MLS top to bottom: Sounders lay claim to the West, Red Bulls chase USOC

Success or failure? In MLS, the general margins of both are determined by playoff qualification. With a little more than two months left in the MLS regular season, those margins are starting to be very thin. Andrew, David and Matt run through a busy MLS weekend attempting to answer the questions that will determine whether your club is one of the 12 who have a shot at MLS Cup.

Are the Sounders the class of the weakened West or are Houston's young guns the better bet? Are LA's playoff dreams dead? Can Portland avoid disaster? Is the Shield a step too far for road-weary Chicago? Could Real Salt Lake make a miraculous run? Do Dallas have enough firepower to finally capture the silverware Oscar Pareja seeks?

In the second segment, it's all US Open Cup, as the New York Red Bulls head to Cincinnati with a place in the final on the line. They do so on the back of another big win against Orlando, one that got tongues wagging as Video Review saw Kaka sent off in stoppage time. Then it's time for the Baer's Lair, where more #MLSmiddlenames are bandied about and hot takes flow like water.

Want to be a part of the show? Drop your thoughts in the comment section, email or tweetthe show and call or text the Hot-Take Hotline at 401-206-0MLS and you could appear on ExtraTime Radio or ExtraTime Live! Free advice: Keep it short and sweet and avoid colorful language!