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

San Jose, Houston, Chicago clinch playoff spots in MLS Matchday 31
Summary

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.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • •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.
Latest Updates
  • 2:25 AMYahoo Sports — Playoff spots clinched, Messi magic & more from Matchday 31
What they're saying
"

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’ ...

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days