WPS Playoff picture update
by WPS - Communications
09/02/2010 - 02:09 p.m.
With a win on Sunday and a little help, the Washington Freedom could clinch the final spot in the WPS Playoffs presented by MedImmune.
SAN FRANCSICO (Sept. 2, 2010) – Following Wednesday’s games, just one post-season berth remains up for grabs as the Boston Breakers and Philadelphia Independence joined FC Gold Pride in securing spots in the WPS Playoffs presented by MedImmune. Also, still to be determined: who will host the WPS Super Semifinal and the WPS First Round. Here are the playoff scenarios heading into Sunday’s games:
Sunday’s Games – Sept. 5
Chicago Red Stars vs Washington Freedom, 6pm ET on FSC
Atlanta Beat vs Sky Blue FC, 6pm ET
FC Gold Pride vs Boston Breakers, 9pm ET
FC Gold Pride (14-3-5, 47 points)
The Bay Area side has clinched the top seed in the WPS Playoffs presented by MedImmune and will host the WPS Championship presented by Citi on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT.
Boston Breakers (10-7-5, 35 points)
With a win over the Beat on Wednesday, the Breakers clinched a post-season berth and a home playoff game. They also put themselves in the driver’s seat to earn the second seed. If Boston defeats FC Gold Pride on Sunday, the Breakers will host the WPS Super Semifinal.
Philadelphia Independence (10-9-4, 34 points)
The Independence lost their third straight game on Wednesday but still backed into the playoffs when Sky Blue FC managed only a tie against FC Gold Pride. Philadelphia has just one game left on its regular season schedule and is idle this weekend, but can still clinch a home playoff game if the Freedom lose or tie. Should Boston win and the Freedom lose or tie on Sunday, the Independence will host the WPS First Round.
Washington Freedom (7-8-7, 28 points)
The Freedom were idle on Wednesday but benefited from Sky Blue FC only picking up one point against FC Gold Pride. Now the Freedom can clinch the fourth and final playoff berth on Sunday with a win and a Sky Blue FC loss or tie. A Freedom tie and a Sky Blue FC loss would also nail down a spot in the post-season. And for the Freedom to have any chance of hosting the WPS First Round, they must pick up a full three points against the Red Stars.
Sky Blue FC (7-10-5, 26 points)
If Sky Blue FC is victorious against the Atlanta Beat on Sunday, they are still in the playoff race. With any other result against Atlanta, the New Jersey side will need help to stay alive. If Sky Blue FC ties the Beat, the Freedom must tie or lose. If Sky Blue FC loses to the Beat, the Freedom must lose as well. Otherwise, the reigning WPS Champion won’t have the opportunity to defend its title.
Chicago Red Stars (6-11-6, 24 points)
The Chicago Red Stars have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Atlanta Beat (5-12-5, 20 points)
With their loss to the Boston Breakers on Wednesday, the Atlanta Beat were eliminated from playoff contention.