Sounders 'PPG' average has them on pace to squeak into the playoffs

June 22, 10:00 AMSeattle Soccer ExaminerDavid Falk

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Osvaldo Alonso is a key figure in the Sounders' second-half playoff hopes.

One under-used stat is "points per game" or PPG average. This stat is found by dividing the points earned by the total number of matches played. Right now Sounders FC are averaging 1.47 standing points per match. Since the playoff entrants are decided by point totals, it makes sense to look at how the other Major League Soccer clubs are doing in that regard.

(MLS clubs are awarded 3 points for each win, 1 point for each tie, and 0 points for each loss. Points per game is the average of these win / tie points earned per match).

The table below takes the current PPG average of all MLS clubs and projects that average x 30 matches to get a final season total. Of course it does not take into account dips and rises in form, but it does give us a look at where the clubs could be headed.

For Sounders FC, all of the draws (7 out of 15 matches played) could end up being enough to get the club into the 2009 playoffs. The top two clubs in each conference get in, and then the next six best point totals qualify as well, no matter the conference. As of half-way through the Sounders would qualify #5 in the playoffs, 4th in the Western Conference. Each conference would have four clubs if the playoffs started today.

1. Houston (2.0) projected = 60 points
2. Chivas USA (1.8) projected = 54
3. Colorado (1.67) projected = 50
4. Chicago (1.50) projected = 45
5. Seattle (1.47) projected = 44
6. DC United (1.44) projected = 43
7. Columbus Crew (1.36) projected = 41
-- Kansas City Wizards (1.36) projected =41
-- Toronto FC (1.36) projected = 41

=====================================

10. New England (1.33) projected = 40
11. Real Salt Lake (1.14) projected = 34
12. Los Angeles (1.07) projected = 32
13. FC Dallas (.93) projected = 28
14. San Jose (.86) projected = 26
15. New York (.62) projected = 19

Sounders FC will not likely draw another 7 matches in the second half of the season. However, considering they have 8 road matches and 7 home the rest of the way, a few road draws would be precious points.

Look at that August: Sounders FC play 6 matches in hot August. 4 away and 2 at Qwest.

The rest of the league schedule for Sounders FC:

June 28  Colorado

July 11   Houston

July 25   Chicago

Aug. 2    at San Jose

Aug. 8    at Real Salt Lake

Aug. 15  at Los Angeles

Aug. 20  New England

Aug. 23  at Houston

Aug. 29  Toronto FC

Sept. 12  at DC United

Sept. 19  Chivas USA

Sept. 26  at New England

Oct. 3      at Columbus

Oct. 17   at Kansas City

Oct. 24   FC Dallas