San Jose, Houston, Chicago clinch playoff spots in MLS Matchday 31
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 2:25 AM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026

Matchday 31 of the MLS saw three teams clinch playoff spots. San Jose Earthquakes secured their spot with a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC, preventing Nashville from claiming the Supporters' Shield just yet. Houston Dynamo FC finished a dramatic 2-2 draw with FC Dallas, where a late penalty secured a point for Dallas. Chicago Fire FC also clinched a playoff berth despite a 1-0 loss to New England Revolution, relying on results elsewhere to secure their postseason place. With only one team, Sporting Kansas City, officially eliminated, the playoff race remains competitive as the regular season concludes next month.
- •San Jose Earthquakes draw 1-1 with Nashville SC, clinching a playoff spot.
- •Houston Dynamo FC and FC Dallas finish 2-2 in a dramatic Texas Derby.
- •Chicago Fire FC qualify for the playoffs despite a 1-0 loss to New England.
- •Sporting Kansas City is the only team officially eliminated from postseason contention.
- •The next round of MLS matches will further shape the playoff race.
- 2:25 AMYahoo Sports — Playoff spots clinched, Messi magic & more from Matchday 31
"By Charles BoehmWe’ve entered a thrilling, devastating period of the MLS season: The time of lowercase Xs and Es.If you’re unfamiliar, tap the header at the top of the page titled ‘Standings’ ...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLS•Oct 19, 2026, 1:12 AMBills loss highlights how far Raiders have to go in rebuild effort
SoccerMLS•Oct 19, 2026, 1:01 AMAthlete of the Week: Grace Childers, Twin Valley South
MLS•Oct 18, 2026, 4:27 PMColumn: ACC replay review never entertained another outcome on FSU’s final play
MLS•Oct 18, 2026, 3:20 PM'He never stops surprising': Messi turns back clock with dazzling double
MLS•Oct 18, 2026, 2:50 PMLionel Messi scores two more stunners, is decimating MLS, and could win another Ballon d'Or
MLS•Oct 18, 2026, 8:50 AMSDFC's playoff push stalls with 2-2 draw at LA Galaxy