Prediction: Western Conference Playoff Spots

Nov 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Portland Timbers players celebrate winning the Western Conference championship against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. The matched ends in 2-2 draw. The Timbers advance on aggregate goals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Portland Timbers players celebrate winning the Western Conference championship against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. The matched ends in 2-2 draw. The Timbers advance on aggregate goals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sixth Place: Portland Timbers

Aug 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Timbers celebrates after scoring a goal against the Sporting Kansas City in the second half at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Timbers celebrates after scoring a goal against the Sporting Kansas City in the second half at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

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This last playoff spot, for me, is a toss up between Portland and SKC. Both teams had a rough start to the year, especially the 2015 MLS Champions. There is one thing that separates these two sides and even though it is a tight call between the two, I think Portland will get the last spot.

Sporting Kansas City has shown some great performances, such as their domination of NYCFC and their win over Dallas back in June. The only problem for SKC is that whenever they go on a good run like that, they always seem to crash down to earth, like the 3-0 loss to Portland last weekend. Portland, on the other hand, had a terrible start to the season, but have turned things around and at one point went on a 9 game undefeated run, pushing themselves up the table. Now that Portland have started to find their rhythm, I believe that they will end up getting the best of Sporting in the race for 6th place, but their tendency to pick up draws won’t push them any farther than that.