The Week In MLS - Shields, Fields, and Automobiles

So going into last week, the MLS fandom knew that three teams were in (LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders FC, Real Salt Lake) three teams were out (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the New England Revolution, and Toronto FC) and twelve teams still had to sweat it out. 

Seattle was the only team still in the chase for the Supporters' Shield, and they had to win out their two games last week to stay in it. Sounders FC were able to get a win hosting the Chicago Fire (2-0), but not hosting the Philadelphia Union (0-2). Thus was the Supporters' Shield clinched. 

Of course, the Galaxy could have clinched the shield on their own, at New York on Tuesday. However, without Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, the Galaxy floundered to the tune of 2-0. 

There was a match on Thursday, as Vancouver got their first win in BC Palace over RSL 3-0. The San Jose Earthquake match against New England had potential to be meaningful, but New York defeating LA had two ramifications. It eliminated the Quakes, and it eliminated CD Guadalajara - Los Angeles branch. 

Looking ahead, tomorrow the US Men's National Team will be in action against Ecuador in New Jersey tomorrow. When I think of Ecuador, I think of that trance song that plays when you're in line for the Riddler Ride at Six Flags. Canada, that's that country with most of it's population living within driving distance of the US-Can border, goes up against Puerto Rico in a World Cup qualifier. And that's why it pays to do well in international tournaments. 

Wednesday we have some meaningful MLS action. Because New York did not lose or draw against LA, Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas are yet to wrap up their playoff spots. It's really a clusterfudge in the mediocre middle. 

So in Chicago vs. Dallas, FC Dallas is in with a win. Chicago thinks that's bollocks, because they're eliminated if they let FC Dallas win. Now, if they play to a draw, Dallas needs a winner in the Portland-Houston match, and NY to lose to Sporting Kansas City to clinch. Chicago would be eliminated if Houston doesn't lose to Portland, and New York gets a result against Kansas City. 

The Timbers and Dynamo can impact other teams, but their result has no bearing on their own status. Sporting Kansas City would clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Red Bulls, but New York cannot decide their fate on Saturday. 

There's other stuff in play, but those are the big ones. Do you plan on watching any of this MLS action happening during the week? Galaxy vs. Chivas is just for pride at this point, meaning literally no one will care who is in the starting lineups on Sunday. Galaxy need to protect their investments, and Chivas is just playing for pride.