Every week we’re going to bring you our look at the upcoming games that weekend and what we hope to see from those to benefit the Caps to the max, along with what impact the different results from the Whitecaps own match has to our playoff hopes.
For some background to our feature, see <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?3099-Schedule-Dynamics-Adding-Interest-To-MLS-Season" target="_blank">HERE</a>.
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Last weekend's games produced a mixed <i>BCS</i> success rate of 50%. There were three additional midweek games that only gave a <i>BCS</i> success rate of 16.66%. The need for favourable Caps weekends are basically going to be unrelenting until October!
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The Caps won on Saturday in dramatic fashion against the then Western Conference leaders San Jose. It was a huge win that kept them fourth but gave them a five point cushion to the team in sixth, and brought them within five points (now six) of the Conference leaders.
Vancouver travel to New England this weekend for an inter-conference match up, but what are the <i>”Best Case Scenarios”</i> we’re hoping to see in the rest of the week 10 games this weekend?
Eight games are being played over Saturday and Sunday. Only two all-Western Conference clashes again, three inter-conference match ups and three all-Eastern ties, so five matches to keep a really close eye on, including our own.
<b><u>New England Revolution v Vancouver Whitecaps</u></b>
Current Whitecaps Points: 17 (4th in West)
If Whitecaps Win: 20 points (Best Case Scenario = 4th in West, three points behind leaders / Worst Case Scenario = 4th, six points behind leaders)
If Whitecaps Draw: 18 points (BCS = 4th / WCS = 4th)
If Whitecaps Lose: 17 points (BCS = 4th / WCS = 4th)
Maximum Points Total Possible: 92
Projected Points Total On Current Results: 63 - 67
Playoff Likelihood: 78 - 85%
<b><u>Montreal Impact v Los Angeles Galaxy</u> - Montreal win</b>
If Montreal can keep their unbeaten home record in tact then that will really help Vancouver. An Impact win would leave the Galaxy at least seven points behind the Caps and possibly ten, which is potentially massive, even at this early stage of the season.
<b><u>Houston Dynamo v DC United</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
The first all-eastern clash of the weekend, where the only real interest to Caps fans is getting a first look at Houston's new stadium. From the pictures I've seen, it looks amazing and will be on my list of grounds to visit at some point soon.
<b><u>Columbus Crew v Dallas</u> - Columbus win</b>
East v West and the Caps need the stuttering Crew to do them a favour and keep a handy cushion to sixth place and the first non playoff spot. This could be eight points by the end of the weekend and give Vancouver some breathing space as they approach some tough all-Western Conference match ups.
<b><u>Chicago Fire v Sporting Kansas City</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
Another battle of the east. Who cares?!
<b><u>Seattle Sounders v Real Salt Lake</u> - Draw</b>
We don't really like to use too much hyperbole in this section. It is easy to call games massive or huge, but when you look at this one, it's hard not to go there. It's the game of the weekend. First v joint second in the West, with one point separating them. A draw would be a fantastic result for the Caps and if we take care of our own end of things, we could be within three points of the top, with Seattle coming to town next weekend. Why is this game not on the TV here?!! If nothing else, we can only hope for some Sounders injuries and suspensions.
<b><u>Philadelphia Union v New York Red Bulls</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
The first Sunday game this week is another all-eastern battle, with no interest to the Caps playoff hopes.
<b><u>San Jose Earthquakes v Chivas USA</u> - Chivas win</b>
We've already put a dent in the Quakes early charge. If the Goats can do the same, then that would be a tremendous boost for the Caps. A draw wouldn't be the end of the world either mind you.
So that’s what we’re rooting for this weekend. Let’s see how it all leaves the Caps looking come Sunday evening.
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