How the Hearts Can Get A Home Playoff Game

With 7 games left to go, all eyes fall to the table and that duel for a top 4 finish. Photo Courtesy of Chris Linscott

While not yet official, based on their current performance, the Hearts of Pine seem destined to meet their pre-season goal of qualifying for the USL1 Playoffs in their inaugural season. This is a major accomplishment in itself and as Coach Murphy reiterated the other night on Coach's Corner its important to enjoy this moment. That said, the boys run of form has been excellent and the conversation has started to shift to wonder if they can move up the table to claim a top 4 finish. Difficult a goal as it may be, a strong finish to the season with a top 4 finish will secure a home playoff match and the title of highest ranked expansion side this season.

With targets now set of FC Naples, Hearts need a combination of steadfast play on their part, and some lucky breaks to meet that goal. Already some league commentators have said it’s unlikely Hearts overtake Naples (looking at you, Mr. Morrissey) but we've already proven them wrong (for a reminder, look back to the USL Show pre-season rankings). That said, let's engage in some healthy speculation and look at just 1 way the Hearts can get that coveted home playoff game. Here we review each game Hearts of Pine & FC Naples has left this season and see what results will get us to that home playoff game.:

Week 1:

Titus Washington has come into full form in back half of the season. With ample support from various sources up top, he will make things happen for Hearts. Photo Courtesy of Chris Linscott

Hearts of Pine vs. Texoma

Required Outcome: Win

Things to Consider: Despite a mid-season run, Texoma has slipped significantly and have only won 1 of their last 5 games and only won 2 away games all season.

FC Naples vs AV Alta

Required Outcome: Win or worse

Things to Consider: While Alta has either won or drawn Naples both time they have gone to California this season, its very hard to expect the same form to carry over after a coast-to-coast flight especially given Alta’s recent form of no wins in 9 games but let's hope they reclaim that magic for 1 night (and 1 night only).

After Week Points Total: Hearts - 40 Naples- 44

Week 2:

Some injuries have complicated the roster, especially on the back line. The return of such players like Colby Quiñones would help ease that pressure. Photo Courtesy of Chris Linscott

Hearts of Pine vs. Union Omaha

Required Outcome: Draw or better

Things to Consider: To be clear, a win would be welcome. But given that Omaha have finally found their form in the back half of the season and the irregular time of this match a 3 point result may be difficult. That said, the boys did clobber the Owls in June in a 3-1 stunner at home so this could be surprising. Unfortunately, because of the road ahead, the boys will likely not have the ability to simply lose this match, they need the 1 point. They must play to at least a draw.

Hearts of Pine vs Forward Madison

Required Outcome: Win

Things to Consider: Madison have been inconsistent all season and our last meet up was a draw in Madison. We need to win for the points. Simple as that. Of the 2 match up this week, this will be the easier of the 2 given the Fort Fitzy advantage.

Union Omaha vs. FC Naples

Required Outcomes: Loss

Things to Consider: 3 days after we play Omaha, Naples get their turn. This will likely be the must-watch non-Hearts match this week. Both teams are good, eager and have something to defend: for Omaha, a playoff spot; for Naples, the home playoff game. To be sure though, Naples must come out on the bottom. Up the Owls!

End of Week Points Total: Hearts – 44 Naples – 44

Week 3:

Back line injuries aside, many players have stepped up recently to fill gaps, none more so than Mo Mohammed. Photo Courtesy of Chris Linscott

One Knox vs. Hearts of Pine

Required Outcome: Draw or better

Things to Consider: To be sure, One Knox is good offensively and defensively and this game will be a hurtle. If the boys can hold in there on Knoxville’s difficult terrain and get the draw, we should all celebrate.

Westchester vs FC Naples

Required Outcome: Win or worse

Things to Consider: Wooden Spoon leaders, Westchester likely don’t stand a chance against Matt Poland’s physical side. While Obregon Jr. might get off a good number of shots at Delgado, the defenses of Westchester will likely not be able to slow down Henderlong.

End of Week Points Total: Hearts – 45 Naples – 47

Week 4

Working up the wings has been part of Bobby Ball since day 1 but in this back half of the season, all the pieces of that strategy of have come together nicely. Photo Courtesy of Chris Linscott

Hearts of Pine vs Westchester

Required Outcome: Win

Things to Consider: Westchester currently have won only 2 away matches all season, it seems likely we go into this match as the heavy favorites. A win is required to meet our goal.

FC Naples vs Spokane Velocity

Required Outcome: Draw or worse

Things to Consider: The longest trip in the USL1 may be too much for even the hardened Spokane Velocity to overcome but for the Hearts to get in 4th, this has to be a draw. Of special note with this game though is any potential fatigue or discipline will carry directly over to the Hearts match against Spokane, 3 nights later.

End of Week Points Total- Hearts - 48 Naples – 48

Week 5

While Coach Murphy emphasized the other night to enjoy this moment, its hard to not see that his players want to make something happen. Photo Courtesy of Chris Linscott

Hearts of Pine vs Spokane Velocity

Required Outcome: Draw or better

Things to Consider: Spokane are coming off one hell of a road trip. Given the travel intensity their squad may not be up to full condition when they take the field for this match. I think in a regular 1 match week we could beat them given how these stars align but 3 matches in 8 days will also wear down our guys. If things don’t go our way you can sure bet the party line will be “The League should have made Spokane forfeit instead of reschedule.”

Hearts of Pine vs. AV Alta

Required Outcome: Win

Things to Consider: Alta have struggled in the back half of the season and did not win their last outing at Fitzpatrick. Given our resurgent nature and their falling off, the Hearts need to capitalize and win this game. If this scenario play out, this will likely be the biggest game for the Hearts all season. All will come down to the last day.

FC Naples vs Charlotte Independence

Required Outcome: Win or worse

Things to Consider: If Charlotte turn it around, this match may end up different but based on current performance and Naples’ dominance at home, its highly likely they end the season with a win.

End of Season Points Total: Hearts – 52 Naples – 51

To be sure, this is just one scenario – anything can happen. Its worth reminding folks that if we get a home playoff game its icing on the cake, the goal was a playoff spot which based on this we will likely clinch in Week 4. For now, get excited – the Boys will need us these next 5 weeks and at the end of the tunnel will be the playoffs. Whether it will be at either Fitzpatrick Stadium or foreign parts is yet to be seen.