Eight of the 10 MLS teams earn a playoff spot, regardless of which conference they are in. Therefore, the MLS playoff race looks like this:
Team (wins-losses-ties) points (goal difference)
1. San Jose (12-6-2) 38 pts (+15)
2. Dallas (8-4-6) 30 pts (+2)
3. MetroStars (9-8-2) 29 pts (+5)
4. Colorado (9-9-2) 29 pts (-5)
5. Los Angeles (8-7-3) 27 pts (0)
6. Kansas City (6-6-7) 25 pts (-1)
7. Columbus (7-8-4) 25 pts (-3)
8. Chicago (7-8-3) 24 pts (+2)
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9. D.C. United (6-10-2) 20 pts (-7)
10. New England (6-12-1) 19 pts (-8)