As far as the Utah Blitzz are concerned, tonight's game with San Diego is a playoff game.
If the Blitzz win, especially by several goals, they'll be in good shape to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup. If they lose, it's almost impossible to qualify. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
"We're on the bubble," said Blitzz coach Chris Agnello.
Five teams from the Premiere Select League qualify for the playoffs. Wilmington earned an automatic berth by virtue of winning the league title last year. The other four teams are placed into one big group with the top four teams advancing.
Unlike a traditional league, however, in which each team plays each other, in Open Cup qualifying teams only compete against teams in their own conference.
Utah is 1-1-1 in its three games so far with four points, with its last game coming tonight.
San Diego is 2-0-0 in qualifying and can clinch a berth with a victory. That alone is enough to play for, but San Diego also has revenge on its mind.
The Blitzz trounced the Gauchos 6-1 two weeks ago. San Diego will be hard pressed to avenge that loss with starters Johnny Demergis and Juan Nunez sitting out because of red cards.
"I think they'll be fired up to prove that was a fluke," said Agnello.
ENDLINES: Chilean goalie Leo Zamora, who the Blitzz signed last week, has been practicing with the Blitzz all week, but Agnello plans on starting Chad Sackett for both games. Utah and San Diego play again on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com