2019 Playoff Matchup Scenarios

The 2019 MLS regular season is coming down to the wire on Decision Day this Sunday.  The only team locked into its position in the Western Conference is LAFC - otherwise home-field advantage is up for grabs among four teams and four other teams are vying for the final two slots.
With a 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, Real Salt Lake clinched its 10 playoff berth in the last 12 seasons, but where and against whom RSL will play will be determined by the results of matchups throughout the Western Conference on Decision Day.  RSL heads to Vancouver to face the Whitecaps and depending on results in the Seattle/Minnesota and LA Galaxy/Houston matches, could host a first round playoff match at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Below are RSL's playoff scenarios heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
If RSL Wins And:

  • Seattle wins and LA Galaxy wins … RSL finishes 4th and hosts Minnesota
  • Seattle wins and LA Galaxy loses or draws … RSL finishes 3rd and hosts Portland, Dallas or San Jose
  • Seattle draws and LA Galaxy wins … RSL finishes 5th and plays at Seattle
  • Seattle draws and LA Galaxy loses or draws … RSL finishes 4th and hosts LA Galaxy
  • Minnesota wins and LA Galaxy wins … RSL finishes 4th and hosts Seattle
  • Minnesota wins and LA Galaxy loses or draws … RSL finishes 3rd and hosts Portland, Dallas or San Jose


If RSL Loses or Draws And:

  • Seattle wins and LA Galaxy wins … RSL finishes 5th and plays at Minnesota
  • Seattle wins and LA Galaxy loses or draws … RSL finishes 5th and plays at LA Galaxy
  • Seattle draws and LA Galaxy wins … RSL finishes 5th and plays at Seattle
  • Seattle draws and LA Galaxy loses or draws … RSL finishes 5th and plays at LA Galaxy
  • Minnesota wins and LA Galaxy wins … RSL finishes 5th and plays at Seattle
  • Minnesota wins and LA Galaxy loses or draws … RSL finishes 5th and plays at LA Galaxy


If RSL Wins, Seattle or Minnesota Wins and LA Galaxy Loses or Draws And:

  • Portland wins … RSL finishes 3rd and hosts Portland
  • San Jose wins or draws and Dallas wins … RSL finishes 3rd and hosts Dallas
  • San Jose wins and Dallas loses or draws … RSL finishes 3rd and hosts San Jose
  • Portland draws and Dallas loses or draws … RSL finishes 3rd and hosts Portland