Whitecaps a Win Away from MLS Postseason

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC got some help from Chivas USA this past weekend as The Goats drew FC Dallas 1-1 on Sunday. Dallas, trailing Vancouver by five points in the standings, were unable to keep pace with the ‘Caps after Vancouver trounced Chivas 4-0 on Wednesday.

With the draw, Dallas was only able to gain one point on Vancouver and now trail the ‘Caps by 4 with two matches remaining.

The Whitecaps can earn their first Major League Soccer playoff spot, and the first by a Canadian team, by beating Cascadia rivals Portland on October 21st. Vancouver can also lock down a playoff position that night through two other means listed below.

VANCOUVER WILL QUALIFY FOR THE POST-SEASON IF:

Vancouver wins against Portland on October 21st, 2012

or

FC Dallas loses to Seattle on October 21st, 2012

or

If Vancouver ties Portland AND FC Dallas tie Seattle on October 21st, 2012.

Both Vancouver and Dallas have two matches remaining to try and solid a playoff position. Both teams are battling for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. San Jose has already claimed the number one seed in the western conference, while LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and Seattle have all qualified for the post-season and battling for positioning (seeds 2 through 4).

Vancouver can do no better than fifth spot in the West and cannot gain enough points to host the MLS Cup Final should the team make the title match.