MLS Table As It Now Stands 10/18 Update

One week to go, and this is where we stand:

As the table stands now, this would be the playoff matchup –

WEST 

Los Angeles vs Seattle

Houston vs Chivas

EAST

Columbus vs  Colorado

Chicago vs Toronto

Remember, the first tie-breaker is head to head competition, not goal difference.  The Galaxy have a superior record against both Chivas and Houston, so if they win their game Saturday against San Jose, and Chivas does not pick up four points from their remaining two games, the Galaxy will have won the west.  This will represent an amazing turn-around under Bruce Arena, who was able to completely reshape the roster and turn chicken droppings into chicken salad in one year.

Seattle is in, and could still theoretically win the west.  Even though they are fourth in the west, it is still possible for Seattle to win it, though it would take drawing an inside flush to accomplish it.  However, Sigi Schmidt has proved his class this year by taking a brand new team into the playoffs, and considering how much tougher the west is than the east, it is a fantastic accomplishment.

Does anyone from the east want to go to the playoffs?  As we head into the last game of the season, only Columbus has played themselves into the playoffs, and everyone else seems to be limping and staggering towards the finish line.  As it stands now, even Chicago can get aced out if they lose to Chivas on Thursday and a couple of other shoes drop.

If Chicago and Toronto win this week, they are in.  If not, anything can happen.  The Revs, which has squandered several opportunities to make themselves safe, are now in the position where their fate is no longer in their hands.  By their Sunday game at Columbus, they will know whether that game still has meaning.  Toronto, DC United, Colorado and Dallas are all playing Saturday night, and none of them are playing each other, so they will all have an eye on the scoreboard of other games to understand their fate.

All will be revealed a week from now!