VANCOUVER, BC – Thirty three down, one to go.
After a 1-1 draw with San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday night at BC Place, Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s playoff fate will come down to next weekend's regular season finale at Portland Timbers.
It is Decision Day, after all.
The ‘Caps remain first in the Western Conference, two points up on Portland, which sets up a juicy battle for the top spot next Sunday at Providence Park. Vancouver needs a single point to clinch the West, as well as a bye to the Western Conference semifinals. The lowest they could finish, regardless of next weekend’s results, is third.
See below for the different scenarios:
Whitecaps FC will finish first in the Western Conference with a:
- Win or draw vs. Portland
Whitecaps FC will finish second in the Western Conference with a:
- Loss to Portland AND
Seattle loss or draw vs. Colorado
Whitecaps FC will finish third in the Western Conference with a:
- Loss to Portland AND:
Seattle win vs. Colorado
Should the ‘Caps finish first or second, they would host the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals on November 5 at BC Place. Should they finish third, they would host a Knockout Round match on either October 25 or October 26.
With everything at stake, you can definitely expect Sunday’s match to have a playoff feel.
Two years ago, Portland ended Vancouver’s season in the Western Conference Semifinals. Last year, the ‘Caps got their revenge, eliminating the Timbers’ from playoff contention – and overturning a five-goal differential to win the Cascadia Cup – in the regular season finale.
What’s in store for Round 3?
Kickoff for Sunday’s match is set for 1 p.m. PT at Providence Park (TSN1 and TSN 1040).
