Chivas USA and Galaxy Battle for First

MLS regular season play ends next Sunday, but although both L.A. sides have already secured a playoff spot, much is still left to be settled between themselves and the Houson Dynamo.

Chivas USA, Galaxy and Dynamo are in a three-way tie for the top spot in the Western Conference standings with 44 points. With a game in hand and two of their last three matches at home, the red-and-whites are best positioned to claim it, but it won't be easy. Tonight they face the San Jose Earthquakes at the Home Depot Center.

Despite occupying the conference's last spot, the 'Quakes appear to be taking great joy in playing the role of spoiler. Last week they managed a tie against Toronto FC with a goal in the dying moments of the match, putting a serious hurt on the Reds' playoff aspirations. Now San Jose has the opportunity to spoil the party for Chivas USA, or at least, be a hindrance. Ironically, San Jose's tie last week helped Chivas USA secure its playoff spot. It will be interesting to watch tonight's performance by the red-and-whites. They no longer have the pressure of needing to secure a playoff spot, but at the same time, they need to keep improving in order to have a good playoff run. Equally important, they must be careful not to exhaust themselves given they have a Thursday night clash at Chicago, then need travel back to L.A. to close out the regular season on Sunday at the Home Depot Center against Houston.