:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1754389/gyi0061360595.0.jpg)
As the LA Galaxy prepare to take on the San Jose Earthquakes at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday at Buck Shaw Stadium, a lot is at stake. With playoff implications paramount at this time of the year, these two teams are both in need of a win to further solidify their playoff standing.
The Galaxy are in the playoffs but currently sit in the fourth place slot and can still move up. The Galaxy trail second-place Real Salt Lake (56 points) and the third-place Seattle Sounders (53 points) by six and three points, respectively, in the Western Conference standings.
The Earthquakes can secure the league's best overall record and homefield advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs with a win over the Galaxy.
The MLS playoffs begin on either Oct. 31 or Nov. 1. If the Galaxy finish in the fourth spot, they'll have to play the No. 5 seed in the Knockout Round in order to play the top seed in the conference semifinals.