Is LA Playoff Bound?

There’re only two teams that can represent LA in the 2021 MLS playoffs. Its hard to tell who will really make it in the playoffs despite being at the edge of it all.

Historical background

LA GALAXY was founded in 1994 and is owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group. The club began playing in the MLS in 1996 and has been the most successful club in the MLS history by 5 cups to date.

The club won the 36th edition of CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 2000. The club’s other trophies to show: Two U.S Open Cups, four Supporters Shield and making Playoffs 9 times.

LAFC was founded in 2014 and on March 4, 2018, LAFC played its first MLS game with 1-0 win against Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Lead by the first signed player and captain, Carlos Vela, the team secured their first Supporters Shield in September 2019. The team also made their first playoff season in 2018 and 2019. 2020 season saw teams covered in MLS is Back tournament as opposed to the regular season thanks to COVID19.

MLS Standings

4 teams are at the boarder of playoffs. LA Galaxy 46 points ( two games left), Real Salt Lake 45 points ( three games left) , Minnesota 45 points and LAFC 44 points, two games left respectively. Real Salt Lake has to play one more game to catch up, and with the points they have accumulated its almost easy to say they are making playoffs. If real Salt Lake wins against San Jose then they will have a higher chance and create a tough spot for the other three teams.

In summary, for LA to have both teams in the playoffs, LA Galaxy need to win the remainder of their two games to be 100% locked or Minnesota loose their game vs Sporting KC, LAFC need to win all their games and hope Real Salt Lake looses all their games if not two of the three games.

Soccer can be complicated at times but who knows?