The last weekend of Development Academy action is here, and it’s one final opportunity for clubs to sort out their respective spots and the last chance for clubs on the bubble to secure a playoff spot.

Here’s a look at what’s at stake in this weekend’s action, along with which clubs have clinched playoff spots by virtue of division finish (if applicable):

Sporting KC U18's Andrew Lightner

Central Conference

It’s a decisive road trip for Colorado Rush’s U18 side. A win over Sporting KC on Saturday would push them into second place in the Frontier Division over the Colorado Rapids Academy U18s. Latecomer Ruben Siguenza is going to need to continue his hot-scoring form with 10 goals in 15 games so far this year.

A win would also be important for the Rush’s U16s, as they aren’t in range of the top two but it would be handy in terms of assuring themselves of a Wild Card spot.

Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, who has already sewed up a U18 playoff spot, can do the same in the U16 age group with three points against in-state rivals Minnesota Thunder.

The chase for second place in the Texas Division is coming down to the final weekend at both the U16 and U18 age levels. FC Dallas has long since sewn up first place this weekend, but Solar Chelsea is out to maintain second place when playing Texas Rush. A loss would give Texans SC Houston, who play the Dallas Texans, a shot at first.

U16 Great Lakes Division: Crew Soccer Academy Wolves, Chicago Fire
U18 Great Lakes Division: Chicago Fire, Vardar SC
U16 Frontier Division: St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri
U18 Frontier Division: Shattuck-Saint Mary’s
U16 Texas Division: Dallas Texans
U18 Texas Division: FC Dallas

East Conference

Because the east started the meat of its division schedule a bit later on than the rest of the nation, it all comes down to this weekend for most clubs as the chance for a playoff spot continues.

There’s much at stake in the Mid-Atlantic Division, particularly for the U16s. FC Delco, PA Classics, Baltimore Bays and NJSA 04 all have decent shots at a top two spot. The Bays close out the season with matchups against FC Delco and PA Classics, both that will be pivotal in the division race.

Both Empire United and New England Revolution look poised to lock up U18 playoff spots this weekend, with Empire hosting the Revolution and FC Greater Boston, while New England will also play Seacoast United.

The Revolution can also place top two in the U16 age group, as a win from their final two games can secure at least a second place finish with three points from their two games on the weekend.

U16 Liberty Division: PDA
U18 Liberty Division: New York Red Bulls, PDA
U18 Mid-Atlantic Division: Baltimore Bays Chelsea

South Conference

While the Southeast Division has completed its schedule, a small handful of games remain in the Atlantic Division. Charlotte Soccer Academy has secured at least second place in the division in both age groups and travels to play against the Concorde Fire and Birmingham United.

The crucial matchup at the U18 level pits CASL Chelsea against McLean Youth Soccer up in Virginia. Whichever side manages to win the game also secures first place in the division – however, whichever side loses should be able to qualify for the playoffs via the Wild Card process.

U16 Atlantic Division: CASL Chelsea FC, Charlotte Soccer Academy
U18 Atlantic Division: Charlotte Soccer Academy
U16 Southeast Division: South Carolina United Battery, Clearwater Chargers
U18 Southeast Division: South Carolina United Battery, Concorde Fire

West Conference

All clubs out west have completed their 2011-12 schedules and can now look ahead to either a chance in the playoffs or performing well at the showcase in Frisco.

U16 Northwest Division: Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Seattle Sounders FC
U18 Northwest Division: Vancouver Whitecaps FC, De Anza Force
U16 SoCal Division: LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake-AZ
U18 SoCal Division: LA Galaxy, Chivas USA

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