What We Want to Happen Today 10/18

Results yesterday didn't really go KC's way. Columbus won jumping back ahead of KC in terms of MLS Cup hosting, Montreal pulled even with KC for points, and Dallas clinched the Western Conference while eliminating Salt Lake with a 1-0 win. Today there are some very big games for Sporting KC and playoff positioning.

Chicago at DC
What we want to happen - Chicago win

DC is currently level on points with Sporting KC, being in the Eastern Conference KC wants those teams to drop points when it comes to potential MLS Cup hosting. So at this point KC just want Eastern Conference playoff teams to drop points to teams not in the playoffs. Of course this would require the Fire to get their first win on the road of the season.

Philadelphia at New York
What we want to happen - Philadelphia win

Again this is about Eastern Conference teams dropping points. That said though KC can't pass New York in terms of points. The Red Bulls are only six points ahead of KC, but have 16 wins compared to KC's 13. That means that even if KC win out and New York lose out the Red Bulls will still top Sporting because of the most wins tie breaker.

Seattle at Houston
What we want to happen - Houston win

Houston is still technically alive for the playoffs, but can't catch Kansas City. Meanwhile Seattle sits just one point behind KC. Sporting want the Dynamo to pick up all three points this weekend, keeping the Sounders behind Sporting heading into the final week of the season. It'll also keep Houston in the playoff hunt heading into their final game against the Vancouver Whitecaps next week.

Portland at LA
What we want to happen - draw

A draw puts the ability to finish second place in the Western Conference back in KC's hands if they can then win their final two games. LA is currently three points ahead of KC, and would be for points ahead but a match up in KC would allow KC to jump over them if they win both. On the other hand it does allow Portland to get level on KC with points, but with two games for KC still, and both at home, they should be able to move further ahead of Portland. So a draw here is best, even though that seems unlikely with LA's home form.