[BangTheBook]

The final teams that make the MLS playoffs could be decided this week. FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls both clinched playoff spots and just two spots remain. Nearly every team has two regular season games remaining although Los Angeles and Chivas USA each have three games left. The teams that could clinch this week are the Kansas City Wizards and the Chicago Fire. With outside chances are the Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles Galaxy and Columbus Crew.

FC Dallas made it into the playoffs with a 3-1 victory in Columbus on Saturday. New York also clinched and can finish no worse than 8th even if they lose their last two games. Columbus will need to win at New England and need help. Colorado and Los Angeles are in no better shape although both are still alive. The Colorado Rapids kept their postseason hopes alive with a 1-0 victory against Toronto FC on Sunday. Chicago helped their cause with a 2-1 home victory against the New England Revolution.

D.C. United could clinch the Supporters’ Shield and earn qualification for the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup if DC Dallas beats Chivas USA in the Thursday game on ESPN2 and then the United defeat Chicago on Saturday. The MLS Cup Playoffs begin on Thursday, October 25 on ESPN2 and the MLS Cup 2007 takes place on Nov. 18th in Washington, D.C.

Key games this week have Chivas USA at Dallas on ESPN 2 on Thursday while the Saturday games have Chicago at D.C. United in what could be a very important game for both teams, Columbus at New England in a game the Crew have to win, Kansas City at New York in an important game for the Wizards and Toronto FC at Los Angeles in a game the Galaxy have to win. Sunday has Colorado playing at Chivas USA.