Major League Soccer will see every team finally level on games played after next week’s trio of midweek matches.
MLS takes a week off following those matches, with two weekends worth of top-flight matches culminating in 10 4 p.m. ET kickoffs on Oct. 23.
Below is a breakdown of remaining matches for the teams who have neither clinched a playoff spot nor been eliminated from postseason contention.
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We’ve included Columbus and San Jose despite the extreme unlikelihood that either would make a fateful run to the playoffs.
Oct. 8 has Colorado at Houston, Oct. 12 sees Houston at Seattle, while Oct. 13’s docket has Columbus at Chicago and San Jose at Colorado.
Eastern Conference
4. Montreal (44 points) -- HOME vs. TOR, AWAY to NE
5. DC United (43 points) -- HOME vs. NYC, AWAY to DC
6. Philadelphia (42 points) -- HOME vs. ORL, HOME vs. RBNY
7. New England (39 points) -- AWAY to CHI, HOME vs. MTL
8. Columbus (35 points) -- AWAY to CHI, AWAY to RBNY, AWAY to NYC
Breakdown: This is four teams going for three slots. New England needs significant help, but has a favorable schedule. A single win for Montreal will do the trick, though a draw or better in its finale would be enough. DC would be through with a win, while Philly should be fine with a win barring a shocking turn of events in its 13-goal advantage in goal difference on NE.
Western Conference
4. Real Salt Lake (45 points) -- HOME vs. KC, AWAY to SEA
5. Seattle (44 points) -- HOME vs. HOU, AWAY to DAL, HOME to RSL
6. Sporting KC (43 points) -- AWAY to RSL, HOME to SJ
7. Portland (41 points) -- HOME vs. COL, AWAY to VAN
8. San Jose (37 points) -- AWAY to COL, HOME vs. VAN, AWAY to KC
Breakdown: Same as the East here, as realistically we’re looking at four teams vying for three spots. The contenders’ incestuous schedules will make the final two weeks a thrill ride. There’s a scenario where all four of RSL, Seattle, KC, and Portland are within two points of each other on the season’s final day.