Vancouver makes playoffs for sixth straight year as Cincinnati loses 6-1
August 27, 2002 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER (Tuesday, August 27, 2002) - The Vancouver Whitecaps have secured a place in the A-League playoffs following the elimination of the Cincinnati Riverhawks who lost 6-1 away to the Milwaukee Rampage Tuesday night. This is the sixth straight year that Vancouver has qualified for the post-season, as the Whitecaps are now guaranteed of finishing no lower than sixth place in the Western Conference.
Vancouver will face either the Minnesota Thunder, Milwaukee Rampage, or Portland Timbers in the first round of the playoffs in a two-game total-goals series, which could begin as early as Wednesday, September 4. It may well come down to Vancouver's final game of the season, Monday, September 2, at home to Portland, before Vancouver's playoff opponent is determined.
A Vancouver win against Portland combined with the El Paso Patriots losing to Seattle on Thursday, August 29, would likely move Vancouver ahead of El Paso in the standings, and set up a playoff date with Portland. Otherwise, the Whitecaps would play either Minnesota, Milwaukee, or even Portland if they can overtake Minnesota. (Note that if Vancouver beats Portland and finishes tied on points with El Paso, then Vancouver would finish ahead of the Patriots based on Most Wins).
In each conference, seeds #1 and #2 get a bye to the second round, while in the first round #3 plays #6 and #4 plays #5. The higher seeded team gets the choice of opening the two-game total-goals series at home or on the road.
NOTE: Contrary to the original schedule released before the season, Vancouver does not have a game in Portland on September 1. That game was rescheduled and played earlier this month.
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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from August 27, 2002
- Vancouver makes playoffs for sixth straight year as Cincinnati loses 6-1 - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Timbers to Host September 5 Playoff Match - Portland Timbers
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