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THE MORNING TEA – SD Loyal, Reno Matchup Reunites Donovan, Russell

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/22/20, 7:30AM EDT

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Pasher keeping foot on accelerator for Indy; San Antonio remains undefeated despite tight schedule

We’ve got 15 games on tap this weekend in the USL Championship, including some intriguing contests on both days ahead. Get all of your previews further down, but first lets dig into a story of former teammates who now get to be rivals on opposing sidelines. Here’s your Morning Tea for Saturday.

 

THE BIG STORY

When their teams met for the first time it was in the final game of preparation before the start of the 2020 Championship season.

On Saturday night, when former San Jose Earthquakes teammates Landon Donovan and Ian Russell lead their San Diego Loyal SC and Reno 1868 FC sides into action at Torero Stadium there will be much more on the line, but still the same mutual regard between the former MLS Cup winners.

“It’s always interesting, I played with Landon for a long time in San Jose,” Russell said this week. “I think he’s still finding himself out as a coach, there’s a lot to learn that first year. I’m sure he’s enjoying it. It’s always good to compete against friends he’s a good guy and I’m sure he’ll do well.”

Russell and Donovan won a pair of MLS Cups with the Earthquakes during their playing days in 2001 and 2003. Their careers diverted following that, with Donovan going on to more success on the field with the LA Galaxy and the U.S. Men’s National Team and Russell beginning to learn the ropes as a coach in the Quakes set-up.

Nowadays, it’s Russell who has built quite the resume in Reno, reaching 50 USL Championship victories in his first three seasons at the helm and positioning 1868 FC in line for a fourth consecutive playoff berth in Group A of the Championship’s reconfigured alignment this year.

Donovan is also bringing his SD Loyal side along nicely in its first season, although it now faces a much more uphill battle to make the playoffs following defeats to the two sides now sitting above it in Group B – Orange County SC and Phoenix Rising FC – after its last two outings.

And that’s maybe where the biggest intrigue lies for Saturday night’s meeting. Unlike the February 29 clash that saw San Diego take a 4-2 victory at Greater Nevada Field, now there are points on the line. If SD Loyal can replicate its victory, it would provide a major boost to those playoff aspirations. If Reno wins, it’s another step toward the postseason for the visitors, and another serious blow to the hosts.

After their time spent as teammates, though, it could be the start of a fascinating new chapter between two friends and former teammates as they forge their own paths in the coaching ranks.

 

THIS WEEKEND'S ACTION

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22


Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Saint Louis FC

(5-3-0)
Group F

7:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Highmark Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: PIT Wins 47% | Draw 28% | STL Wins 24%
(4-3-1)
Group E
The Gist: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will look to maintain its lead at the top of Group F as it hosts a Saint Louis FC side that is also looking to build on a victory last time out as it visits Highmark Stadium. The Hounds earned a 2-0 victory on Wednesday night against Loudoun United FC as two goals in the opening 11 minutes – including Steevan Dos Santos’ fifth tally of the season – proved enough to claim the side’s fifth win of the season. A tougher task could be at hand for Pittsburgh in the form of Saint Louis, which enters in third place in Group E on goal differential but has put in some strong performances so far this season in a tough group. Earning a 3-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City II last Saturday night, STLFC can continue to put pressure on Louisville City FC and group leader Indy Eleven if it can emerge with a victory on the road.
Discipline: None

Birmingham Legion FC vs. Memphis 901 FC

(5-1-2)
Group G

7:30 p.m. ET |
Venue: BBVA Field

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: BHM Wins 53% | Draw 26% | MEM Wins 22%
(1-4-2)
Group G
The Gist: Birmingham Legion FC will look to add to its lead at the top of Group G when it faces rival Memphis 901 FC for the second time since the season resumption at BBVA Field. Birmingham swept to a 3-0 victory when the sides last met in the first game back for both sides on July 15 as Bruno Lapa had two goals and one assist. Since then, Legion FC has lost only once, a defeat to North Carolina FC it avenged in its last outing with a 2-0 win at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park last Saturday night. Now on a four-game undefeated streak Legion FC has built an eight-point lead at the top of the group. Memphis, meanwhile, sits in fourth place after back-to-back defeats that last time out saw the side let a two-goal lead slip against the Charlotte Independence in a 3-2 loss. Finding a way to get back in the win column is going to be essential for 901 FC. If the side can accomplish it against its biggest rival, it would be all the better for the trip back to Tennessee.
Discipline: None

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Atlanta United 2

(5-0-3)
Group H

7:30 p.m. ET |
Venue: Al Lang Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: TBR Wins 77% | Draw 16% | ATL Wins 7%
(1-6-3)
Group H
The Gist: The odds may be tipped in the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ favor going into its second meeting at home against Atlanta United 2 this season, but the memory of a comeback 2-1 victory when the sides met on July 11 could be the motivation the Rowdies need to continue their undefeated run through to the campaign. Atlanta took an early lead at Al Lang Stadium that night through Jackson Conway despite being down to 10 men, and while the Rowdies came back to take a 2-1 victory on a late goal by Leo Fernandes, the challenge Atlanta brings was on full display. Tampa Bay has since taken a 2-0 victory on the road against Atlanta, but the visitors on Saturday night came through with a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night against Miami FC that put another dent in the South Florida side’s playoff chances. The Rowdies will be on alert to ensure another victory arrives as it looks to become the first team to 20 points in the Championship this season.
Discipline: None

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC

(1-4-1)
Group C

8:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Weidner Field

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: COS Wins 27% | Draw 27% | ELP Wins 46%
(3-2-2)
Group C
The Gist: El Paso Locomotive FC will try to add to its playoff credentials as it heads to face the Switchbacks for the second meeting between the clubs this season. Locomotive FC took a 4-2 victory at Southwest University Park on August 8 as local standout Chapa Herrera scored a pair of goals. The Switchbacks got a pair of late goals from Uvaldo Luna in that contest but were unable to build on the late success as they were held scoreless in a 1-0 loss to New Mexico United last Saturday night on home turf. If Colorado Springs’ playoff push is to materialize, it may need to start on Saturday night with a seven-point gap separating the hosts and second-place Locomotive FC as both teams near the midway point of their regular seasons.
Discipline: None

Sporting Kansas City II vs. OKC Energy FC

(2-5-1)
Group E

8:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Children’s Mercy Park

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: SKC Wins 30% | Draw 26% | OKC Wins 44%
(1-4-3)
Group D
The Gist: Both Sporting Kansas City II and OKC Energy FC will hope to get their playoff aspirations back on track after suffering winless streaks in recent weeks when they meet in an interconference matchup at Children’s Mercy Park. Energy FC is on a five-game winless run after suffering a 4-0 defeat to San Antonio FC on Wednesday night that kept the side in fourth place in Group D as it reached the midway point of the season. Sporting, meanwhile, suffered a 3-1 loss to Louisville City FC on Wednesday to slide six points back of the playoff positions in Group E. Sporting has achieved some success since the return to action, including a road victory against Indy Eleven that snapped a 28-game home undefeated streak for Indy, and as it returns home it could be hopeful of producing another positive performance to remain in postseason contention.
Discipline: Sporting Kansas City II - Jahon Rad (Suspended)

Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Austin Bold FC

(0-5-3)
Group D

9:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: H-E-B Park

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: RGV Wins 19% | Draw 24% | ATX Wins 57%
(2-2-2)
Group D
The Gist: Austin Bold FC will look to replicate its victory when it first met Rio Grande Valley FC this season when they head to South Texas to take on the Toros at H-E-B Park. Austin remained in third place in Group D on Wednesday night as it rallied twice to take a 2-2 draw with FC Tulsa at ONEOK Field, and is now on a three-game undefeated streak as it pursues a place in the postseason. The Toros, meanwhile, are still winless on the season after suffering a scoreless draw last Saturday night against OKC Energy FC. At the midway point of the regular season, RGVFC needs all three points to keep its playoff hopes in with any chance of coming to fruition.
Discipline: None

San Antonio FC vs. FC Tulsa

(5-0-3)
Group D

9:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Toyota Field

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: SA Wins 60% | Draw 22% | TUL Wins 18%
(2-0-4)
Group D
The Gist: The top two teams in Group D meet as first-place San Antonio FC hosts second-place FC Tulsa at Toyota Field looking to add to its eight-point lead in the standings. SAFC extended its lead in the group on Wednesday night as it took a 4-0 victory at home against OKC Energy FC in a game that also saw 16-year-old Leo Torres make his Championship debut. San Antonio has received stellar production from Luis Solignac, Cristian Parano and Jose Gallegos so far this season, and it could need more of that on Wednesday as it welcomes a Tulsa side that is also still undefeated this campaign. Tulsa played to a 2-2 draw against Austin Bold FC on Wednesday night to remain in second place and took a scoreless draw when it hosted San Antonio in the first meeting between the clubs on August 12. If the visitors can find a way to break SAFC’s undefeated start, its two games in hand on the leaders could make it a real race for first place in the second half of the season.
Discipline: None

LA Galaxy II vs. Orange County SC

(3-2-0)
Group B

10:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: LA Wins 23% | Draw 25% | OC Wins 52%
(3-0-2)
Group B
The Gist: Second place in Group B could be on the line as Orange County SC visits the LA Galaxy II for the first meeting between the Southern California rivals this season. Orange County is undefeated through five games this season to sit in second place and is on a three-game winning streak that continued last Saturday night when it defeated Las Vegas Lights FC 1-0 on a goal by Aodhan Quinn. Los Dos is also five games into its season and sits two points back of Orange County and San Diego Loyal SC in the group standings. The hosts will be looking to rebound from a tough outing on Wednesday night that saw them fall 4-1 to group leader Phoenix Rising FC, but the Galaxy II have shown an ability to respond well previously this season and will know how high the stakes are in a highly competitive group.
Discipline: None

Real Monarchs SLC vs. New Mexico United

(1-4-1)
Group C

10:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Zions Bank Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: SLC Wins 36% | Draw 25% | NM Wins 38%
(5-2-1)
Group C
The Gist: New Mexico United will try to complete a sweep of its two-game trip to Zions Bank Stadium as it faces Real Monarchs SLC for the second time in four days on Saturday night. New Mexico earned a 2-0 victory on Wednesday night as goals by former Monarchs defender Kalen Ryden and Amando Moreno sent the Group C leaders to victory. The win extended New Mexico’s lead to five points at the top of the group overall, but more importantly created as 12-point gap between itself and third-placed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and the fourth-placed Monarchs in the race for the two postseason spots in the group. Victory to close that gap is likely essential for the defending USL Championship title holder, which is at serious risk of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after their defeat on Wednesday night.
Discipline: None

San Diego Loyal SC vs. Reno 1868 FC

(3-3-2)
Group B

10:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Torero Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: SD Wins 29% | Draw 28% | RNO Wins 43%
(5-2-0)
Group A
The Gist: San Diego Loyal SC returns home looking to get its playoff pursuit back on track but should get a solid challenge from Reno 1868 FC in an intergroup contest at Torero Stadium. SD Loyal slid into third place in Group B last Saturday night as it suffered a 2-0 defeat to Phoenix Rising FC at Casino Arizona Field which allowed Orange County SC to jump into second place. San Diego has struggled in front of goal in its last three outings, all of which have seen it come up blank going back to a 0-0 draw with Sacramento Republic FC on August 1, and finding a way to end that run will be key against an 1868 FC side that romped to a 5-2 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 last Saturday night. Sitting on top of Group A, Reno will take aim at another victory as it battles with Sacramento Republic FC for first place.
Discipline: None

Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC

(1-3-1)
Group B

10:30 p.m. ET |
Venue: Cashman Field

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: LV Wins 10% | Draw 17% | PHX Wins 73%
(6-1-1)
Group B
The Gist: Both Las Vegas Lights FC and Phoenix Rising FC will be looking to build on victories this past Wednesday as they meet for the first time this season and former Rising FC Head Coach Frank Yallop – now leading Las Vegas – takes on his former assistant coach Rick Schantz – now the main man in Phoenix. Las Vegas picked up its first victory of the season with a 3-1 win against Tacoma Defiance that saw Junior Sandoval star with a goal and assist, but it will face a far bigger challenge against the Group B leader that has reeled off fourth consecutive victories after a 4-1 win against the LA Galaxy II that opened a four-game road trip. Leading the charge for Rising FC has been Junior Flemmings, who has nine goals in eight games so far this campaign, while Solomon Asante recorded his 40th goal in the Championship regular season late against Los Dos to reach another landmark in Phoenix.
Discipline: None

Sacramento Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2

(4-1-3)
Group A

11:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Papa Murphy’s Park

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: SAC Wins 60% | Draw 22% | POR Wins 19%
(0-6-0)
Group A
The Gist: Sacramento Republic FC will try to maintain its best run of form this season as it plays host to the winless Portland Timbers 2 at Papa Murphy’s Park. Sacramento has claimed three consecutive victories coming into its meeting with Portland after taking a 3-1 victory against Tacoma Defiance last Saturday night that saw Cameron Iwasa score his 50th regular-season goal in the Championship. The victory gave Republic FC an eight-point cushion on Tacoma in second place in Group B while sitting level on points with Reno 1868 FC. Should Sacramento record a fourth consecutive victory, it would record its first four-game inning streak since the final four games of the 2018 Championship regular season. That would seem plausible against a Portland side that is the last side yet to record a point in the Championship this season after a 5-2 defeat against 1868 FC last Saturday.
Discipline: Portland Timbers 2 - Caleb Kiner (Suspended)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23


New York Red BullS II vs. Philadelphia Union II

(2-6-0)
Group F

5:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Red Bull Arena

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: NY Wins 57% | Draw 22% | PHI Wins 21%
(1-4-1)
Group F
The Gist: The New York Red Bulls II will try to get their playoff chances moving in the right direction as they host a Philadelphia Union II side that took victory the last time the teams met earlier this month. New York is hoping to keep its playoff streak – currently at five consecutive seasons – alive but is currently on a four-game losing streak that has seen the side slip nine points behind the top two teams in Group G. As it start the second half of the season, victories are going to be in order to try and close the gap, and finding a way to earn revenge on the Union II for a 3-2 loss at Subaru Park on August 5 would be a good step in the right direction. That win served as the last outing for the Union II, which sits last in the group, but with two games in hand on New York, Philadelphia could jump into third place by the end of the night with victory on the road.
Discipline: None

Hartford Athletic vs. Loudoun United FC

(5-1-0)
Group F

7:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Dillon Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: HFD Wins 49% | Draw 23% | LDN Wins 27%
(1-4-1)
Group F
The Gist: Hartford Athletic will look to maintain its perfect record on home turf this season and extend its lead on the teams below the playoff line in Group F as it hosts Loudoun United FC. The Athletic have taken four wins out of four at Dillon Stadium this season after a 2-1 victory last Saturday night against the New York Red Bulls II that saw Alex Dixon and Sam Strong both find the net. Hartford will now try to emulate its 4-1 win against Loudoun the last time United visited Connecticut, and the visitors will be trying to rebound after a 2-0 loss in its home opener on Wednesday night against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Segra Field. With 11 points separating the second-place Athletic and fourth-place Loudoun, victory is almost essential for the visitors to give itself a shot at reaching the postseason.
Discipline: Loudoun United FC - Nelson Martinez (Suspended)

Miami FC vs. Charlotte Independence

(0-3-2)
Group H

7:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Riccardo Silva Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: MIA Wins 50% | Draw 24% | CLT Wins 26%
(2-1-3)
Group G
The Gist: Miami FC remains in search of its first victory in the Championship as it plays host to the Charlotte Independence. Miami was held to a 2-2 result on Wednesday night by Atlanta United 2 for its second consecutive draw as Romario Williams struck twice to bring the side back after Atlanta had taken a two-goal lead in the first half. That result combined with the Charleston Battery’s 3-0 win against North Carolina FC the same night left Miami with an even bigger hill to climb to reach the playoff positions, with Charleston now 12 points ahead with Miami holding three games in hand. The hosts could get a tough time from the Independence, too, with the visitors also looking to bolster their playoff credentials after moving into second place in Group G last Saturday night. Rallying from a two-goal deficit for a 3-2 victory against Memphis 901 FC, the Independence have received positive production from Dane Kelly with four goals on the season, while Enzo Martinez remains a playmaking threat as well.
Discipline: None
 

THE SOCIAL CIRCLE

 

THE USL LOWDOWN

- The start of Tyler Pasher’s professional career was a winding road until he got a chance to shine and grow with Sporting Kansas City II. Now he’s become one of the leading strikers in the Championship for Indy Eleven, and isn’t ready to slow down any time soon. Beautiful Game Network’s Carson Merk caught up with the Canadian Golden Boot contender.

- Group D leader San Antonio FC wraps up a grueling schedule of five games in 15 days on Saturday night with a visit from second-place FC Tulsa at Toyota Field. The San Antonio News-Express’ Greg Luca found out how the side has been able to maintain its undefeated record this season despite the challenging schedule.

- Saint Louis FC goalkeeper Kyle Morton is set to face his former club on Saturday night as STLFC visits Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in a key intergroup matchup at Highmark Stadium. The 2019 Championship Goalkeeper of the Year Finalist spoke to Joshua McGehee from The Fan 590 about heading back to the Steel City with his new squad.

- The Hounds, meanwhile, are coming off a solid midweek victory as they return home to face Saint Louis. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Greg MacAfee has five things to watch in the matchup on Saturday night.

- As teams across the Championship prepared to return to play, the protocols in place to ensure safety made for a very different experience at practice for players. In a first-person piece for Global Sports Matters, Phoenix Rising FC’s Joey Calistri wrote about the experience of going through a daily routine designed to mitigate risk among every player in the squad.

- With a deep roster of attacking options, the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Lucky Mkosana hasn’t been a regular starter this season. But, as the Tampa Bay Times’ Darek Sharp writes, the veteran forward has shown an ability to come through when the team needs him, and trusts the vision of the club’s coaching staff as it looks to push the right buttons to lead Tampa Bay to success.

- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder George Lebese said the club isn’t deterred by the lack of results that have arrived since the Championship season resumed. The South African believes a home result against El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday evening would provide a big confidence boost as the Switchbacks look to get back into the playoff race in Group C.

- Rio Grande Valley FC is one of three teams still looking for their first win this season as they return home to host Austin Bold FC on Saturday night. The Monitor’s Bryan Ramos writes the Toros are hoping to be more clinical in front of goal after struggling to find the net consistently so far this season.

- New Mexico United has been active in promoting some of the key figures in its organization throughout August, taking the opportunity to feature the women who have helped the club achieve its remarkable success on and off the field. KOB’s Brandon Ortega spoke with Chanel Wiese, who runs United's Somos Unidos Foundation, about the online initiative.

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