loses to Kansas City (Oct. 15)


Houston Dynamo will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs if:


  • D.C. United ties or loses to Chicago (Oct. 15) AND
  • Columbus defeats New England (Oct. 15) AND
  • There is a winner in the New York-Kansas City game (Oct. 15)


Sporting Kansas City will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs if they defeat New York (Oct. 15)


Philadelphia Union will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs if:


  • they defeat or tie Toronto FC (Oct. 15) OR
  • New York loses to Kansas City (Oct. 15)


Columbus Crew will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs if:


  • they defeat New England (Oct. 15) AND
  • New York loses to Kansas City (Oct. 15) OR
  • D.C. United ties or loses to Chicago (Oct. 15)


Chicago Fire will be eliminated from MLS Cup Playoffs contention if: they tie or lose to D.C. United OR New York wins or ties vs. Kansas City (Oct. 15)


New York Red Bulls will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs if:


  • they defeat Kansas City (Oct. 15) AND
  • D.C. United ties or loses to Chicago (Oct. 15)


Portland Timbers can neither clinch nor be eliminated from playoff contention regardless of results on Saturday or Sunday.