The Seattle Sounders are hosting the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday (1:30 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 | TICKETS) and can finish anywhere between second and fifth in the Western Conference ahead of the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. Here is a breakdown of the potential outcomes.
The Sounders will finish second and earn a Knockout Round bye if:
- The Sounders win vs. the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- FC Dallas draws or loses at the Colorado Rapids
OR
- The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- LAFC loses to Sporting Kansas City
- FC Dallas loses to the Colorado Rapids
The Sounders will finish third and earn a Knockout Round home match if:
- The Sounders win vs. the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- FC Dallas wins at the Colorado Rapids
OR
- The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- FC Dallas wins or draws at the Colorado Rapids
- LAFC loses to Sporting Kansas City
OR
- The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- FC Dallas loses at the Colorado Rapids
- LAFC draws or wins vs. Sporting Kansas City
The Sounders will finish fourth and earn a Knockout Round home match if:
- The Sounders draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- LAFC wins or draws vs. Sporting Kansas City
- FC Dallas wins or draws vs. the Colorado Rapids
OR
- The Sounders lose to the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- The Portland Timbers draw or lose to the Vancouver Whitecaps
The Sounders will finish fifth and play a Knockout Round away match if:
- The Sounders lose to the San Jose Earthquakes
AND
- The Portland Timbers win vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps