July 15, 2010
TacomaFC.com – With the regular season winding down in the USL Premier Development League’s Northwest Division, the postseason race is heating up.  The Portland Timbers U23 have already clinched the division’s regular-season championship, but three teams are vying for the division’s final playoff birth.

Currently in second place are the Kitsap Pumas.  The Pumas (10-1-2, 32 points) ride a seven-match unbeaten streak into their final three games in which the team’s outscored its opponents 13 to 5.  Kitsap’s playoff hopes could hinge on its final regular-season match when the Pumas head to University Place, Wash. to take on the division’s third-place team, the Tacoma Tide FC.

Tacoma (9-3-2, 29 points) finds itself just three points behind Kitsap after starting the season with two losses.  The Tide FC showcases four players with at least three goals, with forward Chris Sanders’ six scoring strikes leading the pack.  Tacoma has two games remaning on its schedule, one on the road against the Washington Crossfire and the final match at Curtis High School against Kitsap on July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

On the outside looking in are the Victoria Highlanders.  Victoria (7-3-3, 24 points) has three games left, but, in addition to having to win out, the team needs help from both Kitsap and Tacoma in order for the Highlanders’ season to extend into August.

For the latest on the playoff picture, click here to get the official USL Premier Development League standings.