Playoff Races around the USL remain in full force this week, as teams from across the league make their final pushes for postseason seeding.
Playoff Races around the USL remain in full force this week, as teams from across the league make their final pushes for postseason seeding.
Pacific Division Update
Pacific Division Update
With their win over Orange County on Saturday, Phoenix became the first squad to clinch their division in 2021. The USL’s best team in terms of points entering the week, the Arizona squad will take on a number of teams looking to improve their standing in the final few weeks- starting with Oakland Roots on October 9.
The remainder of the Pacific Division remains up for grabs, as four teams sit within two points of each other for the final spot. As it stands, Republic FC, Galaxy II, Oakland, and Tacoma all sit within four points of one another. Sacramento will meet with San Diego this weekend, while Oakland clashes with Phoenix and Tacoma hosts Orange County.
With their win over Orange County on Saturday, Phoenix became the first squad to clinch their division in 2021. The USL’s best team in terms of points entering the week, the Arizona squad will take on a number of teams looking to improve their standing in the final few weeks- starting with Oakland Roots on October 9.
The remainder of the Pacific Division remains up for grabs, as four teams sit within two points of each other for the final spot. As it stands, Republic FC, Galaxy II, Oakland, and Tacoma all sit within four points of one another. Sacramento will meet with San Diego this weekend, while Oakland clashes with Phoenix and Tacoma hosts Orange County.
Birmingham Legion FC v Indy Eleven
Birmingham Legion FC v Indy Eleven
While Birmingham has already clinched a playoff spot, Indy Eleven still has a lot on the line as the season enters the final weeks.
Legion FC enters the week as one of just four squads in the league with a playoff spot already secured. However, a string of wins could allow them to overtake Louisville City FC for first place in the Central Division. They sit just two points back with five to play, and they’ll match up with the divisional leaders in their final matchup of the year. Until then, every contest is important.
Indy Eleven has a lot on the line come Saturday. Following Memphis’ Wednesday win, the club currently sits seven points back of playoff seeding, and each of their final five contests will come against clubs ahead of them in the standings. They’ll be looking to pull even in the season series with Birmingham- with whom each contest this season has been decided by one score- as well as get back on track with their first win since September 11.
While Birmingham has already clinched a playoff spot, Indy Eleven still has a lot on the line as the season enters the final weeks.
Legion FC enters the week as one of just four squads in the league with a playoff spot already secured. However, a string of wins could allow them to overtake Louisville City FC for first place in the Central Division. They sit just two points back with five to play, and they’ll match up with the divisional leaders in their final matchup of the year. Until then, every contest is important.
Indy Eleven has a lot on the line come Saturday. Following Memphis’ Wednesday win, the club currently sits seven points back of playoff seeding, and each of their final five contests will come against clubs ahead of them in the standings. They’ll be looking to pull even in the season series with Birmingham- with whom each contest this season has been decided by one score- as well as get back on track with their first win since September 11.
New Mexico United v Rio Grande Valley FC
New Mexico United v Rio Grande Valley FC
The Toros and United meet for the final time this season in a match that could well decide the final spot in the Mountain Division playoff race.
New Mexico enters the contest coming off a tough 2-2 draw with Hartford Athletic. Winners of three of their last five, things are going well in Albuquerque as the club has lost just three times since mid-July. They had their way with the Toros in the two clubs’ last clash– a 2-0 home win on September 29.
RGV will need a win this week over their divisional rivals to keep pace. While they sit just a point back from New Mexico and two back from the fourth place, they have one additional loss on their record, leaving them on the outside looking in. Getting on the board early will be crucial, especially against a squad in the top 10 in USL in clean sheets through 24 weeks.
The Toros and United meet for the final time this season in a match that could well decide the final spot in the Mountain Division playoff race.
New Mexico enters the contest coming off a tough 2-2 draw with Hartford Athletic. Winners of three of their last five, things are going well in Albuquerque as the club has lost just three times since mid-July. They had their way with the Toros in the two clubs’ last clash– a 2-0 home win on September 29.
RGV will need a win this week over their divisional rivals to keep pace. While they sit just a point back from New Mexico and two back from the fourth place, they have one additional loss on their record, leaving them on the outside looking in. Getting on the board early will be crucial, especially against a squad in the top 10 in USL in clean sheets through 24 weeks.
Tampa Bay Rowdies v Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Tampa Bay Rowdies v Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Tampa Bay has been one of the best in USL this season, leading in clean sheets, sitting at eighth in scoring, and posting the seventh-best conversion rate. Entering their final matchup of the season against Pittsburgh, they’ll be looking for their tenth straight win to bring them closer to an Atlantic Division title, and will lean hard on Eastern Conference scoring leader Sebastián Guenzatti, who enters the contest just two ahead of Louisville’s Cameron Lancaster, to get them there.
While Tampa has the division all but locked up, Pittsburgh has plenty to play for– they currently sit tied in points with The Miami FC. A win over the hottest team in the League would surely give them some much needed confidence going into their final three contests.
Tampa Bay has been one of the best in USL this season, leading in clean sheets, sitting at eighth in scoring, and posting the seventh-best conversion rate. Entering their final matchup of the season against Pittsburgh, they’ll be looking for their tenth straight win to bring them closer to an Atlantic Division title, and will lean hard on Eastern Conference scoring leader Sebastián Guenzatti, who enters the contest just two ahead of Louisville’s Cameron Lancaster, to get them there.
While Tampa has the division all but locked up, Pittsburgh has plenty to play for– they currently sit tied in points with The Miami FC. A win over the hottest team in the League would surely give them some much needed confidence going into their final three contests.