This is shaping up to be quite the playoff race.
Here’s a look at how things stand in the Western Conference after Week 25.
As you can see, the ‘Caps are now comfortably in second place after picking up a big 1-0 win over FC Dallas on Saturday night at BC Place – and even more so because Sporting Kansas City dropped both of their matches this week.
LA Galaxy, meanwhile, are showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve now won four straight matches, including a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC on Sunday, to propel them into the top spot in MLS. That said, Whitecaps FC remain just one point back with a game in hand, which should keep things interesting down the stretch.
It’s also getting quite interesting around the red line. All of a sudden, Seattle Sounders FC are barely holding onto a playoff spot with San Jose Earthquakes hot on their trail. The Quakes have now won three straight matches, including a 2-0 win over Eastern Conference-leaders DC United on Saturday.
MLS SUPPORTERS’ SHIELD RACE
Whitecaps FC enjoyed a brief spell atop the MLS standings on Saturday, but LA is in pole position for the time being. Here’s a look at both teams’ remaining schedules.
LA GALAXY: San Jose Earthquakes (A), Montreal Impact (H), Real Salt Lake (A), FC Dallas (H), Seattle Sounders FC (A), Portland Timbers (H), Sporting Kansas City (A)
WHITECAPS FC: Houston Dynamo (A), Colorado Rapids (H), Seattle Sounders FC (H), New York City FC (H), San Jose Earthquakes (A), FC Dallas (H), FC Dallas (A), Houston Dynamo (H)
PLAYOFF FORMAT
This season, the top six teams in each conference will qualify for the playoffs. The top two teams advance directly to the two-leg conference semifinal, while the remaining four teams will play a single-elimination Knockout Round match (No. 3 vs. No. 6 and No. 4 vs. No. 5).
So what does all this mean?
Ideally, you’d want to finish in the top two in your conference to avoid the midweek Knockout Round match and guarantee a spot in the conference semifinals – as well as a home playoff date. Finishing in the top four, however, would also get you a home playoff match.
DID YOU KNOW?
Vancouver’s 14 wins on the season are a new club record in MLS. And the ‘Caps need just six points from their remaining eight matches to set a new record for points.
NEXT UP
Whitecaps FC's quest for the top spot in the West is on the back burner for now, as they shift their focus to Wednesday's Amway Canadian Championship Final vs. Montreal Impact (7 p.m. PT at BC Place - tickets still available). The 'Caps will then return to MLS action on Saturday at Houston Dynamo (6 p.m. PT on TSN).
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
