VANCOUVER, BC – Will Vancouver Whitecaps FC get a home playoff game?
We won’t know for sure until next Sunday, but the playoff picture is starting to look a bit clearer.
A bit.
Mathematically, the ‘Caps could still end up anywhere from second to sixth in the Western Conference – though it’s looking like the third, fourth, and fifth seeds are more likely (this would be a good time to remind you that the top four seeds get a home playoff game).
As it stands, Whitecaps FC are third in the Western Conference with 50 points and one game to go. The three teams chasing them are Sporting Kansas City (48 points, three games remaining), Seattle Sounders FC (47 points, two games remaining), and Portland Timbers (47 points, two games remaining).
Whitecaps FC need to stay above two of those three teams to get their home playoff game. And a win against Houston in next Sunday's regular season finale (4 p.m. PT - tickets still available) would put them in a good position to do that.
- Visit whitecapsfc.com/playoffs for ticket info, important dates, and more!
If the ‘Caps beat Houston, they will finish on 53 points. The maximum number of points Seattle and Portland can reach is also 53. In this scenario, Vancouver would finish above Portland because they have more wins.
It gets a bit more complicated with Seattle. Both teams would have 16 wins and currently have the same goal differential. The next tiebreaker is goals for (the ‘Caps have scored two more goals).
Yes, it could come down to a tiebreaker.
With all this in mind, here are a few MLS games to keep an eye on this weekend.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES VS. SPORTING KC (FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. PT on MLS Live)
San Jose can’t catch Vancouver. Sporting KC can. Root for San Jose. UPDATE: San Jose wins 1-0.
HOUSTON DYNAMO VS. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC (SUNDAY AT 2 P.M PT on MLS Live)
The ‘Caps would love for Seattle to drop some points here. Even if they draw, Vancouver would control their own destiny to host a playoff game. Root for Houston.
LA GALAXY VS. PORTLAND TIMBERS (SUNDAY AT 4 p.m. PT on TSN2)
On the one hand, Vancouver can still mathematically catch second-place LA Galaxy. On the other, Portland is hot on their trail. If you’re still holding out hope for a top two finish, a draw would probably be a good result. Otherwise, root for LA.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 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.
