Playoff Look: Hope Killers

The Columbus Crew are sitting up in the playoff sky loft looking down on the rest of the league. The Crew play two teams on the cusp of the playoffs in the last weeks of the season, New York today and DC United next Sunday. If the Crew beat New York it's likely that NY won't make the playoffs. If The Crew beat DC United it's likely DC won't make the playoffs as well. If the Crew beat both, then Kansas City, Toronto(up 3-1 on Chicago at the moment), and a bevy of Western Conference clubs will most likely have a chance to slide in.

I would point to being "hope killers" as motivation for the Crew. These last two games will have a playoff feel. Probably not in New York atmosphere wise, but still the NY team should be fighting for their lives. The DC game will on the other hand, be a huge one both in the stands and on the field.

If DC United wins next week at CCS, we will play them in the first round of the playoffs. Not exactly the scenario we want, losing to DC United and then having to play them will essientially become a three game series.

Likewise, if the Red Bull's win, we will have to play another game on turf, which is something our team doesn't like to do.

Because of this as well as being a Crew fan, I want the Crew to destroy both of these teams playoff dreams. I have no doubts that whoever we play in a two game series in the playoffs we will beat on aggregate, no matter the conditions. I could see us having a hiccup over one game, but not two. However, I can think of a couple more favorable opponents. I would take Kansas City, Toronto, or a Western Conference opponent over these two.

The DC v. Crew game will be sold out or close to it because the home finale was combined with every Beckham pack. Additionally, the DC United rivalry games bring a good crowd and it's Supporters Shield night, with a whole ceremony. So, it will definitely be out of control. The Crew need to be up for this playoff-like game or they will have two more against DC. You really don't want an opponent that is familiar with you come playoff time.


What I'm hoping for as a fan of playoff atmosphere: Either we play DC or Toronto in the first round and then Chicago in the Eastern Conference. It's not the matchup I would select from a easy stand point. I just want, as a fan, to be able to travel the away leg. All sets of fans support their teams well (like us) and it would make for a better atmosphere and more playoff intensity.

What I'm hoping for the Crew to face as an easy road: Either Kansas City or a Western Conference opponent. Although then again, not sure if long travel would make for an easy opponent.