Volt League Week 16 preview
(image via Volt League)
Week 16 is here and it’s time to take out our calculators, pen and paper, and start doing some math as the playoffs are closer than ever. Let’s take a peek at what could happen this weekend.
4 FC Nightwatch v 5 Ghosttown Saints - 10:30 AM
The Blue Owls mathematically could clinch a direct semifinal spot, but for this to happen they would have to win their three final matches and Green Flag FC would have to either lose all of theirs or tie one and lose the other two. There’s also AC Juniors in the way that also would have to go pointless in their three final matches. The Saints are in the playoff picture but there are some situations that would leave them out. Rovers and Houstonians, with some games in hand, could make a perfect run and hope the Saints don’t gain any points in their last three matches. With a win, the Saints would free themselves from Houston Rovers and would only have to worry about Houstonians’ matches. At the end of the day only six points separate these two and they will also would have to look at the playoff bracket and how a win could affect their route to a championship game.
9 Houstonians FC v 6 International SC - 1:00 PM
Today, Houstonians occupy the relegation playoff position but they still have chances to make it into the playoffs, even as the final seed. They are only five points away from Inter with a couple of games more in hand. This game will be a HUGE one for them. As Inter occupy the last playoff spot, they will need to come into this match and defend it with all they have because Houstonians is a club that is gunning for that final coveted spot.
10 Frankfurt Athletic v 1 MAFC - POSTPONED
Unfortunately, this match won’t be played this weekend, but it would have been an interesting one. The team that holds the top spot and already clinched to the playoffs in MAFC and on the other side, a team that currently sits at the bottom of the table with a chance to get relegated to VOLT 2. With some matches in hand, Frankfurt have the opportunity to potentially fight their way out of that spot and mathematically clinch a playoff spot in the best of scenarios and get out of the relegation fight in the worst of them. MAFC, the once “only club to be undefeated” have dropped a few games in the past weeks and look to continue their dominance of that top spot with Green Flag FC and AC Juniors looking to dethrone them if they happen to stumble once more in these last few matches. The honor of being the best of the regular season is at play for the Lions.
8 FC Seinfeld v 3 AC Juniors - 6:00 PM
The Goats started somewhat slow in the beginning of the season and after a few good signings into the squad the team turned things around and left the bottom of the table. They now have an opportunity to potentially clinch the last playoff spot but they will need three points in each of the last matches they have. In front of them this weekend they have AC Juniors with some ambitions of their own. Juniors, who already have a playoff spot, now look at making their position the best one possible. A bye week and a direct semifinal spot is on the line as they are only four points away from Green Flag and five from MAFC.
2 Greenflag FC v 7 Houston Rovers - 8:00 PM
Green Flag hold a direct semifinal direct but look to every MAFC move, looking for a mistake to dethrone them from that top spot every week. There is only a one point difference between both clubs. AC Juniors also look at them for their mistake to take over that second spot on the table with only four points difference between those two clubs. Every move counts, every point counts. Rovers stand in front of Green Flag, and with one game in hand, Rovers are only four points from that last playoff berth. Rovers need to play perfect matches to steer clear of any relegation nonsense and possibly squeeze themselves into the playoffs.
To summarize what we have got coming in Match Week 16, EVERYONE needs the three points. From escaping relegation to holding the honorable first place, every club in Volt League have something to play for this weekend. Nothing is said and done until the final whistle blows. Until then, I hope you can join us either in person at the Matias Almeyda Training Center or online on the Volt League You Tube Channel for a LIVE broadcast with LIVE commentary.
