Scores and standings for Week #5 are updated.

Two divisions move into playoffs this coming weekend - the U13 Girls National and the U15 Girls.  With 8 out of the 12 teams between the two divisions ending with a total of 7 points, this seems to be an opportune moment to discuss our tie breaking system. 

Total points is the first criteria, based on 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. 

Next, I look at head to head results.  This can come into play when two teams are tied on points, is a bit more involved when three teams are in the mix, and basically gets thrown out the door when four teams end tied on points (as in these cases).

So, I move to the Goal Differential to determine final standings.  If Goal Differential is equal, give the higher seeds to the team with the fewest Goal Against, then look to most Goal For (which I had to do in one case). 

These are good problems to have as I feel it demonstrates the general competitiveness of the divisions we are able to form in the D-League.

By the way, I've been known to make a mistake - back in 1983 for sure, and another I think in 1996.  :)  If you find any errors in what I've done, please let me know. 

Brackets with 6 teams have a bit of an unusual playoff format.  The 1st and 2nd seeds will meet in a friendly (with refs), a game that does not count towards the standings.  The 3rd seed will play the 6th seed, and the 4th will play the 5th.  Winners will move on to battle the 1 and 2 seeds in the semifinals, with the non-winners finishing the league with two friendly weekends. 

The other four divisions will player their 6th round of games this weekend, with playoffs beginning on Feb 23rd.

NOTE the D-League will not run on Feb 16th as we make way for the Dakota Rev President's Day Weekend Tournament.