The Washington men’s soccer team is heading into a crucial weekend against the Bay Area schools. Every win will bring the Huskies closer to the NCAA tournament, but any loss could eliminate all postseason chances.

Although the Huskies are going into the games against Stanford and Cal rested from a bye week, they will still be playing without senior midfielder George John, who underwent surgery as a result of a knee injury last month. He has contributed greatly to the Huskies’ standing in the Pac-10 by averaging 1.73 goals per game and is expected to recover in time for the Huskies’ final home game against Oregon State Nov. 14.

The toughest challenge that the Dawgs will have to face will be Sunday when they take on California, a team that’s allowed the least amount of goals (12) in the conference. The Bears’ backline will be a major obstacle that the young forwards, freshmen Brent Richards and Dylan Tucker-Gangnes, will have to overcome if they hope to improve their standing in the Pac-10.

Currently, Washington is in third behind UCLA and San Diego State, but they have the opportunity to surpass SDSU if they win since the Aztecs only have one non-conference match this weekend.

During their bye week, the Huskies saw UCLA clinch the Pac-10 title after a victory over Stanford.

Although no team in the conference is to be taken lightly, the Huskies’ have to capitalize on their scoring opportunities when they play their first opponent of the weekend — Stanford — tonight.

With only three games left in the regular season, each one is crucial.

“Our season is still in our control,” Washington coach Dean Wurzberger said.

Even though they lost their chance at the conference title, a chance for an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament is still a possibility.

“If we win all three games then we’re right there again,” Wurzberger said. “We’ll be right there knocking on the door for an at-large selection … [and] if they produce an effort like they have been doing then it keeps our postseason hopes alive.”

Reach reporter Sheena Nguyen at sports@dailyuw.com.