NPSL Golden Gate Conference Final Weekend Preview & Playoff Scenarios
The final weekend in the Golden Gate Conference is perfectly poised for drama with 4 teams still alive for 3 playoff spots. Three total matches will be played on the final weekend. The Stompers will travel to Sacramento to face the Gold on July 2nd, while the Sonoma County Sol will first host CD Aguiluchos USA on July 2nd before traveling to face the Real San Jose in a make up game just a day later on the 3rd.
CD Aguiluchos USA
Remaining games: 1
Points: 24
Goal difference: +17
The scenarios for Aguiluchos are pretty simple: a win or a draw in Sonoma and they will win the regular season Conference title. With the Conference tittle comes at least 2 guaranteed home playoff games. But if they lose to Sonoma, they do leave the door open to the Sonoma County Sol or possibly the Sacramento Gold to win the Conference title.
Sacramento Gold FC
Remaining games: 1
Points: 21
Goal difference: +2
The Gold are currently in second place, 2 points ahead of the Stompers who they will host on Saturday. A win or draw for Sacramento against the Stompers would all but guarantee them a playoff spot. As well, the regular season title is not unreachable for the Gold, but they would need a lot to happen. They have to make up a large goal differential, and all the stars would need to align as to who wins the other 2 matches not involving them.
Sonoma County Sol
Remaining games: 2
Points: 20
Goal difference: +11
The Sol are the only team remaining with two games to play, and must do so on back to back days on the final weekend of the season. On the bright side, the future is completely in their own hands. They first face top dog Aguiluchos in a title bout, knowing a win puts them just a point behind for the first seed in the playoffs. This gives them a chance to then beat San Jose the following day to take the regular season Conference title. With 2 or more points from these two matches, they are guaranteed a playoff spot. However, anything less could end in a rare missed playoff appearance for Sonoma.
East Bay FC Stompers
Remaining games: 1
Points: 19
Goal difference: +3
The Stompers must win their final match to reach their first NPSL playoffs in club history. A win would put them a point ahead of Sacramento and into 3rd place to secure the final spot. They could also go as high as second place if Sonoma were to fall in both of their final two games. Anything less than a win and the Stompers will have to wait until next year for their first playoff run.
The final weekend in the Golden Gate Conference is not something to be missed. There are 4 teams left for 3 playoff spots, and 3 teams with at least a shot at the regular season title. The Aguiluchos vs. Sonoma match will likely determine the regular season title. The winner of the Stompers vs. Gold match will likely determine the 3rd and final playoff spot.
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