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 weekend's games produced a <i>BCS</i> success rate of 42.85%. There were three additional midweek games that only gave a <i>BCS</i> success rate of 33.33%, so a favourable Caps weekend is badly needed.
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The Caps won on Saturday away to Columbus, but some teams around them got big results last weekend and in midweek.
This week they face a huge Western Conference clash against leaders San Jose. A win keeps them within five points. A loss and they fall eleven points behind them at this early stage of the season. Whatever result they get against the Earthquakes, they'll still be sitting in a playoff spot.
So what are the <i>”Best Case Scenarios”</i> we’re hoping to see in the rest of the week 9 games this weekend?
Nine games this weekend, over three days. Only two all-Western Conference clashes, five big inter-conference match ups and two all-Eastern ties, so seven matches to keep a really close eye on, including our own.
<b><u>Vancouver Whitecaps v San Jose Earthquakes</u></b>
Current Whitecaps Points: 14 (4th in West)
If Whitecaps Win: 17 points (Best Case Scenario = 3rd in West, five points behind leaders / Worst Case Scenario = 4th, five points behind leaders)
If Whitecaps Draw: 15 points (BCS = 4th / WCS = 5th)
If Whitecaps Lose: 14 points (BCS = 4th / WCS = 5th)
Maximum Points Total Possible: 92
Projected Points Total On Current Results: 59 - 62
Playoff Likelihood: 76.7%
<b><u>Chivas USA v Chicago Fire</u> - Chicago win</b>
The West v East clash is the only Friday night game this weekend. Chivas' surprisingly good start has tailed off with back to back losses, but we still need to see them down the bottom of the table and have to root for the Fire in this one.
<b><u>Toronto v D.C. United</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
An all-eastern clash that holds no interest for Vancouver with regards to playoff hopes, but it will be hilarious to see TFC lose again and become the worst team to ever start a MLS season.
<b><u>Seattle Sounders v Philadelphia Union</u> - Philadelphia win</b>
With their games in hand, Seattle are starting to look like a powerhouse again in the West, especially after their huge win over LA midweek. The Caps need them to have their confidence knocked in this inter-conference clash. Go get 'em Philly!
<b><u>Los Angeles Galaxy v New York Red Bulls</u> - New York win</b>
If you believe MLS' general hype then this is the glamour franchise derby. LA will be desperate to get their stuttering season back on track after their midweek defeat in Seattle. Will a Henryless New York still have what it takes to derail the Galaxy further? We have to hope so and equally hope that the Caps can open up a seven point gap on their Western Conference rivals.
<b><u>Sporting KC v Montreal Impact</u> - No impact on Caps</b>
The second all-eastern clash has no impact on the Caps playoff hopes (no pun intended). We'll still be wanting a KC win though!
<b><u>Real Salt Lake v New England Revolution</u> - New England win</b>
The Revs did the Caps a huge favour midweek in knocking off the Rapids at home. We need them to do another huge favour now on the road and help to reel in Real, which could allow Vancouver to close the gap with Salt Lake to two points.
<b><u>Portland Timbers v Columbus Crew</u> - Columbus win</b>
Both teams badly need a win. Bottom of the west Portland especially so. It's going to be a hard ask for Columbus to go to Piggy Park and get their first win in five games, but the Caps need them to go and do just that. If Vancouver could have a ten point gap over Portland this early in the season, then that could prove massive.
<b><u>FC Dallas v Colorado Rapids</u> - Draw</b>
This weekend's only Sunday game is an all-western clash of huge importance. If San Jose, Real Salt Lake and Seattle keep their current form going, and LA come good like everyone is waiting for, then Vancouver are battling for that fifth and final playoff spot and these two sides are currently our nearest rivals for it. A draw could keep both sides behind the Caps in the standings and could prove to be vital by the end of the season.
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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