New York Red Bulls vs Vancouver Whitecaps
Red Bull Arena – Saturday 7th October 2017 – 17:00 ET (22:00 BST)
After the defeat, last Saturday, which helped Toronto FC clinch the Supporters’ Shield, New York Red Bulls hopes of reaching the playoffs hang delicately in the balance. Sitting in 6th place by just 4 points, their task is made all the more difficult as they play host to a Vancouver side who themselves are hoping to clinch top spot, after confirming their place in the playoffs from the Western Conference. To make matters worse for the Red Bulls, confidence is low in the camp after a 7 match winless run. They will need to take full advantage of this game in a bid to change their fortunes if they’re to make the playoffs this season. Vancouver will make the trip without emerging talent, Yordy Reyna. The midfielder has been called up to the Peru squad for upcoming World Cup Qualifier against Argentina.
Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City
TCF Bank Stadium – Saturday 7th October 2017 – 19:00 CT (01:00 BST)
Sporting Kansas go into this game knowing a win will secure them a spot in the playoffs for 2017. Needing 2 points from their final 4 games, they come up against a Minnesota side buoyed from a 3-2 midweek win over fellow 2017 expansion side, Atlanta United. That win has given Minnesota a chance of continuing their football after regular season comes to an end. The side has improved in recent weeks, with a more solid defense and rookie Abu Danladi doing no harm to his growing reputation with a thunderbolt in the sides last fixture. It may be ‘too little too late’ but a solid end to this campaign will give the side a lot of encouragement for 2018 season.
Colorado Rapids vs FC Dallas
Dicks Sporting Goods Park – Saturday 7th October 2017 – 19:00 MT (02:00 BST)
Controversy still surrounds FC Dallas’s 0-0 draw with Orlando for seemingly breaking FIFA rules with the substitution of midfielder, Michael Barrios. Nonetheless, as that investigation continues, Dallas know a win will see them propelled up the table and occupy a playoff spot. Standing in their way is a Colorado side who will be looking to cause another upset after denting Montreal Impacts playoff hopes with a 2-1 win over them in midweek. Dallas will look back on this season as somewhat of a disappointment. They finished last season with the best overall record of both divisions at the end of regular season and even lifted the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Reaching the playoffs will be a silver lining of a less than convincing campaign for Óscar Pareja and his side.
