As the end of the 2018 season rapidly approaches, the playoff race has reached a fever pitch. Only a handful of teams throughout the East Region have been mathematically eliminated from the top spot, so the 10 matches this weekend are vitally important for a late playoff push.

COLONIAL CONFERENCE MATCH OF THE WEEK: WASHINGTON SPIRIT RESERVES vs LEGACY W76

The top two clubs in the Colonial Conference are set to play for the second time this season. Their previous encounter in Week 5 ended in a 0-0 draw. Both clubs are undefeated through four matches. Washington has never lost in the WPSL regular season. Legacy W76 has yet to concede a goal this season. The two clubs have only one match remaining after this weekend, so a win for either side leaves it securely in first place.

METROPOLITAN CONFERENCE MATCH OF THE WEEK: SUSA FC vs RHODE ISLAND ROGUES

The Metropolitan Conference’s two newest clubs have consistently been among its strongest all season long. The two clubs sit just three points apart after five matches. In their previous encounter just last weekend, SUSA won 3-2 at home. This time the Rhode Island Rogues are hosting, and they’ve won all three at home. With only three matches remaining for both sides, this one is a must win for the Rogues to stay in playoff contention. However, the playoff race is all but settled, and every club is still in the running for the top spot.

MID-ATLANTIC CONFERENCE MATCH OF THE WEEK: PHILLY FEVER vs TORCH FC

The Mid-Atlantic Conference is mostly spoken for, with Torch FC sitting in first place with a comfortable five-point lead. A win for the club on the road this weekend will clinch the conference title along with playoffs. A win for Philly Fever keeps it alive into its final match of the season, needing both a win and a Torch FC loss to move up. 

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE MATCH OF THE WEEK: CLEVELAND AMBASSADORS vs MOTOR CITY FC

This match here is essentially a conference championship final. Both clubs are undefeated thanks to stellar seasons, and the two clubs sit tied on points atop the conference table. Any result, including a draw, eliminates every club sitting fourth and below from title contention. Columbus would need a draw from this one, two big wins in its final two matches, and dropped points from the top two in their final matches to move into first place. A win for either side would all but clinch the conference title, with only a draw in the final match to guarantee the top spot.

PLAYOFF PUSH FOR NYAC

New York Athletic Club sits in second place in the Metropolitan Conference tied on points with Rhode Island. With three matches still to play, the club still has a reasonable shot at winning the conference. A win on Sunday against Long Island Fury could shake things up in the conference and help its playoff push.