First things first, the Earthquakes’ dominant win over the Portland Timbers on Saturday has kept San Jose alive in the playoff race. However, the back-to-back losses at D.C. United and vs. the Chicago Fire have the Quakes needing a little help as we approach the postseason. The club does not control its own destiny, but can play a large, large part in the overall outcome.
Sitting in seventh, level on points (42) with both sixth place Real Salt Lake and eighth place FC Dallas, the Quakes are in the thick of one of the tightest playoff races in recent memory.