For the past few weeks or so we've addressed the tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference a number of times, as teams on the cusp and those in the heart of the run better defined their postseason hopes.
The Red Bulls' match against the Seattle Sounders this Sunday may very well be a bit of a Supporters Shield Showdown, but it also presents an opportunity for the Red Bulls to potentially lock up a spot in the playoffs.
Here's the rundown:
New York Red Bulls will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs IF
New York Red Bulls win vs. Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday AND
EITHER
Philadelphia Union tie or lose vs. Sporting Kansas City on Friday OR
Chicago Fire tie or lose vs. Montreal Impact on Saturday
OR
New York Red Bulls tie vs. Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday AND
EITHER
Philadelphia Union lose vs. Sporting Kansas City on Friday OR
Chicago Fire lose vs. Montreal Impact on Saturday
One look at this list and it's obvious that there are a number of postseason stipulations hinging on outcomes from this weekend. This window will shrink as the final weeks of the season wind down, but nothing will get the Red Bulls closer to a spot in the playoffs than a solid performance against the Sounders this weekend.
Be sure to catch all the action live on ESPN this Sunday at 9:00 PM.
The Red Bulls return to Red Bull Arena on Saturday, Oct. 5, when they host the New England Revolution for a 7:00 PM kick off. Get tickets now at Red Bulls Ticket Central, or call 877.RB.SOCCER.
