Every week we’re going to bring you our look at the upcoming games that weekend and what we hope to see from those to benefit the Caps to the max, along with what impact the different results from the Whitecaps own match has to our playoff hopes.
For some background to our feature, see <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?3099-Schedule-Dynamics-Adding-Interest-To-MLS-Season" target="_blank">HERE</a>.
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Last week's games produced a <i>BCS</i> success rate of 58.33%.
The Caps lost in midweek, and did more damage to their playoff hopes than anyone else. They can bounce back in an all important Western Conference clash on Saturday, but what are the <i>”Best Case Scenarios”</i> we’re hoping to see in the rest of the week 7 games?
Eight games this weekend. Three all-Western Conference clashes, two inter-conference match ups and three all-Eastern ties, so five matches to keep a really close eye on, including our own.
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<b><u>Vancouver Whitecaps v Dallas</u></b>
Current Whitecaps Points: 8 (7th in West)
If Whitecaps Win: 11 points (Best Case Scenario = 3rd in West, five points behind leaders / Worst Case Scenario = 5th, seven points behind leaders)
If Whitecaps Draw: 9 points (BCS = 6th / WCS = 7th)
If Whitecaps Lose: 8 points (BCS = 7th / WCS = 8th)
Maximum Points Total Possible: 92
Projected Points Total On Current Results: 45 - 48
Playoff Likelihood: 55%
<b><u>Toronto v Chicago Fire</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
All eastern clash. No real interest or impact on Caps playoff hopes, but we have an interest as it's Toronto. Have to root for a Chicago win in the hope that Toronto's Win-Draw-Loss column will soon turn them into the James Bond team of MLS - 007. Two losses to go!
<b><u>Columbus Crew v Houston Dynamo</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
Another all eastern clash, with no impact on Caps playoff hopes. Although with the Caps travelling to Columbus next Saturday, a feisty match with Crew suspensions and injuries would be nice.
<b><u>Colorado Rapids v Los Angeles Galaxy</u> - Draw (LA win close second)</b>
This all Western clash will test the Galaxy to see if they are back on track after their defeat of Portland. A draw would probably be the best result for the Caps, although if LA are about to get in their stride, a LA win is the close second best result in order to keep points away from Colorado, when every point could count between them and the Caps come the end of the season.
<b><u>Portland Timbers v Sporting Kansas City</u> - Kansas City win</b>
West v East, so we need Kansas City to keep their 100% start to the season going at what will be a hostile Piggy Park. Ideally we want the Timbers to take the lead and then blow it again just to hit their morale all the more.
<b><u>Chivas v Philadelphia Union</u> - Philadelphia win</b>
The second West v East match-up of the weekend. We keep saying that we don't think Chivas will be anywhere near the playoffs, but they're getting the points on the board. We need Philly to find some away form and get their first road win of the season.
<b><u>San Jose Earthquakes v Real Salt Lake</u> - Draw</b>
The game of the weekend. First v Second in the West. It's mouthwatering but we badly need it to end in a draw to keep both sides from opening up any bigger gap on the Caps and the rest. Keep your enemies closer is the motto for this one.
<b><u>D.C. United v New York Red Bulls</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
The only Sunday game this week and it's an all eastern clash. No real interest in who wins, but New York are a hard team to like.
So that’s what we’re rooting for this weekend. Let’s see how it all leaves the Caps looking come Sunday evening.
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