How the LA Galaxy earns top seed on Decision Day

Every team has now played 33 games this year with just one more remaining. This Saturday is the regular season finale.

With that comes Decision Day 2024. While the top nine teams in the Western Conference have been determined, the seeding is still not finalized including the coveted top seed.

The only two teams mathematically able to take first place in the West are the two LA based teams, the Galaxy and LAFC. The Los Angeles Galaxy currently own a three-point lead over their cross-town rivals.

The reward for locking up the West's best record offers homefield advantage. This is particularly lucrative for the Los Angeles Galaxy as they went unbeaten in all 16 games played at Dignity Health Sports Park.

How can the Galaxy wrap up the top seed?

Win and regardless of what LAFC does, the Los Angeles Galaxy are the top seed in the Western Conference for the first time since 2011. This is the year that they won their third overall MLS title.

With LAFC trailing the Galaxy by three points and only one game left to play, there is no way to catch up if the Galaxy win against the Houston Dynamo.

Because of the leverage the LA Galaxy possess in the standings, if they tie on Saturday, they also are guaranteed first place in the West as they would still hold a one point lead over LAFC even if they win Match #34 on Saturday, too.

"Securing the No. 1 seed is everything. From the beginning of the year, our goal was to keep this place a fortress and we did that. Credit to the fans showing up this year too, making it a tough environment coming and playing against. It's everything. This team is very good at home."

- John Nelson, Los Angeles Galaxy Defender

If LAFC were to tie or lose, then the Los Angeles Galaxy will be slated in the as the number one seed come playoffs.

In late May, the LA Galaxy won against the Houston Dynamo FC, 2-1. Despite their keeper, John McCarthy, giving up an early goal, the Galaxy came back to win.

Goals by Gabriel Pec and Riqui Puig helped the five-time MLS champions to victory. Defender Miki Yamane assisted on the first goal and Pec aided on Puig's score.

If Head Coach Greg Vanney can keep his talented team of stars focused and avoid another early deficit, the Galaxy could wrap up the 2024 regular season as the 'Best in the West.'