Standings Update

A little over a month ago we checked in on the Portland Timbers' position in the standings using the Highest Common Number of Games Played (HCNGP) from among the Western Conference teams. A month on and the LA Galaxy have worked their way up to a total of 14 games (the fewest in the West), so let's take a look at what the standings would be if each team's first 14 matches were used to calculate points:

Theoretical Standings after exactly 14 games played by each team:
SEA - 29 pts
RSL - 25 pts
COL - 22 pts
VAN - 22 pts
LA - 21 pts
DAL - 18 pts
SJ - 16 pts
POR - 16 pts
CHV - 11 pts

And for something a little more up-to-date...
Current Points Per Game (Thurs., July 10th)
SEA - 2.06
RSL - 1.65
VAN - 1.56
COL - 1.53
LA - 1.5
DAL - 1.37
CHV - 1.18
POR - 1.17
SJ - 1.07

No matter how you slice it, the outlook is pretty dim for Portland's playoff chances this year. Luckily, they have (had) other trophies still within their grasp. Prior to Wednesday's Open Cup departure, Timbers captain Will Johnson was asked whether three league points this weekend or the USOC was more important. "I would say the Open Cup," Johnson replied. Apparently Caleb Porter didn't agree as both Johnson and Darlington Nagbe were left out of the starting lineup for the 3-1 loss.

That leaves MLS play and Champions League left as potential paths to success, but considering current form, current standings, and the the positions of other teams, the MLS Playoffs seem all but lost.

Although Timbers owner Merritt Paulson still has hope.

@cboehm We will make the playoffs.

— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) July 5, 2014