VANCOUVER, BC – The race for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference will come down to the final weekend of the 2014 MLS season.
After picking up a valuable point in a scoreless draw with San Jose Earthquakes over the weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC remain in the driver’s seat with a one-point lead over Portland Timbers.
The situation is clear for the ‘Caps heading into Saturday’s regular season finale against Colorado Rapids (7 p.m. PT, TSN1): win and they’re in. However, as illustrated below, there are a few different scenarios depending on Portland’s result against FC Dallas on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT.
- If the Timbers beat FC Dallas, Whitecaps FC need a win to qualify.
- If the Timbers lose to FC Dallas, Whitecaps FC will automatically qualify regardless of their result against Colorado.
- If the Timbers draw with FC Dallas, Whitecaps FC need a draw to qualify.
Essentially, the ‘Caps need to match Portland’s result to secure their second playoff berth since joining MLS in 2011. Whitecaps FC should know the outcome of the Portland-Dallas match by halftime of their own game.
As for who Whitecaps FC would meet in the Knockout Round (fourth vs. fifth) if they qualify for the postseason, that’s also still up in the air. What is clear: they would visit either Real Salt Lake or FC Dallas on Wednesday, October 29 or Thursday, October 30.
If the season ended today, it would be Real Salt Lake, who trail third-place Dallas by one point. RSL are set to host Chivas USA on Wednesday in their regular season finale.
Finally, if Whitecaps FC were to win the fourth vs. fifth matchup, they would host Seattle Sounders FC or LA Galaxy in the first leg of the Western Conference semifinal (first vs. fourth/fifth) on either Saturday, November 1 or Sunday, November 2 at BC Place.
If the season ended today, it would be Seattle, as they’re the top team in the Western Conference by virtue of the tiebreaker. Sounders FC would clinch the top spot with a draw or win at home against LA on Saturday (11:30 a.m. PT, TSN2).
Games to watch:
- Wednesday, October 22: Real Salt Lake vs. Chivas USA (6:30 p.m. PT on MLS Live)
- Saturday, October 25: Seattle Sounders FC vs. LA Galaxy (11:30 a.m. PT on TSN2)
- Saturday, October 25: FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers (5:30 p.m. PT on MLS Live)
- Saturday, October 25: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Colorado Rapids (7 p.m. PT on TSN1) - limited tickets available
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