How FC Dallas can clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs on the final matchday of the year

It’s all come down to this.

After a 33-game grind, FC Dallas has one match remaining to determine if it will be playing in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

That one match is on the road against the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps. The Whitecaps currently hold the top seed in the conference and need only a draw to clinch that spot over San Diego FC.

Dallas already squandered an opportunity to clinch with a win on the road against the lowly LA Galaxy, allowing a late game-winner to lose 2-1 to Los Angeles.

Sports Roundup

Here is are all the playoff scenarios for FC Dallas heading into the final matchday this Saturday:

What does the table looks like?

Through 33 games played here is where things stand:

TeamMatches playedPoints (Record W-L-T)Remaining match x – Portland Timbers 33 44 (11-11-11) vs. San Diego FC FC Dallas 33 41 (10-12-11) @ Vancouver Whitecaps Real Salt Lake 33 40 (12-17-4) @ St. Louis City SC Colorado Rapids 33 40 (11-15-7) vs. LAFC San Jose Earthquakes 33 38 (10-15-8) vs. Austin FC

x – Clinched playoffs

How can FC Dallas clinch?

The first path to the playoffs is simple, FC Dallas can clinch a playoff spot with a win against Vancouver.

With a win, Dallas also still has a chance to clinch the No. 7 seed, meaning it avoids a single-elimination wild card match and goes straight into the best-of-three first round. On top of winning, Portland would need to lose against San Diego for Dallas to clinch the No. 7 seed.

If Dallas drops points, it gets more complicated:

Dallas can get in with a draw if Colorado lose or draw vs. LAFC or if Salt Lake lose or draw at St. Louis.
If they lose, Dallas needs San Jose to drop points vs. Austin and either Colorado loses or Salt Lake to lose their games.
If both Colorado and Salt Lake lose, Dallas is in.

FC Dallas drops match to LA Galaxy after allowing game-winning goal in final minutes