TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today the opening eight USL Championship games that will be aired live on ESPN2 in the month of July as the league resumes play on Saturday, July 11.
Featuring some of the league’s top rivalries, the schedule is set to feature teams and key games from seven of the eight groups unveiled in the Championship’s return to play structure.
Following the previously announced meeting between Louisville City FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Sunday, July 12, which will serve as the official opening game at LouCity’s new $65 million Lynn Family Stadium, the following night the focus shifts to a notable game in Group D as OKC Energy FC plays host to in-state rival FC Tulsa at Taft Stadium.
The rivalry between Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC resumes on July 15 at BBVA Field, with Legion FC aiming to defend its home turf in Group G against Tim Howard and Memphis. The next two nights will bring together both a rematch of the 2018 Western Conference Final as Orange County SC hosts Phoenix Rising FC in Group B, and a regional matchup between longtime rivals the Tampa Bay Rowdies and North Carolina FC at Al Lang Stadium.
A west coast rivalry take center stage on Sunday, July 19 as Sacramento Republic FC plays host to Reno 1868 FC in Group A for the Donner Pass Derby, while Monday night’s focus turns east as a new-look Hartford Athletic welcome Loudoun United FC to historic Dillon Stadium for an intriguing contest in Group F.
Last but certainly not least, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC makes its second appearance on Wednesday, July 22 as it plays host to Indy Eleven at Highmark Stadium.
Sunday, July 12 – Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 5 p.m. ET
Monday, July 13 – OKC Energy FC vs. FC Tulsa, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 15 – Birmingham Legion FC vs. Memphis 901 FC, 8 p.m. ET
Thursday, July 16 – Orange County SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, 9 p.m. ET
Friday, July 17 – Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. North Carolina FC, 6 p.m. ET
Sunday, July 19 – Sacramento Republic FC vs. Reno 1868 FC, 9 p.m. ET
Monday, July 20 – Hartford Athletic vs. Loudoun United FC, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 22 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Indy Eleven, 6 p.m. ET
* - Kickoff times subject to change
Tag(s): News Press Release OKC Energy FC Orange County SC Phoenix Rising FC Reno 1868 FC Sacramento Republic FC FC Tulsa Louisville City FC Pittsburgh Riverhounds Tampa Bay Rowdies ESPN Birmingham Legion FC North Carolina FC Indy Eleven Memphis 901 FC Loudoun United FC Hartford Athletic Broadcast Return to Play