Things could not have shaken out much better for FCD over the weekend. Heading into September, Dallas holds a 5 point lead on the top spot both in the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield Standings.
The Week That Was:
Real Salt Lake started the week off with a 2-1 win over Colorado on Friday night. Sporting KC and San Jose both dropped 2-0 decisions to Eastern Conference sides Philadelphia and Columbus, respectively. LA and Vancouver played to a 0-0 draw and Portland rebounded with a 4-2 win over Seattle.
| # | Team | Points | Record | Games Rem. | Goal Diff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FC Dallas | 48 | 14-7-6 | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | Real Salt Lake | 43 | 12-8-7 | 7 | 2 |
| 3 | Colorado Rapids | 43 | 11-4-10 | 9 | 6 |
| 4 | LA Galaxy | 40 | 9-4-13 | 8 | 14 |
| 5 | Sporting KC | 38 | 11-12-5 | 6 | 0 |
| 6 | Portland Timbers | 35 | 9-10-8 | 7 | 0 |
| 7 | San Jose Earthquakes | 32 | 7-8-11 | 8 | -3 |
| 8 | Seattle Sounders FC | 31 | 9-13-4 | 8 | -4 |
| 9 | Vancouver Whitecaps | 31 | 8-12-7 | 7 | -9 |
| 10 | Houston Dynamo | 25 | 5-11-10 | 8 | -5 |
What It Means:
Dallas has opened up quite a lead on the top spot and now control their own destiny for both No. 1 and the Supporters Shield. With head-to-head meetings with the three teams below them on the books, if FCD can continue their recent form - especially at home - this is a point gap that could be difficult to overcome for other teams in the West.
Colorado is positioned with the best chance of closing the gap with two games in hand, but next week's showdown at Toyota Stadium will put one side in great position, and the other potentially in the dust. Real Salt Lake is also 5 points back, but does not have the luxury of games in hand. LA has tapered off of late and is winless in six games. Sitting in 4th with 40 points, the Galaxy would have to get hot once again and take both October meetings to overtake FCD.
Further down the table things are getting interesting. Sporting KC lost on Saturday and with more games played than any other team, is slipping from the top of the pack. They're still in the driver's seat for a playoff spot, but Portland, San Jose and Seattle are all vying for a spot themselves. The Timbers made a statement on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Seattle, from which San Jose also benefited by not losing position.
Vancouver picked up a point, and they're hanging around, but need to start making some moves. As you'll see later, they'll have plenty of opportunity for that.
Then there's Houston. The ever-so slight glimpse of playoff hope once had is all but extinguished. Now 10 points back with 8 games left, the postseason isn't in the cards for the Dynamo. The cannon will be the only consolation prize for a difficult year on the Gulf.
Crazy Season is Coming:
Portland has games left against Dallas and two against Colorado down the stretch. San Jose has two games against Sporting KC and a game against Seattle left. Seattle has games against Dallas, RSL, LA, San Jose and two against Vancouver upcoming. The Whitecaps have games against all three teams above them and Colorado too.
Every game carries incredibly high stakes over the last two months. Sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the chaos.
Things could not have shaken out much better for FCD over the weekend.">
