How Seattle Sounders FC's U.S. Open Cup victory could help the LA Galaxy return to the CCL

Typically a victory for Seattle Sounders FC is hardly met with applause let alone smiles from LA Galaxy circles, but Seattle's U.S. Open Cup triumph on Tuesday may end up benefiting the Galaxy at the end of the season. 

By defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-1 in the U.S. Open Cup final, Seattle not only won the Lamar Hunt Open Cup Trophy, but they also clinched one of U.S. Soccer's four Champions League spots. Under MLS and U.S. Soccer's request, those berths were changed by CONCACAF last December to be awarded to the following: 

1) MLS Cup winner

2) Supporters' Shield winner

3) Winner of the  conference regular season winner opposite the Supporters Shield holder

4) U.S. Open Cup winner. 

Also according to CONCACAF, if an MLS team is in possession of two of the honors or if a Canadian team wins any of the above three, then the CCL berth will fall to the team with the next best regular season record.  

Just how does all this benefit the Galaxy? 

If the Galaxy are unable to catch Seattle Sounders FC in the Supporters' Shield chase -- they currently trail Seattle by three points -- but finish in second at the end of the season, then the CCL berth that Seattle won for finishing with the league's best regular season record will fall to the Galaxy. 

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Happy to have the (possible) safety net in case the Galaxy don't win the Supporters' Shield? Or do you think that LA should just go out and try to win the Shield -- and MLS Cup for that matter -- anyway? 

Share your thoughts below.