MLS Week 31 review: 5 important players for the stretch run

After MLS Week 31, we look at five players to watch over the last three weeks of the season, plus more from an important week.

There are three big races to pay attention to in the final three weeks of the MLS season: The top of the Western Conference, between FC Dallas, Sporting KC and LAFC; the race for sixth in the west, between RSL and the LA Galaxy; and the East’s red line squabble between D.C. United and the Montreal Impact. Also keep an eye on Columbus and Philadelphia competing for a home playoff game, and whether the Sounders can move from fifth to third over LAFC and Portland.

After a week of blowouts and 0-0 draws in crucial matches, let’s take a look at some players who will play…