VANCOUVER, BC – The countdown is on.
One week from today, the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs will get begin with a yet-to-be determined Knockout Round match. Of course, there’s still a whole lot up in the air heading into the final weekend of regular season play, but let’s talk about what we do know.
THE BASICS
This year, the top six teams in each conference will qualify for the playoffs.
The top two seeds get a bye directly to the conference semifinals, while the remaining four will play in a single-elimination Knockout Round match (3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5). That means the top four teams in each conference are guaranteed to host a playoff game.
The ‘Caps have already clinched their playoff spot, but they could still end up anywhere from second to sixth.
ROAD TO THE CUP
Knockout Round: Wed., Oct. 28 and Thurs., Oct. 29
Conference Semifinals: Sun., Nov. 1 (first leg) and Sun., Nov. 8 (second leg)
Conference Championships: Sun., Nov. 22 (first leg) and Sun., Nov. 29 (second leg)
MLS Cup Final: Sun., Dec. 6
Note: Both the Conference Semifinals and Conference Championships will be a two-goal, aggregate series with the lower seed hosting the first leg and higher seed hosting the second. The team with more combined goals between the two legs will advance.
WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT?
Here's which teams have already booked their postseason berth:
<strong>WESTERN CONFERECE</strong> |
<strong>EASTERN CONFERENCE</strong> |
<p align="center">FC Dallas (57 points)<br>
LA Galaxy (51 points)<br>
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (50 points)</p> |
<p align="center">New York Red Bulls (57 points)<br>
D.C. United (51 points)<br>
Columbus Crew SC (50 points)<br>
Toronto FC (49 points)<br>
Montreal Impact (48 points)</p> |
And here’s which teams have been eliminated:
<strong>WESTERN CONFERENCE</strong> |
<strong>EASTERN CONFERENCE</strong> |
<p align="center">Houston Dynamo (42 points)<br>
Real Salt Lake (41 points)<br>
Colorado Rapids (34 points)</p> |
<p align="center">New York City FC (37 points)<br>
Philadelphia Union (34 points)<br>
Chicago Fire (30 points)</p> |
In the West, that leaves Portland Timbers (50 points), Seattle Sounders FC (48 points), Sporting Kansas City (48 points), and San Jose Earthquakes (47 points) fighting for the final three spots.
While in the East, one of New England Revolution (47 points) and Orlando City SC (44 points) will grab the last spot. For Orlando to get in, they would need to not only win their last game – and have New England lose theirs – but also make up eight goals in goal differential.
Never say never, but…
NEWS AND NOTES
- This is the first year that all three Canadian teams have qualified for the playoffs
- As it stands, all three Cascadia teams are in playoff positions (which would also be a first if it stays that way)
- RSL’s playoff streak has been snapped at seven years
- Chicago Fire have clinched the “wooden spoon” as the worst team in the regular season, and will therefore get the first overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft
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.
