Seattle, WA (My Sportsbook) - The New England Revolution host Seattle Sounders FC in an inter-conference Major League Soccer tilt on Saturday night with playoff implications on the line.

The Revs (9-8-7) are currently two points out of a playoff spot, but have games in hand on the teams they are chasing. A win on Saturday would go a long way toward helping the Eastern Conference club qualify for the 2009 postseason.

New England is coming off a 1-1 draw at New York and hopes the two points lost at the league bottom feeders won't keep it out of the playoffs.

"Two points could be really critical later in the season and it could make a big difference, but at the same time, every point counts," New England captain Steve Ralston said. "We know that as well as anybody that a point could be the difference late in the season. Hopefully, it's that one point that puts us over instead of the two points that keeps us out."

Because of the draw last week, the full points are a must vs. Seattle.

"It's getting to that time of year, we really need three points," New England goalkeeper Matt Reis. "... We have Seattle [on Saturday] and then we go on a tough road trip, so this is one, if we can get those three points, it might be easier on us down the stretch. We had it (in New York) and we let it get away."

The expansion Sounders (9-6-11) are currently in a playoff position, but that could change if they slide down the stretch because of the crowded playoff field.

Seattle is coming off a draw against a conference rival as well, 0-0 vs. Chivas USA this past weekend. They will be aiming to hold their ground in the playoff race, meaning any points at New England will be welcome.

"We'd always rather play at home, believe me. I'd rather play at home but we're going to go get the points on the road," Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said. "The points are out there, so we've got to take the points wherever they are. We don't want to be coming back here for the last game of the season in a must-win situation to get into the playoffs. If it ends up that way and we'll win that game. But our object is to take care of things on the road."

Seattle will be playing Saturday's game without midfielder Michael Fucito and defender Taylor Graham because of injuries.

The revs will be without defender Chris Albright and forward Taylor Twellman, while midfielder Shalrie Joseph is questionable, and backup goalkeeper Brad Knighton (is probable, all with injuries.