After two big wins at home last week, the Houston Dynamo remain in the race for a spot in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs (STANDINGS). Going into this weekend’s round of fixtures, the Dynamo remain three points below the red line. Let’s run down your rooting interests in the consequential games this week.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Oct. 3, 9:30 p.m. CT—MLS LIVE)
San Jose is also with the Dynamo just outside the playoff picture, sitting in seventh place with 43 points. So it would be great if they lost. A draw wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it would mean that the Dynamo could only draw level with them with a win this weekend. The match is at Avaya Stadium, where San Jose has only lost three times in 15 games, but Vancouver is battling for the Supporters’ Shield and coming off two straight losses. The Whitecaps have not lost three matches in a row this season.
Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City (Oct. 3, 9:30 p.m. CT—MLS LIVE)
Begrudgingly root for Kansas City here. A Portland loss allows the Dynamo to pull even in the sixth spot (dependent on the San Jose result), while Sporting Kansas City is four points ahead of the Dynamo in fifth. Kansas City will be coming off the midweek U.S. Open Cup final in Philadelphia, adding in a cross-country flight on short rest. A draw would keep both in front of the Dynamo for the time being, but still within striking distance entering the final weeks of the season. If Portland wins, then we’ll have to recalibrate the rooting interests machine for future weeks as the attention would shift to Kansas City (or San Jose) for the final spot.
FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo (Oct. 4, 4:00 p.m. CT—ESPN2)
Umm… root for the Dynamo to win.
Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake (Oct. 4, 6:00 p.m. CT—FOX Sports 1)
Real Salt Lake is six points out of the playoff spots, so they’re just about done. In any case, a Rapids win or draw in the Rocky Mountain Cup just to make sure would be ok.
