I’m stating the obvious, but how we play out the year will dictate how far we go in the playoffs. Unless we go on an absolute tear, I think the SS is out of reach. However, it’s important that we secure third place in the Western Conference. The bye is nice, but more importantly, to secure third place we’ll need to end the year on a bit of a hot streak and momentum is what you need to win playoffs. If we stumble into the playoffs as the fourth or fifth Western Conference team, it’ll be another short and ugly playoff appearance.

I’m a strong believer in Hopecasting, but we control our own destiny here. We have 11 MLS games remaining, and the schedule is favorable. With the exception of @ FC Dallas, every game is quite winnable – our tough games (RSL, Columbus, Union) are at home, and our away matches tend to be middle/lower table teams (NE, Vancouver, Chivas, SKC). Obviously, there are no guaranteed wins in this league and several of these teams are hot right now, but this has set up quite nicely for us. Now we just need to quickly forget about Houston and focus on the next game, and the next game, and the game after that. I’m quite optimistic that we’ll find ourselves in a great position come October (and if LAG stumbles a bit, maybe October matches have some SS implications).

I’m a bit torn by the CCL. I would hate to lose to San Francisco, but not sure 6 more games will be beneficial for a playoff run. I think teams do get streaky, and I’d rather get streaky in the MLS and not have deal with international travel and getting beat up by Monterrey – it’d be near impossible to keep a streak going through the MLS season, CCL and an MLS cup run. On the other hand, I personally enjoy the CCL games immensely and think these games are great opportunities for our developing talent…and it’d be a good way to work in that big DP signing we’re about to announce (fingers crossed). This indecision is most likely my subconscious setting me up to ‘win’ regardless of Wednesday’s outcome.