Playoff Scenarios

Playoff scenarios: Who can clinch, be eliminated in Week 23

The playoff field in the West is now set

Playoffs - 2020 - playoff scenarios primary image

The field for the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs increased to 16 Wednesday night as the Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes claimed the final two berths in the Western Conference, while the LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps were officially eliminated from contention. 


The penultimate week of the regular season will undoubtedly bring some drama either way. First, here's a quick look at who's already punched their tickets heading into Wednesday's six matches:


  • East (8 of 10 berths): Columbus Crew SC, Nashville SC, New England, NYCFC, NY Red Bulls, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC
  • West (8 of 8 berths): Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, LAFC, Minnesota United FC, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, Sporting KC


And here are the teams that have been eliminated to date: 


  • East (1 of 4): FC Cincinnati
  • West (4 of 4): Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps FC


RELATED: Live standings



Playoff scenarios: Who can clinch, be eliminated in Week 23 - COL

Colorado Rapids


Colorado clinched a berth in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs after a 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers on Wednesday.



Playoff scenarios: Who can clinch, be eliminated in Week 23 - SJ

San Jose Earthquakes


San Jose clinched a berth in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs after a 3-2 win over LAFC on Wednesday.



Playoff scenarios: Who can clinch, be eliminated in Week 23 - LA

LA Galaxy


LA Galaxy will be eliminated from playoff contention if:


  • LA Galaxy lose or tie vs. Seattle âœ“ [LA 1, SEA 1]
  • – OR –
  • Colorado win or tie vs. Portland  âœ“ [COL 1, POR 0] AND ...
  • San Jose win vs. LAFC âœ“ [SJ 3, LAFC 2]



Playoff scenarios: Who can clinch, be eliminated in Week 23 - VAN

Vancouver Whitecaps


Vancouver will be eliminated from playoff contention if:


  • San Jose win or tie vs. LAFC âœ“ [SJ 3, LAFC 2]