While it might be quite a 1 in a million chance, it's no secret the Switchbacks need help to make the playoffs. With a tough stretch of results in August/September, Switchbacks are no longer controllers of their own destiny as they push for the 2017 USL Playoffs. Currently sitting in 9th place with 38 points, the Switchbacks need to make up a 5 point gap on 8th place OKC Energy FC or 7th place Tulsa who both have 43 points. Here's a look at how the Western Conference table looks:
While it might be quite a 1 in a million chance, it’s no secret the Switchbacks need help to make the playoffs. With a tough stretch of results in August/September, Switchbacks are no longer controllers of their own destiny as they push for the 2017 USL Playoffs. Currently sitting in 9th place with 38 points, the Switchbacks need to make up a 5 point gap on 8th place OKC Energy FC or 7th place Tulsa who both have 43 points. Here’s a look at how the Western Conference table looks:
z- Clinched Playoff Spot
e- Eliminated From Playoffs
The breaking of ties in the final standings, playoffs and finals is accomplished by applying the following criteria, in order of importance:
- Total wins in League games.
- Goal difference in League games.
- Goals scored in League games.
- Ranking based on points earned against top four Conference finishers.
- If number of games is unequal, then point percentage applies.
- FIFA Fair Play – Team with fewest disciplinary points in League games.
- If number of games is unequal, points will be divided by games played to arrive at a common basis for comparison.
- Lottery conducted by USL.
z- Clinched Playoff Spot
e- Eliminated From Playoffs
The breaking of ties in the final standings, playoffs and finals is accomplished by applying the following criteria, in order of importance:
- Total wins in League games.
- Goal difference in League games.
- Goals scored in League games.
- Ranking based on points earned against top four Conference finishers.
- If number of games is unequal, then point percentage applies.
- FIFA Fair Play – Team with fewest disciplinary points in League games.
- If number of games is unequal, points will be divided by games played to arrive at a common basis for comparison.
- Lottery conducted by USL.
So what does this mean? First off, this means the Switchbacks HAVE to win their final two matches to even have a shot at the playoffs. This also means The Switchbacks are going to want to pay really close attention to matches involving Tulsa, OKC, and Orange County. What results do the Switchbacks want to see? Take a look below at all the key games to watch.
So what does this mean? First off, this means the Switchbacks HAVE to win their final two matches to even have a shot at the playoffs. This also means The Switchbacks are going to want to pay really close attention to matches involving Tulsa, OKC, and Orange County. What results do the Switchbacks want to see? Take a look below at all the key games to watch.
October 7th
Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs Seattle Sounders FC 2 | 6:00 PM MT
Why it's important: Assuming Tulsa falls on the road to Phoenix in the mid-week matchup, another loss accompanied by a Switchbacks win against Sacramento will set up a season finale between the Switchbacks and Tulsa in the season finale should Orange county fail to get a win their game in-hand.
Best Case Result: Seattle wins
Unfavorable Results: Tulsa wins or draws
Orange County SC vs Reno 1868 FC | 8:00 PM MT
Why it's important: The Switchbacks next rival to the final playoff spot is 10th place Orange County. Should the Switchbacks get three points against Sacramento at home, an OC loss or draw will widen the gap.
Best Case Result: Reno wins or draw
Unfavorable Results: Orange County wins
October 7th
Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs Seattle Sounders FC 2 | 6:00 PM MT
Why it’s important: Assuming Tulsa falls on the road to Phoenix in the mid-week matchup, another loss accompanied by a Switchbacks win against Sacramento will set up a season finale between the Switchbacks and Tulsa in the season finale should Orange county fail to get a win their game in-hand.
Best Case Result: Seattle wins
Unfavorable Results: Tulsa wins or draws
Orange County SC vs Reno 1868 FC | 8:00 PM MT
Why it’s important: The Switchbacks next rival to the final playoff spot is 10th place Orange County. Should the Switchbacks get three points against Sacramento at home, an OC loss or draw will widen the gap.
Best Case Result: Reno wins or draw
Unfavorable Results: Orange County wins
OCTOBER 8TH
OKC Energy FC vs Swope Park Rangers | 4:00 PM MT
Why it's important: Regardless of a Switchbacks win against Sacramento on Saturday, a win or draw by OKC could eliminate the Switchbacks from the playoffs unless Tulsa loses both matches this week.
Best Case Result: Swope Park wins
Unfavorable Results: OKC wins or draws
OCTOBER 8TH
OKC Energy FC vs Swope Park Rangers | 4:00 PM MT
Why it’s important: Regardless of a Switchbacks win against Sacramento on Saturday, a win or draw by OKC could eliminate the Switchbacks from the playoffs unless Tulsa loses both matches this week.
Best Case Result: Swope Park wins
Unfavorable Results: OKC wins or draws
So essentially, the Switchbacks need to:
- Win the rest of their games
- Hope Tulsa or OKC lose their next two games
- Hope OC loses or draws their game-in-hand
All of this provides an interesting scenario as the Switchbacks get ready to host Sacramento this Saturday, October 7th at 6:00 P.M. in their home finale in a match to be aired on ESPN 3. Fans 21+ should arrive early as a limited amount of free beer will be available once the gates open at 5:00 courtesy of Budweiser. The Switchbacks will be celebrating Fan Appreciation Night with an end of the year party theme. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.
So essentially, the Switchbacks need to:
- Win the rest of their games
- Hope Tulsa or OKC lose their next two games
- Hope OC loses or draws their game-in-hand
All of this provides an interesting scenario as the Switchbacks get ready to host Sacramento this Saturday, October 7th at 6:00 P.M. in their home finale in a match to be aired on ESPN 3. Fans 21+ should arrive early as a limited amount of free beer will be available once the gates open at 5:00 courtesy of Budweiser. The Switchbacks will be celebrating Fan Appreciation Night with an end of the year party theme. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.
