Turns out we're #3 in the West after all, and start the playoffs against perennial postseason foe LA Galaxy, at home in November. Let's go.
That was quick. I'm kind of hoping FCD wins the play in, then beats Seattle. If we get past LA, I'd rather avoid playing on turf. If it has to be turf, I'd rather it be Portland. I do think it's kind of funny that whether it was us or FCD in 3rd, we both ended the season at home, so it's home x3 if they get through the play in.
Ah, but right now we get a CCL spot with any of four results: we win MLS Cup, Seattle wins MLS Cup, LA wins MLS Cup, or DC wins MLS Cup. I want the first one to happen, but will accept one of the other three as a secondary thing.
Not to put the cart ahead of this horse, but, if we beat LA, RSL will have a home game after I move to Salt Lake. So I think I'm going to pull for a win. I guess.
Yessssss, I'm glad it's the Saturday game, means I can actually enjoy some good Utah beers before the game starts instead of worrying about work the next day. Thanks for taking care of business, Portland. Can't wait, my first playoff game at the RioT!
Considering how they played against Seattle I wonder if they have lost their mojo? They will have Keane and Gonzalez back so that will change things.
Honestly, I've always thought we match up really good against LA. Not sure why, but it's always a good series.
Bonus Game C! A bit unfortunate that Keane sat out the Seattle game. More chance he'll play next weekend. Here's to a big smack on the a** for Donovan to help send him out on a not so high note.
I believe that would be the case, since LA would already have one for being 2nd, since Seattle can't hold two spots. Side note: Here's hoping DC crashes out before the final. As bad as our history is hosting finals, I'd much rather being cheering the team at home if we make it to the final. Even though we lost, that game against Monterrey is still one of my favorite memories as a fan.
Vancouver is ineligible to take the spot as they are a Canadian team, so it would just go down the line on standings.
I think you stated this wrong. If Vancouver didn't win the Canadian CCL berth (which they did this year), but ended up winning MLS Cup, they absolutely would get the CCL berth for MLS Cup. This is just like Seattle and the US Open Cup berth. MLS Berths (apologies to NASL, USL, etc...): US Open Cup - SEA Eastern Conference - DCU Western Conference - LA (due to SEA already having the US Open Cup slot) Canadian Championship - VAN MLS Cup - TBD If any of those 4 teams win MLS Cup, then it automatically goes to the next highest regular season record, regardless of conference: RSL. So Dallas is the only WC team that could spoil it for us. BOOOOOO DALLAS!!! If DCU got into the final, then any other team besides Dallas from the WC making it to the final would guarantee a CCL berth. GO DCUUUUUUUUUUUU! And there you have it.
Actually a Canadian team can't get a CCL berth through anything other than that Canadian cup thing they do. The ones for MLS Cup, SS, etc, are all for US based teams, as those are the CCL berths given to the US by CONCACAF.
I've thought the same thing, but it might be revisited if a Candian team were to win MLS Cup. The English FA had to consider the same situation for their Europa berths when one of the Welsh teams (Cardiff City, I believe) finished in one of qualifying positions. The FA made an exception and gave the berth to them, regardless of their national affiliation. But I don't think this will happen because it's Canada we're talking about.
I would really love to see us go on another playoff run, but a CCL spot would be a decent way to end the season.
Hey, would you look at that, we're playing LA in the playoffs. Who woulda thought! I this this was the preferred matchup (between LA/Seattle) but it's going to be a hell of a series if we're going to pull it out. I fear LA is going to be playing with a fight similar to when Golden Balls called it quits here. We have to play lights out on defense and find a solution up top fast if we want to pull this out. Anything short of a 2 goal win in this first leg and I'm not overly hopeful. Though, the implementation of the away-goal rule this year should really make this first leg a lot more exciting that would usually be the case with Bruce Arena. RSL needs to win, yes, but it would actually be better to win 1-0 than 2-1. Or better yet, 2-0 over 3-1. Bottom line: cannot give up a goal in this first leg if we want an edge in LA
I expect Keane will be back in the lineup, but perhaps Gargan and Sarvas get the disciplinary boot this week due to their dust-up in Seattle. Going to be tough one - would be nice to have Schuler back. I think Salcedo has done a good job in his place, but he got burned bad by LA last year, especially by Keane. Perhaps he's improved since then, but I guess we'll see. My only wish is for the Sounders to turn into the Flounders about now. Winning a double is bad enough, but think of what they'll be like if they win the triple - "Best MLS team ever", "most dominant/consistent/etc. MLS team of all time", etc. Never mind that LA ran away with the best goal differential all year and broke even with Seattle in their 3 game series (1-1-1).
I'm rooting for FCD, because if we get past this series, I don't want to play on some horrible carpet.