The Daily Dirt, September 17: Picture This

With about a month to go in the MLS regular season, the competition is getting fierce for the playoff spots.

DC United nearly saw their hopes go up in smoke, but Bobby Boswell’s late goal earned them a point that could become valuable. They are now level with Orlando for the last spot in the East. The Lions host Columbus tonight in a game that they would be considered favorites to win.

The match from Camping World Stadium is only one of a slate that could see some playoff hopes dissipate after this weekend. Seattle hosts Vancouver today at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on MLS Live. A draw would see both teams limp along in their chase of Portland, a win would give that team a real chance, while a loss might signal the end of the road. The Timbers are at home against Philadelphia starting at 6:00 p.m., a win for them could put too much distance between the defending MLS Cup champs and their pursuers.

In a battle that affects the Supporters’ Shield race, NYCFC hosts FC Dallas at Yankee Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on MLS Live. Although Oscar Pareja has denied it, a hangover of sorts after Dallas’ U.S. Open Cup win could be on the cards tonight in the Big Apple. The Blues could move into the top spot in the East temporarily with a win. The Red Bulls and Toronto will have something to say about pole position in the Eastern Conference tomrorow.

Domestic

DC United rescues a point late in Chicago, but will it be enough to get into the playoffs? (Black and Red United)

Seattle likely won’t set an attendance record in 2016 (Sounder at Heart)

Benny Feilhaber confirms talks with foreign clubs (MLS)

Giovinco could make his return Sunday against the Red Bulls (MLS)

Q&A with Orlando City Assistant GM Niki Budalic (The Mane Land)

Cameron Carter-Vickers “deserves” to start for Tottenham (ESPN)

International

Big win for Liverpool, but Klopp still has work to do (SB Nation)

Is Luka Modric among the best in the world? (FourFourTwo)

Could Phillip Lahm join the front office at Bayern Munich? (FourFourTwo)

Local

Georgia loses on the road to Texas A&M 1-0 (Red & Black)

In women’s scores from around the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, Georgia Military beat Gordon State 2-1 and Darton State beat South Georgia State 13-1 (GCAA)