The Earthquakes came in knowing that all they needed was a win to earn their spot, while the other two sides needed help to claim a playoff place.
Despite Dallas thumping the LA Galaxy 5-1 and RSL taking a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, a 93rd minute goal from Marco Urena proved to be a heart breaker for the other two sides, as the Earthquakes claimed a 3-2 win over Minnesota United and the sixth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Earthquakes will face the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Western Conference third seed, in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.