Breaking down Major League Soccer’s playoff race

Didier-Drogba;-Montreal-Impact;-MLS

Montreal Impact's Didier Drogba. (Graham Hughes/CP)

With the Major League Soccer regular season in the home stretch, Sportsnet takes a look at the playoff race, and the situation with the three Canadian teams.

Before we look at the playoff picture, keep in mind the following facts.

• The top six teams in both the Eastern and Western Conference qualify for the post-season.
• The top two teams in each conference receive a first-round bye. The third- and fourth-place teams in the East and West will have home-field advantage in the first round, which is one game.
• When teams are tied in the standings, the first tie-breaker is total number of wins. For complete details on the tie-breaking procedure, CLICK HERE
• Both the conference semifinals and finals are two-legged affairs, with the higher seed hosting the decisive second match.
• The first place team overall at the end of the season MLS regular season will win the Supporters’ Shield and enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
• The MLS Cup final is scheduled for Dec. 6. The team with the best regular season record will host the game.

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MONTREAL IMPACT
Games remaining: at New York Red Bulls (Oct. 7), at Colorado Rapids (Oct. 10), at New England Revolution (Oct. 17), vs. Toronto FC (Oct. 25)
Playoff scenario: Montreal can clinch a playoff berth with a win over New York AND a win vs. Colorado.

TORONTO FC
Games remaining: vs. New York Red Bulls (Oct. 14), vs. Columbus Crew (Oct. 17), at Montreal Impact (Oct. 25)
Playoff scenario: Toronto can clinch a playoff berth with a draw in any of their remaining three games. They’ll also clinch if Orlando City draws or loses any of its two remaining games.

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VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Games remaining: vs. FC Dallas (Oct. 7), at FC Dallas (Oct. 14), vs. Houston Dynamo (Oct. 25)
Playoff scenario: Vancouver can clinch a playoff berth with a win or draw against Dallas on Wednesday.

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