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Race for the Championship Playoffs – Everything You Need to Know

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 09/03/20, 2:00PM EDT

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The postseason is coming into view across all eight groups, here’s where we stand right now

The countdown to the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs is officially on.

Across the eight groups of this year’s reformatted season, postseason berths are coming into view for some clubs, while others are facing a battle for their playoff lives.

Here’s an up-to-date look at where everyone stands, from Magic Numbers to their potential to finish in one of the top two positions in their group. And to start us off, three contests that could prove absolutely crucial for both clubs involved.

 

Playoff Race Games to Watch

Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC

Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews
Group G

What to Know - The Independence come into this game sitting in second place in Group G, but they’re still not in complete control of their destiny even after taking victory on the road against Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday night. With North Carolina – also victorious on Wednesday against Birmingham Legion FC – holding two games in hand on its in-state rival, things could change quickly if the visitors win here, reversing Charlotte’s first league victory against NCFC on August 26 that set the Independence up in their current spot.

Austin Bold FC vs. FC Tulsa

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
Venue: Bold Stadium
Group D

What to Know - There’s the potential for a whole lot to get settled – or absolutely nothing at all – in the race for second place in the next week as Bold FC hosts Tulsa for back-to-back games on Saturday and next Tuesday night. If one team can claim victory in both games, they’ll be in the driver’s seat with five games to go. If the two contests end up split with one win apiece, or a pair of draws, then we’re likely in for a nailbiting race to the finish line.

Orange County SC vs. LA Galaxy II

Saturday, 10 p.m. ET
Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium
Group B

What to Know - OCSC and Los Dos are in the same state as Austin and Tulsa, only this game will serve as the back-end of a two-game set in Irvine this week. With Orange County having taken victory in the first contest on Wednesday night, it can really hammer home its advantage with another victory here, which would open a six-point lead on its closest rival and potentially keep San Diego Loyal SC and Las Vegas Lights FC in the rearview mirror as well.

Western Conference

 

Group A

3. Reno 1868 FC
1. Reno 1868 FC
Record: 7-2-0, 21pts
Playoff Odds: >99 percent
First Place Odds: 74%
Second Place Odds: 26%
Max. Points Available: 42pts
Magic Number: 11pts
Up Next: vs. POR (9/5)
Reno is closing in on another postseason berth but will want to make sure it takes care of business at home to Portland on Saturday night to maintain its edge over Sacramento Republic FC before the top two face off on September 12.
2. Sacramento Republic FC
2. Sacramento Republic FC
Record: 6-1-3, 21pts
Playoff Odds: >99 percent
First Place Odds: 26%
Second Place Odds: 73%
Max. Points Available: 39pts
Magic Number: 11pts
Up Next: vs. OC (9/9)
Republic FC just got the victory it needed against Portland on Wednesday afternoon to move back level on points with Reno 1868 FC in the standings. Now it will watch this weekend to see if T2 can find a way to break Reno’s recent run.
3. Tacoma Defiance
3. Tacoma Defiance
Record: 2-5-1, 7pts
Playoff Odds: 2 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 2%
Max. Points Available: 31pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at SLC (9/4)
Tacoma’s three-game losing streak really put paid to any hopes it had of a playoff berth of its own. With two meetings apiece still left with both Reno (Sept. 16, Oct. 3) and Sacramento (Sept. 19, Sept. 30) there’s still that outside chance if the side can rally once more.
4. Portland Timbers 2
4. Portland Timbers 2
Record: 0-9-0, 0pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 21pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at RNO (9/5)
The only thing left really for T2 this season is to ensure it doesn’t end the season without a point, because official playoff elimination is right around the corner.
 

Group B

Phoenix Rising FC
1. Phoenix Rising FC
Record: 6-2-2, 20pts
Playoff Odds: 98 percent
First Place Odds: 78%
Second Place Odds: 20%
Max. Points Available: 38pts
Magic Number: 17pts
Up Next: at LV (9/5)
Phoenix is still set fair for the playoffs, and saw its magic number come down after the first meeting between Orange County and the Galaxy II on Wednesday night. Getting a bit of revenge in Las Vegas on Saturday night is next in the on-field agenda for Head Coach Rick Schantz’s side after its 3-3 draw at Cashman Field on August 22.
2. Orange County SC
2. Orange County SC
Record: 5-1-3, 18pts
Playoff Odds: 82 percent
First Place Odds: 19%
Second Place Odds: 63%
Max. Points Available: 39pts
Magic Number: 19pts
Up Next: vs. LA (9/5)
Orange County got the job done in its first game against Los Dos. If it can pull off the sweep on Saturday night, it’ll be in the driver’s season for the playoffs with six games to go.
3. LA Galaxy II
3. LA Galaxy II
Record: 5-5-0, 15pts
Playoff Odds: 18 percent
First Place Odds: 2%
Second Place Odds: 16%
Max. Points Available: 36pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at OC (9/5)
The Galaxy II couldn’t build on a great opening in Orange County on Wednesday night, and now the pressure’s going to be on to reverse that result and keep things tight in the race for second place on Saturday.
4. San Diego Loyal SC
4. San Diego Loyal SC
Record: 3-4-4, 13pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 28pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next:at LA (9/9)
A draw was the worst possible result for both San Diego and Las Vegas on Wednesday night, and now there’s a five-point gap to be made up on second-placed Orange County with only five games to go for SD Loyal.
5. Las Vegas Lights FC
5. Las Vegas Lights FC
Record: 2-4-3, 9pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 30pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. PHX (9/5)
Las Vegas needed to take all three points against San Diego Loyal SC on Wednesday to boost its playoff chances. Since it didn’t, Saturday’s game with Phoenix Rising FC at Cashman Field is now a must-win.
 

Group C

1. New Mexico United
1. New Mexico United
Record: 6-2-2, 20pts
Playoff Odds: >99 percent
First Place Odds: 80%
Second Place Odds: 19%
Max. Points Available: 38pts
Magic Number: 9pts
Up Next: at ELP (9/5)
What New Mexico United has done so far this season has been remarkable on the road, and it could take a massive step toward first place in the group if it can earn victory in El Paso again on Saturday. A win would open an eight-point gap at the top, with Locomotive FC having only six games to make up the difference.
2. El Paso Locomotive FC
2. El Paso Locomotive FC
Record: 4-2-2, 15pts
Playoff Odds: 89 percent
First Place Odds: 19%
Second Place Odds: 70%
Max. Points Available: 36pts
Magic Number: 14pts
Up Next: vs. NM (9/5)
Locomotive FC should be looking at Saturday night’s matchup with New Mexico as a must-win, because with three points against its regional rival the chance to move into first place opens up thanks to El Paso’s game in hand. Anything other than a win and it could be a slow procession to second place in the next few weeks.
3. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
3. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Record: 1-4-4, 7pts
Playoff Odds: 5 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 5%
Max. Points Available: 28pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. OKC (9/5)
If the playoffs are going to happen for Colorado Springs, they’re going to have to get into playoff form right now. The good news is Saturday’s visitors in OKC Energy FC have been struggling for form just as much as the Switchbacks have, so a win and a victory for New Mexico in El Paso would be a big step in the right direction.
4. Real Monarchs SLC
4. Real Monarchs SLC
Record: 1-6-1, 4pts
Playoff Odds: 7 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 7%
Max. Points Available: 28pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. TAC (9/4)
The same applies to the Monarchs as the Switchbacks, the wins have to start now if there’s to be any chance of reeling in Locomotive FC for second place. Friday’s visitor Tacoma Defiance is on a three-game losing streak and is going to be just as desperate for a victory as Real will be.
 

Group D

1. San Antonio FC
1. San Antonio FC
Record: 7-0-3, 24pts
Playoff Odds: >99 percent
First Place Odds: 98%
Second Place Odds: 2%
Max. Points Available: 42pts
Magic Number: 11pts
Up Next: vs. RGV (9/5)
San Antonio’s procession to first place – seriously, look at those odds – should be a formality at this point, but the side is going to want to keep its foot on the gas pedal over its final six games. With a three-point edge on everyone else currently, SAFC is in position to ensure the road to the USL Championship Final goes through Toyota Field in October.
2. Austin Bold FC
2. Austin Bold FC
Record: 3-2-4, 13pts
Playoff Odds: 65 percent
First Place Odds: 2%
Second Place Odds: 63%
Max. Points Available: 34pts
Magic Number: 21pts
Up Next: vs. TUL (9/5)
There will have been too many points left on the table in recent outings for Bold FC’s liking, but all of that will be forgotten if it can find victory on Saturday against FC Tulsa. That opens the door to a sweep of the two-game set next week, and a serious cushion to play with in the standings.
3. FC Tulsa
3. FC Tulsa
Record: 3-2-4, 13pts
Playoff Odds: 34 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 34%
Max. Points Available: 34pts
Magic Number: 21pts
Up Next: at ATX (9/5)
Tulsa’s Dario Suarez might be getting hot at just the right time. With the side having earned results in bunches so far this season, a trip to Austin would be the ideal moment for a short winning streak to arrive.
4. OKC Energy FC
4. OKC Energy FC
Record: 1-5-4, 7pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 27pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at COS (9/5)
Energy FC is going to be going up against an opponent that will be just as desperate for victory on Saturday as it will when it visits Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. A draw would be terrible for both sides, which means it should be an entertaining clash at Weidner Field.
5. Rio Grande Valley FC
5. Rio Grande Valley FC
Record: 0-8-3, 3pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 18pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at SA (9/5)
The Toros will need to win out to have a chance at the playoffs from here, and even then it might not be enough.

Eastern Conference

 

Group E

1. Indy Eleven
1. Indy Eleven
Record: 6-3-1, 19pts
Playoff Odds: 93 percent
First Place Odds: 68%
Second Place Odds: 24%
Max. Points Available: 37pts
Magic Number: 15pts
Up Next: vs. LOU (9/5)
Indy’s relative slowdown in form over the last four games has meant the group is still up for grabs with six games to go in the regular season and makes Saturday’s LIPAFC against Louisville City FC even more important than usual. With a win, the Boys in Blue take the pressure off, but they’ve not been able to do that yet this season against their biggest rival, going 0-1-1 in the prior two meetings.
2. Louisville City FC
2. Louisville City FC
Record: 5-3-2, 17pts
Playoff Odds: 71 percent
First Place Odds: 23%
Second Place Odds: 48%
Max. Points Available: 35pts
Magic Number: 17pts
Up Next: at IND (9/5)
Here’s the flipside of that Indy story. After an undefeated August, LouCity feels like it’s getting into the form that has seen it reach the last three USL Championship Finals. With a win on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, it would move into first place and have a chance to push on from there.
3. Saint Louis FC
3. Saint Louis FC
Record: 4-3-3, 15pts
Playoff Odds: 34 percent
First Place Odds: 8%
Second Place Odds: 26%
Max. Points Available: 33pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. SKC (9/4)
Saint Louis is by no means out of the mix for the playoffs, either, although it’s got a tricky game against Sporting Kansas City II coming up on Friday night. Getting back in the win column at West Community Stadium would only add to the pressure on Indy and LouCity the following day.
4. Sporting Kansas City II
4. Sporting Kansas City II
Record: 4-5-1, 13pts
Playoff Odds: 2 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 2%
Max. Points Available: 31pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at STL (9/4)
SKC II was looking a little adrift after its outstanding wins against Indy and LouCity, but back-to-back wins against OKC Energy FC and FC Tulsa mean you can’t rule them out just yet. Victory against Saint Louis FC on Friday would move Sporting out of the basement and boost their playoff credentials.
 

Group F

1. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
1. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Record: 7-3-1, 22pts
Playoff Odds: >99 percent
First Place Odds: 87%
Second Place Odds: 12%
Max. Points Available: 37pts
Magic Number: 10pts
Up Next: at NY (9/5)
The Hounds continued their recent surge on Tuesday night against Loudoun United and it would be a shock if they finished anywhere but first at the end of the regular season. They could also do their closest rivals for that spot, Hartford Athletic, a favor with a win against the Red Bulls II on Saturday evening.
2. Hartford Athletic
2. Hartford Athletic
Record: 5-2-1, 16pts
Playoff Odds: 86 percent
First Place Odds: 12%
Second Place Odds: 74%
Max. Points Available: 40pts
Magic Number: 16pts
Up Next: vs. LDN (9/5)
The interesting thing for Hartford is that it still mathematically has a higher potential final total than Pittsburgh. The bad news in that regard is the Athletic still have to play the Hounds twice, and given the last meeting, the odds don’t seem favorable for Head Coach Radhi Jaidi’s side. Still, taking care of Loudoun United FC is the priority for now, since you wouldn’t want to let the Red Bulls II get the thought they can catch you.
3. New York Red Bulls II
3. New York Red Bulls II
Record: 3-6-0, 9pts
Playoff Odds: 13 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 13%
Max. Points Available: 30pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. PIT (9/5)
The Red Bulls II regained the scoring magic against Loudoun United last time out, and it’s going to need plenty more of that if the club’s playoff streak isn’t to be snapped at five seasons. Beating Pittsburgh’s certainly a tough task, but it’s one that New York as already pulled off once this year.
4. Loudoun United FC
4. Loudoun United FC
Record: 1-6-2, 5pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 26pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at HFD (9/5)
It’s now or never time for United after Tuesday’s loss to Pittsburgh. Loudoun showed it has what it takes to defeat Hartford on its last visit to Dillon Stadium, now it’s got to make sure it makes the result stick if there’s to be any chance at postseason action this year.
5. Philadelphia Union II
5. Philadelphia Union II
Record: 1-5-1, 4pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 31pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at TBR (9/6)
Because of its remarkable number of games in hand, there’s still some light at the end of the tunnel for the Union II. Going up against a Rowdies side that might be able to clinch a playoff place at Al Lang Stadium, though, is going to be a very hard ask for points of any kind for the visitors.
 

Group G

1. Birmingham Legion FC
1. Birmingham Legion FC
Record: 6-2-3, 21pts
Playoff Odds: 98 percent
First Place Odds: 79%
Second Place Odds: 19%
Max. Points Available: 36pts
Magic Number: 13pts
Up Next: at MEM (9/5)
Birmingham is still in control of first place even with its setback against North Carolina FC on Wednesday night. It’s going to want to rebound quickly on Saturday against Memphis, though, with the Independence and North Carolina both appearing in the rearview mirror.
2. Charlotte Independence
2. Charlotte Independence
Record: 4-3-3, 15pts
Playoff Odds: 48 percent
First Place Odds: 8%
Second Place Odds: 39%
Max. Points Available: 33pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. NC (9/5)
The Independence carry a five-point lead into their meeting on Saturday with North Carolina FC, but a victory is going to be key with NCFC holding two games in hand and a higher potential end total than Charlotte currently.
3. North Carolina FC
3. North Carolina FC
Record: 3-4-1, 10pts
Playoff Odds: 53 percent
First Place Odds: 13%
Second Place Odds: 40%
Max. Points Available: 34pts
Magic Number: 24pts
Up Next: at CLT (9/5)
That penalty save by Alex Tambakis against Birmingham on Wednesday night could be one of the key moments of the season if North Carolina reaches the playoffs. Now they’re still within touching distance of the Independence ahead of their trip to Charlotte on Saturday night.
4. Memphis 901 FC
4. Memphis 901 FC
Record: 1-5-3, 6pts
Playoff Odds: 2 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 2%
Max. Points Available: 27pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. BHM (9/5)
Memphis got out to a great start against Charlotte on Wednesday, but when it wasn’t able to capitalize on its chances and the Independence were to take victory it pushed 901 FC’s playoff chances that much further down.
 

Group H

1. Tampa Bay Rowdies
1. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Record: 7-1-3, 24pts
Playoff Odds: >99 percent
First Place Odds: 86%
Second Place Odds: 14%
Max. Points Available: 39pts
Magic Number: 6pts
Up Next: vs. PHI (9/6)
The chance to clinch a playoff place has arrived for the Rowdies after its 3-0 win against Miami on Wednesday night. If Miami loses to the Charleston Battery on Saturday in South Florida, then the Rowdies can be the first team into the playoffs with victory against the Philadelphia Union II on Sunday night.
2. Charleston Battery
2. Charleston Battery
Record: 6-2-2, 20pts
Playoff Odds: 96 percent
First Place Odds: 14%
Second Place Odds: 82%
Max. Points Available: 38pts
Magic Number: 10pts
Up Next: at MIA (9/5)
The Battery’s back-to-back victories last week put a 15-point gap between themselves and Miami FC, which means a 10th consecutive trip to the playoffs is in sight. Charleston faces Miami again on Saturday in South Florida, and while a win wouldn’t lock things up for the Battery, it would keep the race for first place very interesting indeed.
3. Atlanta United 2
3. Atlanta United 2
Record: 2-7-3, 6pts
Playoff Odds: <1 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: <1%
Max. Points Available: 21pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. MIA (9/12)
Atlanta managed to keep itself mathematically alive on Wednesday night with its win against the Philadelphia Union II, but now its fate is out of its hands. A Battery win against Miami on Saturday would officially eliminate ATL UTD 2 from playoff contention.
4. The Miami FC
4. The Miami FC
Record: 1-5-2, 5pts
Playoff Odds: 4 percent
First Place Odds: <1%
Second Place Odds: 4%
Max. Points Available: 29pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. CHS (9/5)
Miami is close to elimination as well after its defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday night. Every game is a must-win from hereon out, but especially Saturday’s game with the Charleston Battery.

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