The 2013 PDL playoffs are underway and four Canadian clubs are among the 16 teams still fighting for the North American D4 title.
In the Central Conference, Forest City London and the Thunder Bay Chill will battle their way in the Conference Semifinals on Saturday as London play the Colorado Foxes and Thunder Bay face the Michigan Bucks.
In the Eastern Conference, the Ottawa Fury defeated the Portland Phoenix 6-0 on Tuesday in the opening round on the back of Canadian youth international and former Montreal Impact draftee Carl Haworth’s hat trick. Haworth was a fourth round pick by Montreal in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, but never made his way to the first team.
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In the Conference semis, Ottawa will play Reading United, affiliate of the Philadelphia Union, while the Ocean City Nor’easters will play the Carolina Dynamo.
In the Western Conference, the Northwest Division champions Victoria Highlanderswill face the Ventura County Fusion in one semi-final, while the Portland Timbers U-23 squad will play the Fresno Fuego.
The Junior Timbers defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps’ U-23 squad in the opening round on Tuesday, winning 5-4 on penalties after the Caps forced overtime with an 83rd minute game-tying effort.
London is the defending playoffs champions while Thunder Bay won the final back in 2008. The Chill won the regular season crown this year, becoming the second Canadian side to do so after the Calgary Storm in 2001.