PLAYOFF SCENARIOS: How the Seattle Sounders can finish ahead of Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs

The Seattle Sounders are hosting the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday (1:30 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 | TICKETS) and can finish anywhere between second and fifth in the Western Conference ahead of the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. Here is a breakdown of the potential outcomes.

The Sounders will finish second and earn a Knockout Round bye if:

• The Sounders win vs. the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• FC Dallas draws or loses at the Colorado Rapids

OR

• The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• LAFC loses to Sporting Kansas City
• FC Dallas loses to the Colorado Rapids

The Sounders will finish third and earn a Knockout Round home match if:

• The Sounders win vs. the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• FC Dallas wins at the Colorado Rapids

OR

• The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• FC Dallas wins or draws at the Colorado Rapids
• LAFC loses to Sporting Kansas City

OR

• The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• FC Dallas loses at the Colorado Rapids
• LAFC draws or wins vs. Sporting Kansas City

The Sounders will finish fourth and earn a Knockout Round home match if:

• The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• LAFC wins or draws vs. Sporting Kansas City
• FC Dallas wins or draws vs. the Colorado Rapids

OR

• The Sounders lose to the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• The Portland Timbers draw or lose to the Vancouver Whitecaps

The Sounders will finish fifth and play a Knockout Round away match if:

• The Sounders lose to the San Jose Earthquakes

AND

• The Portland Timbers win vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps