The Dynamo are obviously out of action this weekend due to Hurricane Harvey, but there’s still plenty of MLS matches to tune in to. Heineken Rivalry Week is in full effect, and other Western Conference playoff contenders are in action Saturday and Sunday. Let’s take a look at those games to see how they affect the standings.
Saturday, Aug. 26
Columbus Crew SC vs. FC Dallas (6:30 p.m. | MLS LIVE)
This is an easy one for Dynamo fans: root against Dallas. A loss for FCD would keep them two points behind the Dynamo with only one game in hand going forward. A draw would obviously cut that lead down to a single point, but would still extend their winless streak to six games.
Orlando City SC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (6:30 p.m. | MLS LIVE)
Another interconference matchup where you should root for the Eastern Conference team. It’s a tough match for Vancouver, making the cross-continent trip to Florida after a hard-earned draw at home on Wednesday. The Whitecaps are in the sixth and final playoff spot, three points behind the Dynamo with two less games played heading into the weekend.
Chicago Fire vs. Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. | MLS LIVE)
Minnesota almost did the Dynamo a solid last weekend against Seattle Sounders FC, but a stoppage time penalty allowed Seattle to come out with all three points. The Loons are at the bottom of the table, but tied on points with Colorado.
Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids (9:00 p.m. | MLS LIVE)
Root for Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Cup for the road upset. RSL has surged into playoff contention, just three points back of Vancouver for the last spot. They have played three more games than Vancouver, however.
Sunday, Aug. 27
LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes (6:00 p.m. | FS1)
San Jose remains just outside the playoff window in seventh place, two points back of sixth place and five points back of the Dynamo. A Galaxy win would help further separate the Dynamo and the rest of the top six from the playoff chasers.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers (8:30 p.m. | FS1)
This is the biggest match of the weekend in the West, and also the most convoluted for Dynamo fans. Seattle and Portland are currently 1-2 in the conference, just ahead of the Dynamo. A draw pretty much keeps things as-is. A Seattle win pushes them four points clear in first place – though with one more game played than Houston. A Timbers victory puts them five points ahead of the Dynamo (on two more games), but they might have an easier schedule ahead than the Sounders. Tough one to call, we’ll just see where the chips fall here.
