Almost every team has two regular season games remaining; 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, but the Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles Galaxy and Columbus Crew are all still in the hunt to extend October. See below for exact permutations.

FC Dallas can breathe easier after securing its spot with a 3-1 victory in Columbus on Saturday. New York can finish no lower than eighth place in the overall standings even if the Red Bulls lose their two remaining games. Neither Columbus nor Colorado can reach New York’s current point total of 39. Los Angeles could reach 39 points by winning its three remaining games, but that scenario would ensure that New York finishes ahead of Chicago via points or tiebreakers.

For the Columbus Crew, only a win in New England can keep their playoff chances alive, and even then the Crew need help from other results.

The situation for both the Colorado Rapids and the Los Angeles Galaxy is almost as desperate. A loss to Chivas USA on Sunday would eliminate Colorado, and even a tie will not be enough for the Rapids if the Chicago Fire earns points against D.C. United. With a game in hand, Los Angeles has a little more room for error, but not much. A Galaxy loss or tie against Toronto FC on Saturday will leave their fate in the hands of other results.

D.C. United, meanwhile, could clinch the Supporters’ Shield and thereby earn qualification for the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup if they get help from FC Dallas against Chivas USA in the Thursday Night Primetime game on ESPN2 and then United defeat Chicago on Saturday.

The remaining MLS schedule is below.

The MLS Cup Playoffs begin on Thursday, October 25 on ESPN2 and MLS Cup 2007 takes place on Nov. 18 in Washington, D.C., where a champion will be crowned for the 12th time in League history.

Below are the scenarios in which teams could clinch or be eliminated this week:

Kansas City Wizards:

Will clinch a playoff spot IF:
Kansas City defeats New York on Saturday OR
Kansas City ties New York on Saturday AND
Los Angeles and Colorado fail to win

Chicago Fire:

Will clinch a playoff spot IF:
Chicago defeats D.C. United on Saturday AND
Los Angeles fails to win versus Toronto FC on Saturday

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