skip navigation

THE MORNING TEA – Reno Ready for ‘Top Team in the League’

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/29/20, 7:30AM EDT

Share

Preview every game in the Championship this weekend; Charlotte’s Roberts talks activism, on-field success

There are more big games this weekend in the Championship than you could fit on an average theater marquee as the playoff race enters a crucial stage. But maybe the most intriguing is an intergroup matchup between two group leaders that could serve as a postseason preview two months from now.

 

THE BIG STORY

RENO, Nev. – While there are still two undefeated teams in the league going into this weekend’s USL Championship action thanks to the Tampa Bay Rowdies and San Antonio FC, for Reno 1868 FC Head Coach Ian Russell, there’s still one team that sits above the rest in the big picture.

“Phoenix, for me, right now they’re the top team in the league, for sure,” Russell said this week as his side prepared to face Rising FC at Greater Nevada Field on Saturday night. “Lot of dangerous players, [Solomon] Asante, Junior Flemmings, they have a very good team, they’re solid all the way through.”

It’s a fair argument. While San Antonio and Tampa Bay can both boast more points and fewer losses right now than Rising FC in the overall standings, the firepower that Phoenix brings with Asante, Flemmings and Rufat Dadashov – all in the top five in goals in the Championship currently – has given Head Coach Rick Schantz’s side the best goal differential in the Championship at plus-18.

For Reno, facing Phoenix in one of its intergroup contests in the buildup to what appears likely another trip to the USL Championship Playoffs provides the chance to test itself against a side that brings more challenges than most on its schedule.

“I think when you look at how they play, you can’t just say ‘hey they’re just another team’, because they’re the best,” said Russell. “We want to play against a top team to see where we are and to see what we need to do to get better, or to say we’re better than them. The guys have no fear, I know that much.”

Reno hasn’t been far behind Phoenix when it comes to goals over the past three seasons. In fact, while Phoenix now ranks first in the Championship’s regular season with 230 goals since the start of the 2017 season, 1868 FC remains in second place with 221 tallies over the same span.

The side has three players tied for its individual lead with Corey Hertzog, Christiano Francois and Foster Langsdorf all on three goals this season, but Russell has also seen other players find their way on the scoresheet during 1868 FC’s run of four wins in its last five games. Most recent was Tucker Bone, whose contribution proved decisive in a 3-1 victory last Saturday against San Diego Loyal SC.

“I was frustrated [earlier this season] because I know how good Tucker is, and I was starting to wonder ‘did I get it wrong,’ is he not at the level I thought,” said Russell. “He started training really well … I told my assistant coach Chris [Malenab] he’s going to start scoring goals, because he’s been doing it in training. He’s been dangerous.”

All of those options will need to be at the top of their game to topple Rising FC, but in a contest that could be repeated when the playoffs come around there’s plenty for 1868 FC to grab hold of from its meeting with the current title favorites.

 

THIS WEEKEND'S ACTION

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29


Loudoun United FC vs. New York Red Bulls II

(1-4-2)
Group F

6:30 p.m. ET |
Venue: Segra Field

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: LDN Wins 36% | Draw 25% | NY Wins 39%
(2-6-0)
Group F
The Gist: Both Loudoun United FC and the New York Red Bulls II will try to start bridging the gap to the top two teams in Group F when they square off for the second time this season. Loudoun took a 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena when the teams first met on August 12, a result that has contributed to a four-game losing streak for the Red Bulls II that has put their hopes of a sixth consecutive trip to the postseason in serious jeopardy. That result, however, also stands as United’s lone victory of the season so far. Since then, Loudoun is on a three-game winless streak that included last Sunday night’s 2-2 draw with Hartford Athletic that saw United conceded two goals in the final five minutes to miss out on all three points.
Discipline: None

Charlotte Independence vs. Birmingham Legion FC

(3-2-3)
Group G

7:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: CLT Wins 35% | Draw 27% | BHM Wins 38%
(5-1-3)
Group G
The Gist: The Independence will try to build on the momentum of their midweek victory as the welcome Group G leader Birmingham Legion FC to the Sportsplex at Matthews. Charlotte created a five-point gap between itself and North Carolina FC for second place in the group as Rey Ortiz’s second-half goal and a five-save shutout by goalkeeper Brandon Miller earned the side its first league win against NCFC in club history. This will mark the third meeting between the sides this season, with the most recent encounter ending in a 1-1 draw on August 12, also at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Birmingham currently holds a six-point lead on Charlotte for the group lead after a late equalizer from the penalty spot by Neco Brett earned a 2-2 draw against Memphis 901 FC at BBVA Field, a result that extended Legion FC’s current undefeated streak to five games.
Discipline: None

Charleston Battery vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

(5-2-2)
Group H

7:30 p.m. ET |
Venue: Patriot's Point Soccer Complex

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: CHS Wins 28% | Draw 28% | TBR Wins 44%
(6-0-3)
Group H
The Gist: The top two sides in Group H square off as the Battery look to continue their strong recent run of form against one of the two teams that has handed it defeat so far this season in the Rowdies. Tampa Bay took a 2-0 victory against the Battery on July 31 at Al Lang Stadium, part of an undefeated nine-game run to start the season that continued last week with a 2-1 victory against Atlanta United 2 as Jordan Doherty and Kyle Murphy each found the net for the side. Since that loss to Tampa Bay, however, Charleston has built a five-game undefeated streak of its own, including a 3-1 victory against Miami FC on Wednesday night that moved the Battery within four points of the Rowdies in the Group H standings. With both teams in strong form, this has the makings of a must-see clash.
Discipline: None

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. New Mexico United

(1-4-3)
Group C

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

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: COS Wins 27% | Draw 24% | NM Wins 48%
(6-2-1)
Group C
The Gist: New Mexico United will look to continue its remarkable road success this season as it visits Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday looking to move closer to its second consecutive postseason appearance. New Mexico sits on top of the Group C standings after reeling off a three-game winning streak since its lone loss of the season to Phoenix Rising FC, a string that includes a 1-0 victory against the Switchbacks on August 15 when these teams last met at Weidner Field. The Switchbacks have major ground to make up as they start the second half of their season with a six-point gap separating them from second-place El Paso Locomotive FC, but the hosts will take momentum into this matchup after becoming the first team in Championship history to rally from a four-goal deficit to earn a 4-4 draw against Austin Bold FC on Wednesday night, a result that saw Christian Volesky score twice and George Lebese fire home a spectacular late equalizer.
Discipline: None

FC Tulsa vs. Sporting Kansas City II

(2-1-4)
Group D

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

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: TUL Wins 49% | Draw 25% | SKC Wins 25%
(3-5-1)
Group E
The Gist: Two teams both in need of wins for their respective playoff drives meet when FC Tulsa hosts Sporting Kansas City II, with Tulsa looking to rebound from its first loss of the season as it returns home to ONEOK Field on Saturday night. Tulsa suffered a 2-0 defeat to San Antonio FC last Saturday night, and as a result slipped into third place in Group D behind Austin Bold FC. The side was boosted in midweek by Austin’s 4-4 draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, however, which leaves Tulsa with a game in hand on its rival for the second playoff spot in the group. SKC, meanwhile, enters off a positive 3-1 victory against OKC Energy FC last Saturday that saw Wilson Harris score twice, keeping the side in with at least a chance in Group E. Another victory – and helpful results elsewhere – could enhance SKC’s chances of a return to the postseason.
Discipline: Tulsa - Eric Bird (Suspended), Fabian Bastidas (Suspended)

Saint Louis FC vs. Louisville City FC

(4-3-2)
Group E

8:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: West Community Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: STL Wins 35% | Draw 29% | LOU Wins 37%
(5-3-1)
Group E
The Gist: The Kings’ Cup rivals meet for the second time this season with second place in Group E on the line as Saint Louis FC hosts Louisville City FC. The visitors moved into second place on Wednesday night with a 1-0 victory against first-place Indy Eleven as Paolo DelPiccolo’s second-half goal proved the difference in the second edition of the LIPAFC this season. Now LouCity moves onto face its other big rival in STLFC, which sits two points back in third place in the standings. Saint Louis is coming off a 2-2 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in its most recent outing last Saturday night, a game that saw Kyle Greig and Wal Fall find the net as the side rallied from a two-goal deficit on the road. Now STLFC will try to replicate its prior win this season against Louisville, having taken a 1-0 victory behind a goal from Tyler Blackwood and a stellar goalkeeping display by Kyle Morton when the teams met at Lynn Family Stadium on July 18.
Discipline: None

El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC

(3-2-3)
Group C

9:30 p.m. ET |
Venue: Southwest University Park

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: ELP Wins 43% | Draw 28% | SLC Wins 29%
(1-5-1)
Group C
The Gist: El Paso Locomotive FC has the chance to put further distance between itself and Real Monarchs SLC when the sides meet for the second this time season on Saturday night. Locomotive FC earned a 1-0 victory when it visited the Monarchs on August 15, a result that began a current three-game losing streak for the defending USL Championship title holder’s that included a pair of defeats to New Mexico United last week. That has resulted in an eight-point gap opening between the fourth-placed Monarchs and second-placed El Paso in the Group C standings at the midway point of the season. Locomotive FC is on a three-game undefeated streak after its 0-0 draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and would take another big step toward the postseason with a victory in its first game since the season resumed that will include a limited number of fans at Southwest University Park.
Discipline: None

Orange County SC vs. San Diego Loyal SC

(4-1-2)
Group B

10:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: OC Wins 56% | Draw 26% | SD Wins 18%
(3-4-2)
Group B
The Gist: Orange County SC will try to rebound from its first loss of the season when it plays host to San Diego Loyal SC in a contest that could prove pivotal in the battle for the playoffs in Group B. OCSC took an early lead but ended up conceding two late goals in a 3-1 loss to Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday night. The side remains in second place in the Group B standings, however, and will be hoping to replicate the 2-0 victory it earned when it faced off for the first time with San Diego on August 12 at Torero Stadium to solidify its path to the playoffs. That defeat to Orange County was the start of a recent three-game losing streak for SD Loyal which has seen the side slip to fourth place in the group. As concerning has been the side’s lack of goals, with San Diego having broken a three-game scoreless streak in its 3-1 defeat to Reno 1868 FC last Saturday night. To try and aid that, SD Loyal announced on Friday the loan arrival of former University of San Diego forward Miguel Berry from Columbus Crew SC, and the former Toreros All-America selection could be in line for action for the first time as SD Loyal tried to erase the three-point difference between itself and Orange County on Saturday night.
Discipline: None

Reno 1868 FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC

(6-2-0)
Group A

10:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Greater Nevada Field

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: RNO Wins 26% | Draw 23% | PHX Wins 51%
(6-1-2)
Group B
The Gist: A potential playoff preview arrives at Greater Nevada Field on Saturday night as Group A leader Reno 1868 FC hosts Group B leader Phoenix Rising FC for an intriguing intergroup showdown. Reno has won back-to-back games to remain on top of its group on total wins ahead of Sacramento Republic FC, having earned a 3-1 victory last Saturday night against San Diego Loyal SC to maintain that advantage. The hosts will get a serious test from Phoenix, however, which is looking to get back in the win column after a frustrating 3-3 draw against Las Vegas Lights FC last Saturday night that saw the side conceded twice in second-half stoppage time to end a four-game winning streak. Boasting three of the five leading scorers in the Championship, Rising FC’s firepower should be a big challenge for Reno, which has boasted an explosive attack of its own, and that could make for fireworks on the field.
Discipline: None

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20


LA Galaxy II vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

(4-3-0)
Group B

5:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: LA Wins 42% | Draw 26% | LV Wins 32%
(2-3-2)
Group B
The Gist: Two teams coming off midweek victories will try to boost their playoff chances in Group B as Los Dos play host to Lights FC. Las Vegas is coming in off its best run of form this season, undefeated in its last three matches while scoring three goals in all three contests. That boost in form has been partially a result of the arrival of Blake Frischknecht, who scored his first goal for the side after recording three assists in the two previous outings as Lights FC handed Orange County SC a 3-1 defeat on Tuesday night. The visitors will look to continue their upward swing against a Galaxy II side that got a pair of goals from Augustine Williams on Wednesday night in a 3-2 win against the Portland Timbers 2. Los Dos are now only two points out of second place in the group going into the weekend’s action, and depending on the result between Orange County SC and San Diego Loyal Sc on Saturday night could have a chance to move back into the top two with a win on home turf.
Discipline: None

OKC Energy FC vs. Austin Bold FC

(1-5-3)
Group D

6:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Taft Stadium

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: OKC Wins 27% | Draw 24% | ATX Wins 49%
(3-2-3)
Group D
The Gist: Austin Bold FC will try to rebound from a deflating draw on Wednesday night when it visits an OKC Energy FC side fighting for its postseason life at Taft Stadium. Austin took a four-goal lead at halftime against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in its last outing, but then conceded four goals in the second half to come away with only a point in the first Championship game to see two teams record four consecutive goals against each other in the same game. Energy FC is in need of a lift, too, after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Sporting Kansas City II last Saturday night. That result means OKC enters Sunday’s contest six points back of Austin for second place in Group D, but having played an additional game. Anything but a win for the hosts would be another serious blow to their playoff chances.
Discipline: None

Portland Timbers 2 vs. Tacoma Defiance

(0-8-0)
Group A

9:00 p.m. ET |
Venue: Providence Park

FiveThirtyEight.com Predictor: POR Wins 41% | Draw 22% | TAC Wins 37%
(2-5-1)
Group A
The Gist: The Defiance will try to maintain their upper hand on T2 this season when the teams meet on Sunday night to round out the weekend’s action. Tacoma has won the prior two meetings between the sides so far, scoring seven goals in a pair of shutout victories on July 18 and August 3 respectively. The most recent of those victories, however, was the Defiance’s most recent overall as the side has gone on a three-game losing streak since then to drop off the pace in the race for the playoffs in Group A. Portland, meanwhile, is still looking for its first points of the season after suffering a 3-2 defeat to the LA Galaxy II on Wednesday night for its eighth consecutive loss of the campaign. Finding a way to break into the win column, and further denting its biggest rival’s playoff hopes, would be a big breakthrough for Portland if it can find a way to connect more consistently in attack.
Discipline: None
 

THE SOCIAL CIRCLE

 

THE USL LOWDOWN

- Memphis 901 FC players announced on Friday they will not play their scheduled match against North Carolina FC and will walk from AutoZone Park to the National Civil Rights Museum on Saturday morning. The Memphis Commercial-Appeal’s Corinne Kennedy has more on the decision, and the players plans for Saturday that include visiting “I Am a Man” Plaza before touring the National Civil Rights Museum together.

- Speaking with Sports Charlotte, Charlotte Independence defender Hugh Roberts spoke more about the social activism he and his teammates have been engaged in away from the field, and the club’s midweek victory against North Carolina FC.

- From a competitive race for the Championship Golden Boot, to teams that might make a second-half surge, The Athletic’s Jeff Rueter has a mid-season look across the league and predictions on which teams will be part of the 2020 Championship Playoffs in October.

- Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC made an emphatic statement on the road in a 3-0 victory against Hartford Athletic on Friday night that moved the side three points clear at the top of Group F. Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s John Krysinsky has details and postgame reaction from the Hounds.

- San Antonio FC continued its undefeated start to the season, although it was made to work for a 3-1 victory against South Texas Derby rival Rio Grande Valley FC on Friday night at H-E-B Park. The San Antonio News-Express’ Greg Luca has the details as SAFC moved its unbeaten run to 10 games.

- The Charleston Battery side the Tampa Bay Rowdies faced last month is now looking a much tougher proposition, with Wednesday’s win against Miami FC its third in a row. The Tampa Bay Times’ Darek Sharp looks at what’s in story for the Rowdies as they visit Patriots Point Soccer Complex on Saturday.

- Saint Louis FC ends its week with one of its biggest games of the season as Kings' Cup rival Louisville City FC visits West Community Stadium with the postseason on the minds of both clubs. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Lyons look back at the week for the club, and ahead to what will be one of Saturday's must-see games.

- San Diego Loyal SC is hoping to sharpen its attack down the home stretch with the addition of former University of San Diego standout Miguel Berry on loan from Columbus Crew SC. The San Diego News-Tribune’s Tom Krasovic has the details ahead of SD Loyal’s key game with Orange County SC on Saturday night.

- For Championship teams, maybe the biggest challenge this season has posed has been that of players remaining safe at home and on the road. Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s Mark Asher Goodman spoke with Riverhounds SC players Robbie Mertz and Skylar Thomas for an in-depth look at what life has been like for players since the season resumed in July.  

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos