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It’s Decision Day for MLS, and Sporting Kansas City control their own destiny as the play Los Angeles FC at Children’s Mercy Park. A win or a draw (barring and improbable 15 goal win by FC Dallas) clinches the top spot in the Western Conference. A loss though and KC could fall all the way to fourth place in the West. So while most of the games don’t mean anything for Sporting’s standing in the West, and none will if KC win, should KC fall behind there may be a little scoreboard watching of other games. Here’s what KC wants to happen in today’s other games.
DC at Chicago
What we want to happen - does not matter
DC can’t catch Kansas City on points, meaning that KC would host a potential MLS Cup match between the two while Chicago is eliminated from playoff contention.
Dallas at Colorado
What we want to happen - Colorado win
Kansas City holds their fate in their own hands, but Colorado winning would help Kansas City out if they can’t take care of their own business against Los Angeles FC.
Minnesota at Columbus
What we want to happen - does not matter
Columbus is still alive for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but can’t catch Kansas City while Minnesota is eliminated from playoff contention.
Houston at LA Galaxy
What we want to happen - does not matter
This game doesn’t really matter as Houston is eliminated and LA can’t catch KC. At the same time if you’re worried about the prospect of LA and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the playoffs you could cheer for Houston.
Montreal at New England
What we want to happen - does not matter
Montreal is on the outside looking in of the playoffs right now and can’t catch KC on points. New England meanwhile is eliminated.
Philadelphia at New York City
What we want to happen - does not matter
Both teams are in the playoffs, but neither team can catch KC on points so the result of this game doesn’t matter for Sporting in that regard.
Orlando at New York
What we want to happen - does not matter
New York is out of reach for KC while Orlando is eliminated.
San Jose at Seattle
What we want to happen - San Jose win
Like with the Dallas/Colorado game a San Jose win would give KC some breathing room to hold onto a bye if KC loses to LAFC.
Atlanta at Toronto
What we want to happen - does not matter
Toronto is eliminated from playoff contention and Atlanta can’t be caught by Kansas City.
Portland at Vancouver
What we want to happen - does not matter
Portland can’t catch KC and Vancouver is eliminated.