Deep down in the hearts of everyone who reads this forum, we all know that playoffs are bullshit in soccer.
I agree but it is what it is here. Ideally the SS winner is the real champion because it is harder to do over a longer period of time. Let's take the EPL this year. Chelsea will win it by a wide margin but we might have Arsenal win the FA Cup. To me the MLS Playoff is like the FA Cup or post season tournament. I even hate the fact they are called the MLS Cup "Champions" instead of MLS Cup "Winners".
However, here in the US playoffs are part of sports so we have to live with it and we won't be considered Champions until we win it. Why do we fail? There is not one single reason because each season is different.
I think particularly last year it was a coaching problem in that Jesse didn't have a Plan B against Montreal. He needs to develop a Plan B and Plan C during the season in scenarios where we are down and our striker is off form and the other team is defending well. Maybe it would help if BWP/Sacha are given more rest during the season. Maybe they don't need to play every game. Give them some weekends off to spend time with their families. That would also give more chances to other players and at the same time prepare them to be ready if they are needed in the playoffs.
We really only need to finish in the top 4. Winning the Division doesn't mean anything as we have seen. So we'll have an extra game to play, at home. Who cares?