In the final week of the MLS season, seven teams will contend for three playoff berths. Only three clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs (New York, San Jose, Kansas City), while five have clinched passage to the playoffs (Columbus, Houston, Los Angeles, Chivas USA, Seattle).
There are several scenarios for the remaining clubs and it is complicated to say the least. All of this is discussed in detail in the 2009 Rules of Competition.
