Looking for some clarity on the Western Conference playoff picture?
You won’t find it here. OK, maybe a little.
This past weekend, Sporting Kansas City lost to San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC dropped points in a draw with Houston Dynamo, and Portland Timbers stunned LA Galaxy with a 5-2 road win.
That leaves things as murky as ever heading into the final week (see below).
So here’s what we know.
FC Dallas have locked up the top spot in the West. Beyond that, it’s all very wide open.
The ‘Caps can still end up anywhere from second to sixth. However, we do know now that a win against Houston in Sunday’s regular season finale (4 p.m. PT at BC Place - tickets still available) would guarantee a top four finish and home playoff game. With any other result, it will depend on how Portland, Seattle, and Sporting KC fare.
- Visit whitecapsfc.com/playoffs for ticket info, important dates, and more!
A win against Houston would also put a top two finish and bye to the conference semifinal back on the table for Whitecaps FC (it’s also possible, but far less likely, with a draw). For that to happen, though, they would need only one other result to go their way (or potentially two). Assuming Whitecaps FC beat Houston, here are the different scenarios that would get them a top two finish:
- Sporting KC lose or draw vs. Colorado on Wednesday AND win or draw vs. LA on Sunday
- Sporting KC draw vs. LA Galaxy on Sunday
So regardless of Sporting KC’s result on Wednesday, if they draw LA Galaxy on Sunday the ‘Caps would finish in the top two with a win vs. Houston. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that all of Sunday’s Western Conference matches will be played at the same time (4 p.m. PT).
Major League Soccer is calling it Decision Day – and you can see why.
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.
