Playoff picture: Talking potential opponents, home playoff games, and more

VANCOUVER, BC – Sorry Jim Mora, we need to talk about the playoffs.

As you’ve surely heard by now, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are headed back to the dance (also known as the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs) for the second straight year.

But they still have a whole lot to play for.

• Visit whitecapsfc.com/playoffs for ticket info, important dates, and more!

As it stands, the ‘Caps are third in the Western Conference with two matches remaining.

On Wednesday, they’re away at FC Dallas and then they host Houston Dynamo on Sunday, October 25 to conclude the regular season.

“We’re going to try to hit form in the final two games to go in with a smile on our face,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “Because once you’re in, who knows? Who knows?”

Now that they’re in, it’s all about seeding.

What do the ‘Caps need out of their final two to secure a home playoff game? Could they still get a bye to the conference semis? And who might be their opponent?

Let’s take a look at the different scenarios.

PLAYOFF FORMAT

First, here’s a refresher on this year’s new playoff format.

The top two teams in the conference will advance directly to the two-leg conference semifinal, while the remaining four teams will play a single-elimination Knockout Round match (No. 3 vs. No. 6 and No. 4 vs. No. 5). That means the top four teams in the conference are guaranteed to host a playoff game.

HOME PLAYOFF GAME

This is still very much within reach.

If the ‘Caps earn four points from their remaining two matches, they will secure a home playoff date regardless of other results. So it’s still very much in their hands.

There’s also a good chance three points would do it.

In that case, though, it may come down to a tiebreaker should Seattle win their remaining two matches (away vs. Houston and home vs. RSL). Both teams would be on 53 points and 16 wins, which is the first tiebreaker. The next tiebreaker is goal differential – Whitecaps FC currently have a two-goal advantage.

Portland can also reach 53 points if they win out. However, they can only get to 15 wins, meaning Vancouver and Seattle would hold the tiebreaker in this scenario.

TOP TWO FINISH

The ‘Caps will need some help for this to happen.

However, they’re still mathematically in contention.  

When you look at maximum possible points (see below), the three teams that can finish ahead of Vancouver in the Western Conference standings are Dallas, LA, and Sporting KC. So without getting into the nitty gritty of magic numbers and such, the ‘Caps need them to drop some points.

Things would become very, very interesting if Whitecaps FC can pull out three points in Dallas next week, because then Dallas’ maximum point total would also drop to 57.

Also of note, Sporting KC host LA Galaxy in their regular season finale. So one of those teams is guaranteed to drop points.

POTENTIAL OPPONENTS

As you can see, there are still many different scenarios that could unfold so it’s still a little early to predict. But if the playoffs started today, Whitecaps FC would host sixth-place San Jose Earthquakes in a one-game Knockout Round match on either Wednesday, October 28 or Thursday, October 29 at BC Place.

It’s also very possible the ‘Caps could host Portland in the 3 vs. 6 matchup or Seattle in the 4 vs. 5 matchup. A Cascadia playoff derby? Where do I sign?  

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.