What We Want to Happen Today 9/19

There are three midweek MLS games late tonight, two of the three impact the Western Conference playoff race when it comes to Sporting Kansas City. Here’s a look at what Kansas City fans will want to root for in the games tonight.

Columbus at Portland

What we want to happen - Columbus win

An argument can be made for rooting for a draw in this game with both the Portland Timbers and the Columbus Crew sitting on 44 points, seven behind Kansas City. And with that said, a draw wouldn’t be a bad result for Kansas City, but like I said this past weekend with Columbus and Dallas, I don’t see Columbus getting out of the East at this time so I’m choosing to focus on the West and keeping the Timbers 7 points behind Kansas City. Portland sits currently in sixth place with six games left entering tonight, keeping them (and the away playoff game) as far away from KC as possible is the goal.

Philadelphia at Seattle

What we want to happen - Philadelphia win

Seattle sits in the 5th seed in the West on 44 points like Portland. The higher of the two away playoff games is another spot that Kansas City wants to avoid, so like with the Portland game, keeping Seattle as far away from Kansas City in terms of points is the key. Philadelphia, Kansas City’s next opponent on Sunday, may also have an eye towards next Wednesday’s US Open Cup final in Houston and play more first team players and rest a couple Sunday vs KC.

Atlanta at San Jose

What we want to happen - San Jose win

Kansas City isn’t mathematically eliminated from the Supporters’ Shield race quite yet, so the Earthquakes winning at home against Atlanta would leave those slim hopes alive for Sporting. Hope a boost from San Jose because of a new coach (Steve Ralston) taking over the Earthquakes.