In search of their third MLS Cup championship in club history, the Quakes must first finish the season above the red line as one of the top six teams in the Western Conference. The Quakes are currently sitting in seventh place (43 pts.) in the West, just one point behind Portland, with three games to go.
Earthquakes fans would be wise to know what’s going on around the rest of Major League Soccer and to be privy to the club’s rooting interests.
What to watch for this week/weekend:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Sporting KC at Philadelphia Union (4:00 p.m. PT; ESPN2)
This match is the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, and therefore has no direct impact on the regular season or playoff prospects. However, a midweek game in a highly-competitive environment can have indirect effects on the rest of the season. Definitely something to keep an eye on.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Sporting Kansas City at Portland Timbers (7:30 p.m. PT)
One of the biggest matches of the season for the Earthquakes that doesn’t involve San Jose being on the pitch, this crucial contest between the two clubs directly above the Quakes in the standings will send shockwaves throughout the Western Conference and will make the playoff picture that much more clear. A draw would be the best result for San Jose, as it would keep both teams from gaining significant ground.
With these two clubs squaring off, the Earthquakes would make their way above the red line, regardless of the outcome, if they can handle their business against Vancouver. However, a San Jose win, coupled with a draw in this match, would mean San Jose jumps both of them and moves from seventh all the way to fifth.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Houston Dynamo at FC Dallas (2:00 p.m. PT; ESPN2)
A Lone Star showdown with Texas-sized implications, Quakes fans’ rooting interests would largely depend on San Jose’s outcome the day before. If the Quakes win, they would move to within one point of FC Dallas and would love to see FCD struggle to pick up ground. However, if the Quakes drop points, a loss by Houston would be the best-case scenario, as a HOU win would allow them to leapfrog San Jose in the standings.
Real Salt Lake at Colorado Rapids (4:00 p.m. PT; FS1)
Real Salt Lake is much more involved in the playoff picture than Colorado at this point. Root for the Rapids to walk away with all three points, or secure a draw at the very least.
LA Galaxy at Seattle Sounders FC (6:30 p.m. PT; FS1)
San Jose is directly competing with Seattle for playoff positioning and fans should therefore root for Sounders FC to come away empty handed. While it may be difficult for diehard Quakes fans to root for LA in any scenario, it would be beneficial for San Jose’s postseason aspirations if Seattle can’t pick up points on Sunday evening.
BEST CASE SCENARIO STANDINGS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
1. LA Galaxy – 53 (15-9-8, 32 GP)
2. Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 48 (15-13-3, 31 GP)
3. FC Dallas – 47 (14-11-5, 30 GP)
4. Seattle Sounders – 46 (14-14-4, 32 GP)
5. San Jose Earthquakes – 46 (13-12-7, 32 GP)
6. Sporting Kansas City – 46 (12-9-10, 31 GP)
7. Portland Timbers – 45 (12-10-9, 31 GP)
8. Houston Dynamo – 44 (12-12-8, 32 GP)
9. Real Salt Lake – 38 (10-13-8, 31 GP)
10. Colorado Rapids – 37 (9-12-10, 31 GP)
