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 sixth place (44 pts.) in the West, level on points with Portland, but ahead on tiebreaker, with two 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 in relevant matches:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
Vancouver Whitecaps FC at FC Dallas (6:00 p.m. PT)
Both of these teams have clinched playoff spots and can’t be caught by San Jose under any circumstance. However, with FC Dallas on the Quakes’ schedule, best-case scenario is that Vancouver earns a win and prevents any late-season momentum by Dallas. Root Vancouver.
Portland Timbers at Real Salt Lake (6:30 p.m. PT)
An enormous match for Quakes fans to watch, Portland will pull even on games played and have an opportunity to move back above the red line with a win or draw. A Real Salt Lake victory puts San Jose’s playoff hopes back in their own hands.
With a win, RSL would actually jump Portland in the standings. The two clubs would be level on points and wins, and possibly on goal differential as well, but RSL has the clear advantage in goals for. Root Real Salt Lake.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
FC Dallas at Real Salt Lake (6:30 p.m. PT)
The Quakes would want FC Dallas to win to prevent RSL from hanging around and potentially passing them in the standings. If San Jose is three points up on RSL at the start of this match, a loss by Beckerman, Rimando and Co. effectively eliminates any hope of them passing the Earthquakes barring a catastrophe in Week 34. Root FC Dallas.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Seattle Sounders FC at Houston Dynamo (2:00 p.m. PT)
San Jose can still jump Seattle in the standings should they earn 4+ more points than their rival to the north over the last two weeks. While Houston is still hanging around, the Dynamo won’t be an issue if the Earthquakes handle their own business. Root Houston.
Portland Timbers at LA Galaxy (4:00 p.m. PT)
The Quakes want Portland to lose the rest of their matches. This one is no exception. Root LA.
BEST CASE SCENARIO STANDINGS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
1. FC Dallas – 54 (16-11-6; 33 GP)
2. LA Galaxy – 54 (15-9-9; 33 GP)
3. Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 53 (16-12-5; 33 GP)
4. Sporting Kansas City – 48 (13-10-9; 32 GP)
5. Seattle Sounders FC – 47 (14-14-5; 33 GP)
6. San Jose Earthquakes – 47 (13-12-8; 33 GP)
7. Houston Dynamo – 44 (12-13-8; 33 GP)
8. Real Salt Lake – 44 (12-13-8; 33 GP)
9. Portland Timbers – 44 (12-13-8; 33 GP)
10. Colorado Rapids – 34 (8-14-10; 32 GP)
