MLS Columbus Crew SC

Eight Matches, Eight Finals: MLS Cup Playoffs Fate in Crew's Hands

Published on September 4, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


"We have eight games left, so that's eight more finals that we need to play -- like it is our last game."

That was the sentiment shared by Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter following a road loss to the last-place Montreal Impact on Saturday as the Crew battles to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011. Thanks to a 2-0 D.C. United win over the New York Red Bulls, the Black & Gold remain in playoff position, tied on 33 points with Toronto FC and two points ahead of sixth-place New York.

However, the Crew knows it cannot rely on other teams to falter in a tighlty contested Eastern Conference. Instead, Columbus' fate lies in its own hands -- with seven out of its eight remaining opponents coming from the East. What's more, the Crew's final eight foes have a combined 43-70-37 record, and none of the teams boast a winning percentage over .500. Only the Revolution holds a higher place in the standings, thanks to its win Wednesday against Sporting Kansas City. New England is also the only side on the Crew's remaining schedule with a higher points-per-match average (1.38) than Columbus (1.27).

REMAINING OPPONENTS

TEAM W L D

New England Revolution (36 pts.) 11 12 3

Philadelphia Union (33 pts.) 8 9 9

New York Red Bulls (31 pts.) 7 8 10

Houston Dynamo (28 pts.) 8 13 4

Chivas USA (24 pts.)* 6 13 6

Montreal Impact (20 pts) 5 15 5

*Western Conference opponent

In addition to facing six different opponents over an eight-match span, the Crew plays against the Revolution and the Union twice with a match versus each coming at home and another on the road. The double-fixtures against New England and Philadelphia -- having beaten each club once already in 2014 -- build even more importance with both teams fighting for postseason life just like the Crew.

Though the schedule may be in the Black & Gold's favor, the parity in MLS -- as the Impact showed on Saturday -- is sure to make the final eight matches in the Crew's postseason quest all the more interesting.

Check out the Columbus Crew SC Statistics

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