California Kickers Play Host to Portland for the Record

In most leagues, a 2-1 record (.667 winning percentage) is superior to a 4-3 mark (.571). But not in the Western Soccer Alliance.

So when the California Kickers play host to Football Club Portland at Cal State Northridge’s North Campus Stadium at 8 tonight, it is the 4-3 Kickers who will take the field as league leader. All Portland’s 2-1 record is good for is fifth place.

That’s because in the WSA, wins are worth three points, but each goal scored is also worth a point up to a maximum of three per game. The Kickers, with 21 points, lead second-place San Jose by two. Portland--a rarity in sports as a team without a nickname--has nine points.

After tonight, the defending league-champion Kickers will have two WSA matches remaining, May 16 against the L.A. Heat at El Camino College and May 17 against San Diego at CSUN.