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MLS Playoffs: What if the season ended today? (Week 6)

By Nathan Reynolds

April 7, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini (7) celebrates his goal scored against the Montreal Impact during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 7, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini (7) celebrates his goal scored against the Montreal Impact during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Six rounds into the 34 of the 2017 MLS season, we look at who is in a playoff position, who would get home field advantage, and who is left on the outside.

There was quite a lot of movement around the middle of the table in both the East and the West after week six results. As always the MLS remains a grind of a season, with teams coming into and out of form throughout the year.

Anyone can claim the title once in, but you have to make sure you stay above or close to that playoff line as the season moves ahead. This weekend, Orlando confirmed their spot as a top team in the East, as well as the impact of their new home fortress. While in the West the Galaxy likely feel as though the season is finally starting.

Apr 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC supporters march to the stadium prior to a game against the New York Red Bulls at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC supporters march to the stadium prior to a game against the New York Red Bulls at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Eastern Conference

  • Out of the Playoffs: New York Red Bulls, DC United, Toronto FC, Montreal Impact and Philadelphia Union. After week six the East feels upside down with three of the top four teams from 2016 sitting on the outside.
  • The Opening Round: 
    • NYCFC at Atlanta United
    • New England Revolution at Chicago Fire
  • A Bye and Homefield Advantage:
    • The Columbus Crew and Orlando City, with Columbus holding the top spot for a second straight week. However, Orlando sits in the second spot with two games in hand over the Crew and back only one point.
Apr 8, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Michael Barrios (21) celebrates his second half goal against Minnesota United FC at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Michael Barrios (21) celebrates his second half goal against Minnesota United FC at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Conference

  • Out of the Playoffs: Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids, Vancouver Whitecaps and Minnesota United. Much like in the East, the two teams from last year’s Western Conference finals (Seattle & Colorado) are below the red line.
  • The Opening Round: 
    • LA Galaxy at Houston Dynamo
    • San Jose Earthquakes at Sporting Kansas City
  • A Bye and Homefield Advantage:
    • Portland Timbers and FC Dallas, with Portland as the top seed on 13 points. Dallas has two games in hand and sit only three points back from the Timbers.

Next: NASL Weekend Review and Updated Standings

Way Too Early Predictions – Week 6

After six weeks of action, who wins each conference, as well as the MLS Cup in the updated projections?

  • Eastern Conference: Columbus Crew
  • Western Conference: FC Dallas
  • MLS Cup Champion: FC Dallas
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