Seven playoff spots set, can NOVA extend streak or will Delaware City advance?

TAMPA, Florida -- Seven of the eight Major Arena Soccer League 3 playoff spots are taken, and one remaining regular season game will determine whether the final spot goes to a team that has long been dominant in the league, or to a first-year team.

This weekend's matchup between the Baltimore Kings and Northern Virginia will decide the final spot. Baltimore is already qualified as one of the eight by virtue of being the playoff host, but they will Delaware City FC on Friday.

Should Delaware win, they would advance in their first-ever season of play. Should Baltimore prevail, that would allow NOVA -- who has never missed the league playoffs and has three championship trophies already -- to sneak in as the final team. 

The defending champion RGG Barracudas have overcome a slow start to earn their chance to defend the crown in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on March 27. Also already in: The Roc City Boom, Cleveland Samba, Cincinnati Swerve, OKC Certified Lions, and the Muskegon Risers.

Quarterfinals action begins March 27 at 11 a.m., with four games that day. Semi-finals will be on March 28 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. with the champs to be decided on Sunday, March 29 in a 12:30 p.m. kickoff. All games will be played at Fredericksburg Fieldhouse, and will be streamed live on line at no charge to fans. 

A final schedule of games will be released following this weekend's results. More league information is always available at www.masl3.com.