Sporting KC’s drive to the 2015 playoffs, presented by Shawnee Mission Kia, kicks into high gear this week. As of today, Sporting KC is in fourth place in the Western Conference with 48 points through 31 games. The way things stand, Sporting KC can still finish anywhere from first in the conference - as well as first in the Supporters’ Shield race - to eighth in the conference and just outside the playoff picture.
Wednesday night features three games that Sporting KC’s fans will want to keep an eye on. Here’s a breakdown:
Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls | 6 p.m. CT | MLS Live
The New York Red Bulls are the presumptive favorite for the Supporters’ Shield. With 54 points through 31 games and two games left against the bottom two teams in the Eastern Conference, many pundits expect the Red Bulls to claim their second trophy in three years and secure home field advantage through the MLS Cup Playoffs. Toronto looks primed to punch their first playoff ticket in club history and can do so with a win or a draw at home on Wednesday. One thing to watch will be which teams in the Eastern Conference finish with more points than Sporting KC. That could impact MLS Cup hosting if Sporting KC were to win the Western Conference.
FC Dallas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps | 8 p.m. CT | MLS Live
Wednesday night features a matchup between two of the top three teams in the Western Conference when Vancouver travels to Texas to take on FC Dallas. These two teams played to a costly 0-0 draw in Vancouver a week ago as FC Dallas homegrown midfielder Kellyn Acosta suffered a left hamstring strain that will likely keep him out for Wednesday’s contest. Sporting KC is currently three points back of Dallas and two points back of Vancouver but has one game in hand on Vancouver. A draw between the two teams would keep Sporting KC’s hopes alive for finishing first in the conference. A Vancouver loss would help Sporting KC in the race for a top-two seed which would mean no knockout round match this year for Peter Vermes’ side.
Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers | 8:30 p.m. CT | MLS Live
There is one scenario where Sporting KC can clinch a playoff berth this weekend and another where Sporting KC can clinch a top-four finish. Sporting KC can clinch a playoff spot with EITHER a win over San Jose on Friday OR a tie vs San Jose AND a Real Salt Lake loss or tie against Portland on Wednesday.
Sporting KC can clinch a top-four finish if the following things happen:
- Sporting KC win at San Jose
- Real Salt Lake win vs. Portland Timbers
- Seattle Sounders loss vs. Houston Dynamo
So there you have it. Three games left and lots to play for. Starting Monday, Sporting Kansas City Season Ticket Members were given the ability to purchase three-game playoff ticket packages for potential home playoff games at a discounted price within any available seating category. The purchasing option is available through the Sporting KC Account Manager online and will be open until 10 a.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 19.
