Every Point Counts: USL Playoff Seedings
(REPUBLIC FC) - Sacramento Republic FC successfully secured their spot in the 2015 USL Playoffs with a win over Vancouver Whitecaps 2 on September 6. However, the race for the West Conference table is tighter than ever. With just two weeks left in the regular season, only two points separate Republic FC (12-8-5, 41 pts) from Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Energy FC (12-7-7, 43 pts).
To date, five Western Conference clubs have clinched a spot in the playoffs: Republic FC, Colorado Switchbacks FC, LA Galaxy II, Orange County Blues FC and Energy FC.
Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders FC 2, Tulsa Roughnecks FC and Arizona United SC are battling to earn the last spot. S2 needs to earn just two points in their final two matches to clinch. Arizona United SC must win their remaining three matches and have S2 earn less than two points in their final two matches. Roughnecks FC are a long shot, hoping that S2 loses their last two matches and Arizona United SC does not win out.
As the conference currently stands, any one of the five clubs who have clinched a playoff spot can still win the Western Conference.
While Energy FC currently leads the West, they've struggled over the past week, losing twice, which has opened the doors for the Switchbacks FC, Blues FC and Republic FC to move within target range of a top-two playoff spot. All three of those clubs have played 25 matches, while Energy FC and LA Galaxy II each have 26 under their belts this season, making it possible for Republic FC to earn a conference tittle at the end of the regular season.
Republic FC can control their destiny by winning their remaining three matches, which will help the club maximize their potential points and secure higher seeding in the playoffs. Two wins and a draw might be enough to earn a first round playoff match at home, however securing all nine points will all but guarantee a top two finish in the conference.
Although just two weeks remain of the USL regular season, the Western Conference is so close it's nearly impossible to predict where in the final standings each club will land. Based on point potential, Republic FC is in a strong position to move into the top two when looking at maximum points for each club:
- Energy FC are currently at 43 points with a maximum of 49, with two matches remaining
- LA Galaxy II have 42 points out of a possible 48, with two matches left
- Switchbacks FC are at 42 points and can earn up to 51; three matches remain for the club
- Blues FC are also at 42 points with a maximum potential of 51; three matches remain including one against Republic FC on September 16
- Republic FC currently sit in fifth place with 41 points, but can earn up to 50 points.
Republic FC hope to extend their two-match winning streak as the club goes on the road for this Saturday's match at Portland Timbers FC 2. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. The match will be streamed at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.
