Playoff picture - Oct. 15
10/15/2009 3:57 PM by Kyle Sheldon
One might think with only two games remaining (for all teams except Chivas USA, who has played 27, and New York, who've played 29) in the 2009 season, the playoff picture would be fairly straight forward. If you happened to think this, however, you'd be wrong - things are not very clear at all and the standings are tight. With nine teams fighting for four remaining playoff spots, there are a number of different scenarios that could result in United making the post-season.
We do know that United has to win at least one of its final two games to even have a shot of making the playoffs. Following, are the different scenarios for D.C. that would result in the team extending its season.
If United earns three points in its final two games, putting the team at 39 points, here are the maximum number of points other teams could earn without catching D.C.
Revolution: 0
Salt Lake: 1
FC Dallas: 2
Toronto FC: 2
If United earns four points in its final two games, putting the team at 40 points, here are the maximum number of points other teams could earn without catching D.C.
Revolution: 1
Salt Lake: 2
FC Dallas: 3
Toronto FC: 3
If United earns six points in its final two games, putting the team at 42 points, here are the maximum number of points other teams could earn without catching D.C.
Seattle: 0
Chicago: 1
Colorado: 1
Revolution: 3
Salt Lake: 4
FC Dallas: 4
Toronto FC: 4
Matters are complicated when one considers the schedule for each of the competing teams...
These scenarios don't factor in tie-breakers in the event United ends up level on points with another team. Seattle (41 points)
@ KC, v. DAL
Chicago (41 points)
@ NE, v. CHV
Colorado (40 points)
@ DAL, @RSL
New England (38 points)
v. CHI, @ CLB
Real Salt Lake (37 points)
@TFC, v. COL
Dallas (36 points)
V. COL, @ SEA
D.C. United (36 points)
V. CLB, @ KC
Toronto (36 points)
V. RSL @ NYRB
That said, we know what is needed from the Black-and-Red on Saturday... the full three points. At that time, we’ll will reconvene and sort details that would see United into the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Comments
7 Comments
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10/15/2009 6:03 PM by Cal
Don't kid yourself, Kyle. The only realistic scenario for making the playoffs involves us sweeping the last two games.
If we only get 3 points, then already we're eliminated from spots 1-7. If we only get 4 points, it's the same story: we can't catch spots 1-6 and barring some astonishingly lopsided results, we're already effectively eliminated from the 7th spot because Colorado owns the tiebreaker against us on goal differential.
All that is without the other teams playing a single game. And some of them, unlike us, seem to have the capacity to win.
So we'd have to sweep our games (ha!) and hope that other teams stumble (all of them!). You know what I have to say to that? See you next year ...
10/15/2009 8:57 PM by ad3
This is what's wrong with our team, Real Salt Lake, Fc dallas, and toronto fc fans all believe they can still make the post season. One month ago some of you guys said we would win the supporters sheild and now you have given up. If dc lose to columbus no one can complain at all since no one even thinks we can win two games in a row.
10/15/2009 10:40 PM by Cal
All those teams are better coached than ours.
10/16/2009 12:02 AM by Unitedfootballfan
Hate to say it BUT we'll see you next year and then we maybe able to reach the playoff and it will be sweet with a NEW HEAD COACH first year coaching the Black and Red makes it into the playoffs. Sorry Tommy but I and thousands of fans believe that it's time for a change. You will have no problems finding another club,I believe if you head up north about 200 miles the New York Red Bulls will be looking for someone.Just think you will get a brand new stadium to work out of. And with them you can't go any lower then this year. PS: Once again Tommy we're sorry to have to say it YOUR FIRED, thanks Donald Trump!!!!!
10/16/2009 1:38 PM by JB252
Kyle, i appreciate the positive outlook. It ain't over till its over. Vamos United!!!
10/16/2009 2:23 PM by Johnny United
Other teams to root for this weekend (gasp!):
Chicago beating Revs
Real Salt Lake draw with Toronto
Colorado beating Dallas
and of course DC beating the Crew!
10/16/2009 3:36 PM by ISTAND4UNITED
I really miss the BLACK OUT!
Gracias; MR. Tom Soehn