Portland, Seattle among Western Conference teams to clinch playoff berths

The Western Conference playoff picture is much clearer after a quartet of clubs clinched berths Sunday.

Defending MLS Cup champions the Seattle Sounders secured a spot in the playoffs following a decisive 4-0 victory over FC Dallas.

Similarly, the Portland Timbers made it to the playoffs after thumping D.C. United.

Meanwhile, a scoreless draw was good enough for Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo to book their tickets to the next phase of the season.

The San Jose Earthquakes will have a chance to join the party at the expense of FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake if they can secure a victory next week against Minnesota United.