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MLS Week 30: Western Conference Playoff Impacting Matches

By Jordan Jacobsen

SAN JOSE, CA - JUNE 28: The Earthquake teams sends their gratitude toward the fans following their victory in a Round of 16 US Open Cup match between the Seattle Sounders FC and the San Jose Earthquakes on June 28, 2017, at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - JUNE 28: The Earthquake teams sends their gratitude toward the fans following their victory in a Round of 16 US Open Cup match between the Seattle Sounders FC and the San Jose Earthquakes on June 28, 2017, at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MLS Week 30 is here and several Western Conference teams are still in contention for a playoff berth. Here is a look at some of the big matches.

With just four weekends left, no Western Conference team has successfully locked up a playoff spot yet. In fact, only the Los Angeles Galaxy and Colorado Rapids have been eliminated from the postseason. All of that is likely to change this week. Here is a look at who needs to win to stay in this week.

FC Dallas at Orlando City

https://twitter.com/FCDallas/status/914112342476062721

Dallas has been in an absolute tailspin over the last few weeks but finally got back to their winning ways with a much-needed win against the Rapids on Wednesday. The three puts jumped them back above the red line, but they will have to go on the road to Orlando and earn another result to stay in contention.

Minnesota United at Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo are the first team out right now, but they have a very winnable match at home. They’ve held strong there for most of the season, but now they are faced with must-win matches. They didn’t help themselves much with a 3-3 draw there against the Galaxy on Wednesday. The Dynamo cannot drop any more home points if they want a chance for MLS glory.

Real Salt Lake at Los Angeles Galaxy

Real Salt Lake has made great strides since July to get themselves into contention. A run that started with a 6-2 thrashing of the Galaxy on the road on Independence Day. A fresh RSL now head back to LA, facing a Galaxy team who played Wednesday and have struggled at home all season. Already in fifth place, RSL has a chance to try to put a little bit of wiggle room between themselves and the teams below them with three points on the road.

Next: Have FC Dallas finally turned things around?

Portland Timbers at San Jose Earthquakes

It’s put up or shut up time for the Earthquakes. San Jose only has three games left and are in eighth place and two points below the red line, but both Houston and Dallas have a game in hand. The Earthquakes need a win or else their postseason dreams will come to an end.

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