Just three matches remain on Real Salt Lake’s 2017 regular season schedule and this weekend’s match against the LA Galaxy provides an opportunity to move even closer to sealing a postseason berth. Around the league, though, there are matches that will help shape the Western Conference playoff picture. Here is a look at those matches and how they impact RSL’s playoff standing
First: The standings
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 14-10-6, 48 points
Portland Timbers – 13-10-8, 47 points
Sporting Kansas City – 12-6-11, 47 points
Seattle Sounders FC - 12-8-11, 47 points
Real Salt Lake – 12-14-5, 41 points
FC Dallas – 10-9-11, 41 points
Houston Dynamo – 10-10-10, 40 points
San Jose Earthquakes – 11-13-6, 39 points
Saturday
2:00 p.m. FC Dallas at Orlando City SC
Dallas finally snapped its 10-match winless streak with a 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday. However, last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners will now travel to Orlando to face a club that broke out from nowhere to drop a 6-1 midweek win over the New England Revolution. Orlando is still clinging to playoff hopes too, so it will be two desperate teams taking the field in the first match of the day on Saturday.
6:30 p.m. Minnesota United at Houston Dynamo
Houston is now winless in its last six matches after needing a late comeback to earn a draw with the LA Galaxy on Wednesday. Meanwhile Minnesota has three wins in its last five matches, a sudden surge that has kept playoff hopes alive – and could mean playing the spoiler role down the stretch.
7:00 p.m. Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Sporting Kansas City
The Whitecaps climbed to the top of the West with a 5-0-2 mark in seven matches from August 12 until a 3-0 loss to Seattle on Wednesday. Sporting is now 3-1-1 in the last five matches after posting consecutive victories over New England and LA. This match could go a long way in determining home field advantage in the Western Conference as Vancouver holds a one-point edge over KC, Seattle and Portland for the top spot.
8:30 p.m. Portland Timbers at San Jose Earthquakes
If not for wins over struggling Houston and LA, San Jose would be in dire straits. In the last eight matches, the ‘Quakes have five losses by a total of 18 goals. Portland’s lone blemish since August 12, meanwhile, came at Salt Lake two weeks ago. If form holds for both teams, it will only improve RSL’s chances of a playoff trip.
Sunday
11:00 a.m. Seattle Sounders FC at Philadelphia Union (ESPN)
Seattle rebounded well from the 2-0 loss at Rio Tinto Stadium to oust Vancouver 3-0 at home on Wednesday. A cross-country trip awaited the Sounders after that match to face the Union, who has just one win since August 5. It’s a tough trip, but with Philadelphia reeling it could be a chance for Seattle to take some momentum into the international break.
