VANCOUVER, BC – Playoffs, here we come.
As you’ve surely heard by now, Vancouver Whitecaps FC became the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoff berth on Saturday with a 1-0 away win over Sporting Kansas City.
It was a massive achievement, indeed, but the work is not done yet.
The ‘Caps have three matches remaining in the regular season, starting Saturday at New York Red Bulls (2 p.m. PT on TSN1 and TSN 1410 radio), and there’s still a whole lot to play for. Mainly, a home playoff game – or, even better – a first-round bye.
Let’s take a look at how the ‘Caps can achieve each of those things.
HOME PLAYOFF GAME
In order to secure a home playoff game in the Knockout Round (finishing third or fourth in the Western Conference), the ‘Caps need just one point from their remaining three matches – meaning a draw this weekend against the Red Bulls would do it. They would also secure a Knockout Round home playoff match if Sporting Kansas City does not beat Minnesota United FC on Saturday. If Whitecaps FC finish third or fourth in the West, they would host a single-elimination Knockout Round match on Wednesday, October 25 or Thursday, October 26.
KNOCKOUT ROUND BYE
The ‘Caps are three points away from clinching a Knockout Round bye (finishing first or second in the Western Conference). With Portland and Seattle not in action, the only way Whitecaps FC can secure a Knockout Round bye this weekend is by beating the Red Bulls. If Whitecaps FC finish first or second in the West, they would host the second leg of the conference semifinals on Sunday, November 5.
CURRENT STANDINGS
REMAINING WHITECAPS FC SCHEDULE
- Saturday, October 7: at New York Red Bulls (2 p.m. PT on TSN1 and TSN 1410)
- Sunday, October 15: vs. San Jose Earthquakes (4:30 p.m. PT – tickets still available)
- Sunday, October 22: at Portland Timbers (1 p.m. PT on TSN1 and TSN 1040)
2017 MLS CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE
Knockout Round
Wednesday, October 25
OR
Thursday, October 26
Western Conference Semifinals
First leg – Sunday, October 29 OR Tuesday, October 31
Second leg – Sunday, November 5
Western Conference Championship
First Leg – Tuesday, November 21
Second Leg – Thursday, November 30
MLS Cup
Saturday, December 9
