Although we have a large lead in the points column, the trailing teams do have games in-hand. The Espanyol game this Saturday will give some of these teams the chance to pick up a few games, this time next week we will have a more accurate picture of how the top of the table can pan out. Speaking of the top of the table, let’s take a closer look at the pack leaders.

The top four teams are beginning to separate themselves a bit from the rest of the pack, but only by a little. Right now Cincinnati, Charleston, Pittsburgh, and Louisville 12 points apart, however when you look at each team’s points possible you will see these four teams are only separated by 6 points. As mentioned above this week’s international friendly will give teams a chance to pick up a few games. The next time we see FCC play we will see Charleston level on games and Pittsburgh and Louisville pick up two games.

Before I leave talk of the top four teams, I want to point out the two new numbers which fans of the top four will be interested in. Taking a look at the spreadsheet, you will see I have added points to clinch home-field advantage and to clinch first place. I will not make a lot of commentary on these new fields yet but I’ll begin to mention them more as they become a little easier to predict.

Next let’s look at the rest of the playoff field. Let’s just say this week gave us some interesting results. Tampa Bay and Ottawa both earned wins which helped them move up in the standings, Ottawa into a playoff spot and Tampa just two points shy. But the battle for the last four playoff spots is as hot as ever! Looking at the points possible, teams 5 to 15 are only 12 points apart. Three of these teams (Nashville, Charlotte, and Ottawa) are tied for 7th on current points, with Ottawa taking the 7th place spot due to their 8 wins over the other’s 7. This playoff battle is sure to be fun for neutral fans but nerve-wracking for fans of the teams involved.