Two preseason MLS Cup contenders battle to get above the red line and right their currently flawed seasons.
Back before the season started the Columbus Crew SC were among Eastern Conference favorites. The same was said of the Seattle Sounders. Now the two teams combined point totals wouldn't be enough for third place in the Supporters' Shield standings. Seattle is only 2-4-1 -3 good for 16th on the combined table. One slot above them are Crew SC with eight points from a 2-3-2 -2 record. Gregg Berhalter's team doesn't have a road win and Sigi Schmid's side is merely .