Every week we 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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The Whitecaps draw against LA on Wednesday night maybe didn’t do a lot for either team’s playoffs standing, but it also didn’t hurt either team. The match showed that Vancouver can compete with some of the best in MLS. They just need to work on holding on to their leads.
Toronto’s win over Colorado was huge for the Caps, after last weekend’s disappointing 35% BCS return. The Rapids have now fallen to 7th spot in the West, and if results go their way, the Caps have a chance to open up an eleven point gap over the first team outside of the playoff mix.
Eight games over this Saturday and Sunday, four all-Western Conference clashes and four all-Eastern ties, and we’re keeping a close eye on all eight of the matches for various reasons.
<b><u>Vancouver Whitecaps v San Jose Earthquakes</u></b>
Current Whitecaps Points: 31 (4th in West)
If Whitecaps Win: 34 points (Best Case Scenario = 3rd in West, nine points behind leaders / Worst Case Scenario = same)
If Whitecaps Draw: 32 points (BCS = 3rd / WCS = 3rd)
If Whitecaps Lose: 31 points (BCS = 4th / WCS = 4th)
Maximum Points Total Possible: 70
Projected Points Total On Current Results: 50 - 51 points
Playoff Likelihood: 83%
<b><u>New York Red Bulls v Philadelphia Union</u> - New York win</b>
Ever since Vancouver acquired Philadelphia’s pick in the first round of next season’s MLS SuperDraft, it’s made us take a lot more interest in the east. We even have to cheer on some unlikely allies in our quest to see the Union sink as low as possible. There’s been some signs of both a Philly revival and continued slump. A nice win for New York would add to the latter.
<b><u>Columbus Crew v DC United</u> - Columbus win</b>
<b><u>Sporting KC v New England Revolution</u> - New England win</b>
<b><u>Houston Dynamo v Montreal Impact</u> - Montreal win</b>
Three all-eastern clashes that have no implications on the Whitecaps playoff chase but could have a huge impact on the quest to get a great Superdraft pick or an even better bargaining chip. A Philadelphia loss, coupled with wins for Columbus, New England and Montreal would open up a little bit of a gap at the bottom of the east and then we just need to hope that Toronto can continue to pick up the odd point or two.
<b><u>FC Dallas v Portland Timbers</u> - Draw</b>
A loss for either team in this Western basement battle would be another nail in their already half buried playoff coffin. Although it looks unlikely right now, if either side could string a run of wins together, they will soon climb the standings. Just to be doubly sure that this doesn’t happen, we’ll be happy with a draw here. Our next best hope would be a Dallas win, as they seem the worse of the two teams. Both teams getting points also helps in trying to see Philadelphia finish dead last in MLS.
<b><u>Real Salt Lake v Colorado Rapids</u> - Draw</b>
A draw here would be ideal and I’m not going to be too unhappy if we see a RSL win either. It’s strange to want the teams above the Caps to pick up any points, but the Saltines are pretty much assured a place in the playoffs anyway, so it would be good to kick the Rapids some more when they’re down and get that gap widening between the top five and the also rans. A point for RSL and a Caps win, sees that gap between second and third close to just three points – and a lot of goals!
<b><u>LA Galaxy v Chivas USA</u> - Draw</b>
The Galaxy have hit the stride we expected them to and should get revenge on Chivas for a defeat earlier in the season. As long as the Caps can take care of their own business, a LA win isn’t overly bad as it increases the gap over 6th placed Chivas. A win for Chivas would make things very interesting for that last playoff spot and close the gap to their LA rivals to just one point with three games in hand. Could they be the West’s dark <strike>horses</strike> goats? Probably not!
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So that’s what we’re rooting for this weekend. Let’s see how it all leaves the Caps looking come Sunday evening. Hopefully celebrating three points for one thing. Vancouver will be able to go into the only Sunday match knowing what all the implications of their result will bring. Hopefully that, and a fierce home support, will see them get the job done.
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