The matchups if the postseason began today

There is less than a month remaining in the 2021 Major League Soccer season. Already teams are locking up their places in the postseason (hello, New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders), and one team knows it’ll be watching from home (sorry, FC Cincinnati).

The top seven from each of the Eastern Conference and Western Conference will qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, with the top seed in each conference earning a first-round bye and moving straight into the conference semifinals. A great deal can (and will) change between now and Decision Day on Nov. 7, but we’re not letting that stop us from taking a way-too-early look at potential postseason matchups.

Just two of the league’s 27 teams have locked in a place in the playoffs, and only one has been eliminated from contention, so we can’t emphasize enough: These are hypothetical matchups, potential postseason contests based on the conference standings after Week 30. Every week we’ll bring you updates on who has qualified, who has been eliminated and the matchups that could play out come Round 1. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the games that have us counting the days until the MLS Cup playoffs begin on Nov. 20.

Who’s in, who’s out

Clinched playoff place:
– New England Revolution
– Seattle Sounders

Eliminated from postseason contention:
– FC Cincinnati

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Who can clinch this weekend

Sporting Kansas City: SKC will confirm their place in the postseason if they win or draw against the Whitecaps Sunday night in Vancouver. Peter Vermes’ team could also clinch if the Galaxy lose at home vs. Portland or if Minnesota loses to or draws with Austin. Considering the form of LA and the Loons, even if Sporting can’t take care of business in British Columbia, it’s hard to fathom them not locking in their playoff place this weekend.

Colorado…