Vancouver Whitecaps FC clinched their third postseason berth in franchise history with a scoreless draw against FC Dallas on Wednesday night, leaving just three playoff slots remaining in the Western Conference over the final three weeks of the season.
The LA Galaxy, FC Dallas and Whitecaps have all secured playoff berths, while six teams will battle it out for the final three spots.
Sounders FC currently sit in fifth place in the West and can secure their seventh straight postseason berth with a win in their next game, Oct. 18 in Houston. They can still finish as high as first in the Western Conference or miss the playoffs entirely.
They cannot, however, win the Supporters’ Shield for the second straight season. The New York Red Bulls’ 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact on Wednesday night eliminated the Sounders, Columbus Crew SC, New England Revolution and Portland Timbers from Shield contention.