2016 MLS Playoff Picture for all 20 Teams
By Tyler Fisher
The 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are just around the corner. Top six teams from each conference clinch the post-season. The first round of each conference plays two one-off matches between fourth- vs fifth place teams, and the third- vs sixth place teams. Two higher seeds host. Lower seeds advance to play the conference’s top seeds. This makes up the Conference Semifinals. Teams that have the higher aggregate score will advance to the Conference Finals. From there, the higher aggregate scoring team from each conference will play the MLS Cup final on the home field of the higher seeding team.
This season’s playoff picture is a push. But what teams will and will not make the playoff picture? Here is a closer look at each team’s playoff chances.
Chicago Fire
The last time Chicago has made the playoffs was 2012. With constant seasons being known as the “Worst team in the league,” this phrase applies this season. The Fire currently sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 27 points. Sorry Chicago, better luck next time.
Colorado Rapids
Equally bad, the Rapids were expected to be the worst in the Western Conference. That all changed this year when Colorado jumped out to a hot start. Credit mostly goes to the defense that has allowed by far, the fewest goals in the league. Looking at the current standings, they have a great chance to leapfrog the Los Angeles Galaxy for second place. This will earn them a bye past the knockout rounds.
Columbus Crew SC
Last year’s 2015 MLS Cup runner-ups. That quickly took a turn when the Black and Gold got off to one of their worst starts in franchise history. After trading away last year’s MVP runner-up, Kei Kamara, the Crew had to rely on lone striker Ola Kamara to carry the team. However, this is the nightmare season Crew did not want. Crew SC sits in ninth place with 29 points. If teams above perform badly, the chance is still there. But, it’s most likely not going to happen. They’re playing for pride at the moment.
DC United
The second most winningest team in the league. Four MLS Cups. Three Lamar Hunt US Open Cups. DC has been in first place pretty much since they joined the league in 1996. But this season is different. They sit in sixth just above the red line. With their match against Orlando City coming up, it’s a 50-50 chance to see United in the postseason.
FC Dallas – x
10-1-4 at home. 5-7-3 away. Overall? 15-8-7. Dallas is living their dream and were the first team to clinch a playoff spot. Are they on the verge of winning the treble? They’ve already won the US Open Cup. Next up would be the Supporter’s Shield. Currently, with a four-point lead , this is the team to place all bets on to give a trophy too.
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Houston Dynamo
Houston has a problem. They fired their coach midseason, then had one of their designated players go out on loan, just to get hurt. Things haven’t gone well at all. Just like Chicago, maybe next time.
LA Galaxy
Probably the team that is the oldest; Player age wise that is. They have defensive issues that head coach Bruce Arena just can’t seem to fix. They sent Nigel De Jong to Turkey, so there’s a midfield problem. As far as the attacking, that’s also a puzzle. The Galaxy did, however, did just land the return of Landon Donovan. Take into consideration, he hasn’t played a competitive match in two years. Will LA win their sixth MLS Cup?
Montreal Impact
This team makes no sense. At one point in time, they look lethal. The other, they’re just plain bad. The main star Didier Drogba is their savior and as it looks, they could be better off without him. Holding on to a playoff spot, the Impact sits in fifth place, but four points clear of dropping below the red line. Catching fourth place and home field in the knockout round is still in sight.
New England Revolution
This team. Oh, this team. Many would say that they wanted this team to compete this year. But, they struggled. On the bright side, they’re not in the bottom. They’re grasping onto their chances of clinching a playoff spot. They’re one point behind DC United. This team is also at a 50-50 chance.
New York City FC -x
Second season and they’re right at the top. Currently tied with their rivals, New York Red Bulls for second place, it’s possible they can sneak past the knockout rounds. There is also a pretty good chance that the Hudson River Derby could be played in the Conference Semifinals.
New York Red Bulls -x
Just look above. It’s the same, except the Red version of things.
Orlando City SC
Newly minted coach Jason Kries was thrown into a tough spot. Being appointed coach midseason, it’s not easy trying to get a team into the playoffs. Standings show, he hasn’t done it. Yet. The Lions are three points behind DC United. However, it would be cool to see OCSC in the playoffs this year.
Philadelphia Union
Nobody has spoken about the Union, but throughout the season, they’ve spent most of the season in a playoff spot. Sitting in fourth in the East, they’re also four points behind both New York teams. They can’t catch them, but it’ll be worth a shot. Philadelphia’s best bet is to stay in fourth and gain home field in the knockout round.
Portland Timbers
The Timbers had a remarkable run last year. They’re the Leicester City of MLS. Portland winning the cup was the last thing on people’s minds. But somehow, they pulled off their Cinderella story and became the first Cascadia club to win MLS Cup. This year is different, though. Portland sits in fifth, but their bitter rivals the Seattle Sounders are creeping up behind them in seventh place. There is a probable 75% chance they make the playoffs, but they need to finish strong.
Real Salt Lake
Book your ticket RSL fans. Sitting comfortably in fourth in the West, they should clinch a spot since they have no danger of falling out of a playoff spot.
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose arguably has one of the best managers in MLS history. Dominic Kinnear. While the Quakes are looking at another season without making the playoffs, the seat is getting just a little hot for Kinnear. Six points out of the playoff picture, catching up is out of the picture.
Seattle Sounders FC
Sleepless in Seattle? Eh. Getting off to a rocky start, but the Sounders are on the outside looking in. Five points back of Sporting Kansas City, it’s possible for Seattle to clinch a playoff spot.
Sporting Kansas City
When you hear SKC, you automatically think about Saad Abul-Salaam and his penalty kick attempt in the knockout round with the Portland Timbers. Double post, and out. The road to the knockout round is visible, if they can hold off the Sounders.
Toronto FC
For the first time in franchise history, Toronto FC made the playoffs last season. Granted, it was the knockout round but still. Well this season, they’re second in the East, and have clinched the playoffs. TFC is also favorites to win the MLS Cup. Missing Italian striker Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto will still be lethal with Jozy Altidore, and waiting for the Atomic Ant to heal. Toronto is also five points back of Dallas for the supporters shield.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
2015 seemed to be a good season. The Caps gathered talent and put together a great run. Possible contenders for the MLS Cup this season, that sunk quickly. Vancouver sits eighth in the West. It’s not over yet, but with SKC, Vancouver, and Seattle all in the mix, it’s easy to say we won’t see Vancouver in the playoffs this season.
So, what does this mean for all the teams? It’s now do or die.