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Sporting Kansas City got some help in yesterday’s games, the big results were Columbus and Minnesota getting wins over Dallas and Minnesota. Philadelphia getting a draw with Atlanta isn’t bad either. Orlando’s inability to beat Vancouver at home though certainly doesn’t helps as the Whitecaps cut the point gap with Sporting to just two points. There are three more MLS games today, all on national television, so here’s a look at what KC fans need to root for today.
Toronto at Montreal
What we want to happen - Toronto win
Sporting KC isn't going to win the Supporters' Shield this year, it's just not going to happen, too many draws at home have hurt Sporting and they currently sit 13 points behind leaders Toronto. Montreal meanwhile sit on 36 points, currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. If they do make the playoffs though, making it so KC host a potential MLS Cup match up is key. So while Toronto dropping points would be great if KC could go on a run, the high likelihood is that KC is going to play no part in the Supporters' Shield discussion.
San Jose at LA
What we want to happen - LA win
Los Angeles sits in 10th in the Western Conference after Minnesota's win last night, with just 23 points, 17 behind Sporting KC with the Galaxy having 10 games left. LA's chances of making the playoffs are slim. San Jose meanwhile finds themselves just two spaces above the Galaxy in 8th but have earned 10 more points than their opponent. With San Jose closer to KC in terms of points, hoping the Galaxy can win just their second home game of the season is the way to go.
Portland at Seattle
What we want to happen - draw
Both teams are currently ahead of Sporting in the Western Conference, Seattle by a point and Portland by the most wins tie breaker. With that in mind Kansas City really don't want either team pulling too far ahead of them; even though KC have games in hand on both. Keeping both teams within one win of passing is the key here. If you are looking for a winner here, Portland is probably better than Seattle as this game will give Kansas City three games in hand on the Timbers.