With just FIVE matches left to go in the CPL season and with every team finally back on an equal number of games played, we have two very different battles happening on either end of the table. 

For the top half of the table, there are four teams with a legitimate chance to bring home the first trophy of the year, the CPL Shield. 

Despite losing 3-0 to Halifax, Forge has a three point lead atop the table after the three sides chasing them came away with draws.

York and Cavalry open this weekend with a massive matchup. A win for either side keeps them in the race for the Shield and would all but clinch a playoff berth (and a certain ‘Sexy Six’ will be at York Lions Stadium tonight so you should go say hey and wish Forrest a happy birthday!)

Forge will try to rebound on the road against a Vancouver side that’s going through its worst stretch of the season at the worst possible time. Meanwhile Golden Boot leader Ruben del Campo and Ottawa host Pacific. 

On the other end of the table, just four points separate the four remaining sides in the fight for the 5th and final playoff spot.

I mentioned it last week, but did I do something to piss Pacific FC off? After going in hard against them for only scoring 14 goals through 20 matches and believing their season was over,  they score 8 goals in just three matches and launch themselves back into 5th thanks to a last-minute Thomas Meilleur-Giguère equalizer against Halifax midweek. 

Has  Pacific done enough to officially change my mind about finishing  in that 5th spot? Let’s take a look at the remaining schedule for the teams in 5th-8th. 

Pacific: Atletico (A), Valour (A), Cavalry (H), York (A), Forge (H)

Vancouver: Forge (H), Cavalry (A), Halifax (A), Valour (H), Atletico (A)

Halifax: Valour (A), Atletico (A), Vancouver (H), Cavalry (A), York (H)

Valour: Halifax (H), Pacific (H), Forge (H), Vancouver (A), Cavalry (H)

Pacific is in the best form, but easily has the most difficult schedule left. They play the top four clubs and are only at Starlight Stadium two more times. Moses Dyer has been a great addition scoring in three straight, but Pacific haven’t beat a top four side since July 7th and are a combined 2-4-6 in those matches. 

Vancouver is in a freefall with three straight losses and now the league’s worst goal differential. They held onto a playoff spot most of the season but now find themselves on the outside. Valour at home seems like the most winnable matchup, but it’s going to take a run of form we haven’t seen from the Eagles yet if they want that final spot. 

Halifax have been scratching and clawing their way out of the basement all season and this is the closest they’ve been. Three points behind the Tridents and if not for that late equalizer from Pacific on Wednesday, they’d be level. The bad news for this week, no Dan Nimick this week after picking up another red card Wednesday. The good news?  Five different players have found the net in their last two matches, and they very clearly have the talent to get to the playoffs.

Valour is a side that every time you think they’re done, they win a big match. They have the least difficult schedule remaining. They have a match against all three teams they’re battling for the playoff spot and play four of their last five at Princess Auto Stadium. The pathway is there, but can they get the results? With just one clean sheet in their last seven, Shaan Hundal needs to continue his hot run of form offensively to give them a shot.

So who’s your pick for the final playoff spot? For me personally, I’m going to go out on a limb and say Halifax sneaks into a playoff spot for the first time all season on the final day with a huge win vs York in front of their home fans. But if my predictions so far this year are any sign, I’m sorry Wanderers fans, I’ve surely cursed your club.