Playoff Scenarios: PlayStation Second Division, Group A

It’s that time of year! The eCup Group Stage is winding down and it’s time to start looking ahead to the Knockout Stage. Before the final matchday of each group, we’ll break down Knockout Stage Scenarios for all twenty-one groups.

Today, we’re breaking down Group A of the PlayStation Second Division. The top three teams in this group will advance to the Knockout Stage. You can view the breakdowns for other groups here.

Remaining Matches:

• Monday, January 24th @ 7:30 p.m. ET | Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. Vlora FC

• Monday, January 24th @ 8:00 p.m. ET | La Barra 608 vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks

• Monday, January 24th @ 8:30 p.m. ET | Vlora FC vs. La Barra 608

La Barra 608 SG (USL1 - SG) - Sitting at a perfect six points through two matches, Omar Anguiano and La Barra 608 control their destiny heading into the final matchday of the group stage.

Two wins on Monday night will clinch the group title and a knockout stage berth for La Barra 608. La Barra will secure at least a share of second place and a berth in the Knockout Stage with just one point from Monday night’s doubleheader against Vlora FC and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The only way for La Barra to finish outside of the top three in Group A is by losing both of their Monday night matches by a cumulative goal difference of twelve goals or more.

Vlora FC (UPSL) - Vlora FC is in the same position as La Barra 608. Led by Hazael Bustamante, Vlora FC is in control of their destiny heading into the final matchday of the group stage.

Two wins on Monday night will clinch the group title and a knockout stage berth for Vlora FC. Vlora will also secure at least a share of second place and a berth in the Knockout Stage with just one point from Monday night’s doubleheader against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and La Barra 608. The only way for Vlora to finish outside of the top three in Group A is by losing both of their Monday night matches by a cumulative goal difference of nine goals or more.

Danubia SC (EPSL) - With all four of their group stage matches complete, Mohamed Asker and Danubia SC are in a good position to qualify for the knockout stage. Danubia currently sits in third in the group on six points entering the final matchday of Group A.

Danubia will finish third in the group if Colorado Springs fails to win either of their two matches against La Barra 608 and Vlora FC, the group leaders, on Monday. Danubia cannot finish higher than third in the group regardless of tomorrow’s results. In any scenario that Colorado Springs earns four points or more from tomorrow’s action, Danubia would finish fourth in the group and on the outside looking in of the knockout stage. Danubia could also be eliminated if Colorado Springs wins one match, finishes with at least a plus two-goal differential from Monday’s games, and the opponent Colorado beats, loses.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USLC) - Despite entering the final matchday in fourth place, Dominik Jacobsen and the Switchbacks control their destiny and could finish anywhere from first to fourth in the group. However, a doubleheader against the group leaders, Vlora FC and La Barra 608, will prove to be anything but an easy task.

The Switchbacks can guarantee themselves a spot in the Knockout Stage with at least four points from tomorrow’s action. Wins in both matches would secure first place in the group, regardless of results elsewhere. Coming away with three points from tomorrow’s action would also give the Switchbacks a reasonable chance to qualify for the Knockout Stage, but a three-point performance would see the group revert to tiebreakers. In any scenario that Colorado amasses less than three points from tomorrow’s action, they will be eliminated from the tournament.

Steel Army SG (USLC - SG) - Steel Army finished the group stage winless and has been eliminated from the tournament.