Even after a tough 3-2 loss to New England, Sporting KC remains tied for second place in the Eastern Conference and in position to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs.
It's an important stretch for Sporting KC with a road trip to D.C. United on Friday followed by matches against Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York. A victory against D.C. United would pull Sporting KC into sole possession of second place and within three points of first place.
For a reference, the fifth place side in the East in the last two years has earned 49 points (Montreal in 2013) and 53 points (Houston in 2012).
Magic Number
7 - Sporting KC will clinch a playoff spot with 52 points (via SportsClubStats.com). This is based on the schedule of all the Eastern Conference sides, as not all will be able to reach their highest possible points remaining. For example, if Toronto wins all their remaining matches, this means New York's maximum point total would drop to 50 and New England's would be 54.
Eastern Conference (Top 5 advance to playoffs)
<u><strong>Team</strong></u> |
<u><strong>Points</strong></u> |
<u><strong>Record</strong></u> |
<u><strong>Matches Remaining</strong></u> |
<u><strong>Highest Possible Points</strong></u> |
<u><strong>Remaining Schedule</strong></u> |
D.C. United |
51 |
15-9-6 |
4 |
63 |
vs PHI, vs SKC, at HOU, vs CHI, at MTL |
NE Revolution |
45 |
14-13-3 |
4 |
57 |
vs CLB, at MTL, at HOU, vs TOR |
Sporting KC |
45 |
13-10-6 |
4 |
57 |
at D.C., vs CHI, at PHI, vs NY |
Columbus Crew |
43 |
11-9-10 |
4 |
55 |
at NE, at PHI, at NY, vs PHI |
NY Red Bulls |
41 |
10-9-11 |
4 |
53 |
vs HOU, vs TOR, vs CLB, at SKC |
Toronto FC |
40 |
11-11-7 |
5 |
55 |
at LA, vs HOU, at NY, vs MTL, at NE |
Philadelphia Union |
38 |
9-10-11 |
4 |
50 |
vs CHI, vs CLB, vs SKC, CLB |
Houston Dynamo |
36 |
10-13-6 |
5 |
51 |
at NY, at TOR, vs D.C., vs NE, at CHI |
