Thanks to Chad Barrett’s stoppage-time equalizer in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy, Sounders FC has a chance to clinch a spot in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs in its next game.
That next match comes on Oct. 18 at Houston, where the Sounders can become the third team in league history to reach the postseason for seven consecutive seasons. A victory in Houston would put Seattle at 50 points and 15 wins on the season, a mark that gives them the tiebreaker even if Real Salt Lake or the San Jose Earthquakes also finish with 50 points.
The Rave Green won their first matchup of the season with Houston, taking a 1-0 victory at CenturyLink Field in April on a spectacular goal by Obafemi Martins.
As a result of Sunday’s draw, the Galaxy clinched a playoff spot and the Sounders are now in fifth place in the Western Conference. LA joined FC Dallas, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls as teams that are in, although no club has secured the right to host a playoff game.
Here is a look at the current standings in both conferences and how the playoff bracket would appear if the season ended today.
Western Conference
Knockout Round: 3) Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. 6) San Jose Earthquakes
Knockout Round: 4) Sporting Kansas City vs. 5) Seattle Sounders FC
Conference Semifinals: 1) LA Galaxy vs. lowest ranked remaining seed
Conference Semifinals: 2) FC Dallas vs. highest ranked remaining seed
Eastern Conference
Knockout Round: 3) New England Revolution vs. 6) Montreal Impact
Knockout Round: 4) Columbus Crew SC vs. 5) Toronto FC
Conference Semifinals: 1) New York Red Bulls vs. lowest ranked remaining seed
Conference Semifinals: 2) D.C. United vs. highest ranked remaining seed
