With five matches left to play, the Seattle Sounders are tied on points for second place in the West with two other teams. However, due to tiebreakers, they are actually in fourth place, and if the season ended today, would host the San Jose Earthquakes in the single-game knock-out round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
But the season doesn't end today. Teams have anywhere from four to six games remaining to make their move up or down the table, to cement their positions, and to chase the dream of eternal glory that is the MLS Cup.