VANCOUVER, BC – After a big come-from-behind victory over Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s playoff destiny is back in their own hands.
Saturday’s result moved the ‘Caps into the fifth and final playoff position in the Western Conference, one point up on rival Portand Timbers.
Both teams have four matches remaining.
Vancouver’s magic number is now down to 12, meaning any combination of points earned by the ‘Caps and dropped by the Timbers from here on out will see the Blue and White qualify for the postseason.
According to Sports Club Stats’ weighted method, which predicts the scores of the remaining games taking into account home field advantage and team records, there’s a 53.6 per cent chance that Whitecaps FC will qualify for the postseason.
But as illustrated by the remaining schedules of both Vancouver and Portland, it’s shaping up to be a tight race that will likely come down to the wire.
<p align="center">Home matches remaining</p> |
<p align="center">Away matches remaining</p> |
|
<p>Vancouver Whitecaps FC</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p>Portland Timbers</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p align="center">Remaining matches vs.</p><p align="center">playoff teams</p> |
<p align="center">Remaining matches vs.</p><p align="center">non-playoff teams</p> |
|
<p>Vancouver Whitecaps FC</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p>Portland Timbers</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p align="center">2</p> |
<p align="center">Combined record vs. remaining opponents in 2014</p> |
<p align="center">Strength of remaining<br>
opponents*</p> |
|
<p>Vancouver Whitecaps FC</p> |
<p align="center">3W-3L-2D</p> |
<p align="center">1.28</p> |
<p>Portland Timbers</p> |
<p align="center">1W-2L-2D</p> |
<p align="center">1.34</p> |
* Average points per game of remaining opponents, taking into account home and away records (higher the number, more difficult the opponent)
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Remaining schedule:
- vs. FC Dallas on Saturday, October 4 (4 p.m. PT – tickets)
- at Seattle Sounders FC on Friday, October 10 (7 p.m. PT on TSN1)
- at San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, October 18 (7:30 p.m. PT on TSN1)
- vs. Colorado Rapids on Saturday, October 25 (7 p.m. PT – tickets)
PORTLAND TIMBERS
Remaining schedule:
- at San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, October 4 (5 p.m. PT on MLS Live)
- vs. San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, October 8 (7:30 p.m. PT on MLS Live)
- vs. Real Salt Lake on Friday, October 17 (7 p.m. PT on TSN2)
- at FC Dallas on Saturday, October 25 (5:30 p.m. PT on MLS Live)
How do you see the Western Conference playoff race panning out? Let us know in the comment section!
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