2012 MLS standings: All playoff spots locked going into final week

The biggest development this weekend was the San Jose Earthquakes clinching the MLS Supporter's Shield when Sporting Kansas City and the New York Red Bulls played to a nil-nil draw. As Supporter's Shield winners, the Quakes will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs, including hosting MLS Cup should they make it to the championship.

The LA Galaxy were able to manage a draw in San Jose this weekend, 2-2, their best result against the Earthquakes this season. However, the Seattle Sounders were able to get a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas eliminating the north Texas MLS franchise from playoff contention. The Galaxy will host the Vancouver Whitecaps, who lost to the Portland Timbers over the weekend conceding the Cascadia Cup, in a one game playoff before the MLS quarterfinals begin. The winner of the play in game will face San Jose in a home and home series.

Over the Eastern Conference, D.C. United, the New York Red Bulls, and the Houston Dynamo were also able to clinch playoff spots, D.C. with a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew which eliminated Columbus from playoff contention. Columbus' elimination secured the final two spots in the East for New York and Houston.

Ultimately, this means the last week of the season is mostly meaningless. The Sounders are currently in second place by virtue of Goals For, with Real Salt Lake even with them on points. The East is much tighter, will all five spots still uncertain with D.C. United having a chance to take first from Sporting Kansas City.