FRISCO - The margin is tight, but FC Dallas finds themselves atop the Western Conference at the end of Week 20 after Saturday's win in Montreal. With 34 points, a one point gap and two games in hand on second place Sporting Kansas City, FC Dallas will look to get to the All-Star game in first place.
Moving down the standings sees Sporting Kansas City occupy second on 33 points. The Houston Dynamo sit just behind Sporting on 32 points and an undefeated home record. Cascadia clubs Portland and Seattle sit in fourth and fifth respectivley tied on 30 points and a +1 goal differential.
FC Dallas' next opponent, the Vancouver Whitecaps, occupy the sixth and final Western Conference playoff spot on 27 points. Around the red line everyone wants to be above is where things get interesting.
Just eight points separates Vancouver from last place 11th. San Jose sits in seventh, while Real Salt Lake and the struggling Galaxy are nipping at their heels. Colorado has just 20 points to occupy second to last, while new side Minnesota United occupy dead last on 19 points.
While the race to be above the red line heats up, Dallas has bigger aspirations. Just six points separates Dallas and current Supporters Shield leaders Toronto FC. Plenty of soccer still to be played.
