8. ORANGE AID: The great thing about having games in hand is the mood of optimism it can bring. The worst thing about having games in hand is having to capitalize on them when the chips are down. Orange County SC felt both edges of that sword on Saturday night in a helter-skelter 4-3 victory against Seattle Sounders FC 2 that at the end of the season could prove an important win for OCSC. With a three-goal lead at halftime, the game appeared well in hand, but with S2 also well in contention for a playoff berth the visitors’ comeback attempted at Orange County Great Park almost paid off. The three points put OCSC well in range of the top eight, though, even if the team’s defensive displays continue to be a concern.

9. INDEPENDENT STREAK: Another team looking to take advantage of its games in hand is the Charlotte Independence, and after a second consecutive 2-0 victory – this time against the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium – the club’s ship seems to be set on the right course again. Enzo Martinez’s return to the lineup gave Charlotte a nice boost as the Kickers were again unable to find the score sheet, and helped the Independence move into the eighth and final playoff berth. As mentioned above, there’s always a caveat when it comes to making up ground in the schedule, but with the congestion in the middle of the Eastern standings, the Independence can see a path to the top four from their current spot.

10. HEATING UP: The congestion in the middle of the Eastern Conference became even tighter on Friday night as a magical moment from Pierre Da Silva brought Orlando City B a crucial victory. The talented playmaker’s move to set up Fernando Timbo’s goal against the Rochester Rhinos, which saw the hosts fall for the first time at Capelli Sport Stadium this season, was another example of why Da Silva has been so highly regarded in Orlando’s organization, and as importantly got OCB back into the mix for the playoff positions. With Pittsburgh’s victory the previous night against Tampa Bay, there are now six teams on either 20 or 19 points in the East, setting up some tense contests in the next few weeks.

11. FOLLOWING THROUGH: After seeing its seven-game undefeated streak come to an end last Monday night, Reno 1868 FC didn’t appear to dwell on the disappointment long as it rebounded strongly with a 2-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday to regain a solid foothold in the Western Conference playoff race. The victory was likely a sweet one for Seth Casiple, who scored against his former team for his second goal of the season, and former Timbers Homegrown signing Brent Richards, whose history with the club went all the way back to being the PDL Most Valuable Player in 2010. With a big game against Phoenix up next this Friday night, Greater Nevada Field should be rocking for one of the higher-profile games of Week 15.