Forty-six teams have punched their tickets to the Development Academy Playoffs, scheduled for the end of June down in Frisco, Texas.

With just a couple of weekends are left in the regular season, and 18 spots still up for grabs (32 teams in each age group compete in the playoffs), the stakes are high for the remaining clubs lingering in the hunt. See which teams are looking to make their move over the weekend – and which teams have already secured a spot.

East Conference

With three games left in their season, every game is of importance for the New England Revolution U16 squad. Its current points per game return of 1.64 has the team in position to contend for a Wildcard spot, but it needs to consolidate and rack up at least a win or two more in order to officially clinch. Daniel Apajee and Mawolo Gissie have been crucial pieces to the attack this year.

Revolution Empire currently sits inside the Wildcard range for the U16 age group. A win is needed in order to make sure they don’t drop out of that spot, but with a matchup against the formidable New York Red Bulls Academy squad, with a loss the Revolution Empire might only make it into the playoffs with some help from other clubs.

Also currently toeing the line on the edge of the playoffs is FC Delco U18s. With a points per game mark of 1.67, 12th best in the Wildcard pool, the full points – or even a draw – against NJSA 04 should be good enough to clinch. On the flip side, NJSA 04 could theoretically vault over Delco and into a wild card slot with a win. A big performance from leading scorer Austin Lenart would be helpful for the NJ club.

Central Conference

Currently holding onto the final spot in the Wildcard Pool is Vardar SC Freiburg U16s. That means Saturday’s season finale against first place Crew Soccer Academy Wolves is of utmost significance if it is to reach the playoffs – a win should leave them secure, and a lot of the scoring responsibility could fall on Nathan McLean’s shoulders (14 goals on the season).

Also looking to secure its playoff future is Chicago Magic, at both age groups. With two games left, one on Saturday against St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri, wins would take both squads one step closer to postseason play.

The Chicago Fire, a squad with two games left and looking to pop into the top 13 in the Wildcard, the U18s play FC Milwaukee on Saturday and can take a step towards locking up one of those final spots with a win. Forward Jeffrey Farina’s 15 goals represent one of the team’s main offensive threats.

West Conference

A Cascadia rivalry has serious implications at the U16 age level. Seattle makes the trip south to face the Portland Timbers. With the Sounders already booking spots in the playoffs, Portland has a chance at a wild card spot with a win – and if the results can go their way. Jacob Kempf tops Portland’s scoring charts with eight tallies on the season.

With its U16 already locked securely in first place, De Anza Force U18s will look to secure its spot, needing a win against San Juan Soccer Club to make if official. U.S. U18 MNT forward Jason Romero (19 goals) is poised and primed to lead the team to that achievement.

Teams Qualified for Playoffs

U16

Baltimore Bays Chelsea, D.C. United, Players Development Academy, Real Salt Lake AZ, Seattle Sounders, CASL, Chivas USA, Crew Soccer Academy Wolves, De Anza Force, FC Dallas, Georgia United, Houston Dynamo, Real So Cal, Solar Chelsea, Albertson SC, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Crew Soccer Academy Wolves, FC Bolts Celtic, FC DELCO, Oakwood Soccer Club, Texans SC Houston

U18

Baltimore Bays Chelsea, D.C. United, Players Development Academy, Real Salt Lake AZ, Seattle Sounders, Indiana Fire, Shattuck-Saint Mary's Soccer Academy, Vancouver Whitecaps, Albertson SC, CASL Chelsea FC Academy, Chivas USA, Dallas Texans, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, IMG Academy, Kendall SC, LA Galaxy, PA Classics, Pateadores, Real So Cal, Solar Chelsea SC, Weston FC

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