VANCOUVER, BC – Never try predicting results in this league.
Never.
Coming into the weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and New York Red Bulls were tied for the top spot in Major League Soccer. Naturally, both of them lost … to expansion teams.
That opened the door for defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy, who now sit atop the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings after a 3-2 win over FC Dallas.
Here’s how the table looks after this weekend’s action:
Though LA are the current leaders, New York and Dallas remain the favourites based on the number of matches they have remaining (see below). Keep in mind, though, that Dallas and Vancouver will still meet twice before the season’s end.
<strong>TEAM</strong> |
<strong>MATCHES REMAINING</strong> |
<strong>MAX POINTS</strong> |
<p align="center">New York Red Bulls</p> |
<p align="center">5</p> |
<p align="center">63</p> |
<p align="center">FC Dallas</p> |
<p align="center">5</p> |
<p align="center">62</p> |
<p align="center">Vancouver Whitecaps FC</p> |
<p align="center">4</p> |
<p align="center">60</p> |
<p align="center">LA Galaxy</p> |
<p align="center">3</p> |
<p align="center">59</p> |
WILD, WILD, WEST
Things aren’t any clearer in the Western Conference either, as you can see below.
The top two teams will get a bye to the conference semifinals, while the remaining four will play a single-elimination knockout match (3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5).
After Sunday’s 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake, the sixth-place San Jose Earthquakes are now just one point out of a playoff spot. That sets up a big match vs. Whitecaps FC this weekend. If the ‘Caps win, they will clinch a playoff berth. And if San Jose wins, they will all of a sudden trail Vancouver by just two points.
There’s a reason they call it the wild, wild West.
Kickoff for Saturday’s match is set for 7:30 p.m. PT at Avaya Stadium (TSN and TSN 1410 radio)
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.
