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Gameday Previews – Saturday, April 23

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 04/22/22, 11:29AM EDT

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Louisville hits road as last undefeated, while Phoenix and Miami clash in high-profile interconference contest

After the action of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in midweek, this Saturday brings a 10-game slate of action that sees Louisville City FC aim to maintain its place as the last undefeated side in the league, a pair of intriguing interconference contests, and a top-seven meeting between two Western Conference playoff contenders in New Mexico.

Here’s a look ahead to all the action. 

New York Red Bulls II vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Venue: MSU Soccer Park
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: NY 16%, TBR 61%, Draw 22%

The Lowdown: The Tampa Bay Rowdies head to MSU Soccer Park looking to build on a strong home victory last time out against a Red Bulls II side that returns to action hoping to break a run of four consecutive defeats. The two clubs could see loanees take to the field against their parent organizations on Saturday, with the Rowdies having sent forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith on loan to the Red Bulls II for the 2022 campaign, and Jake LaCava having gone in the opposite direction this preseason on loan to Tampa Bay from the Red Bulls. LaCava currently leads the Rowdies with three goals this season, while the side also saw Kyle Greig, Lewis Hilton and Dayonn Harris find the net in a 3-1 win against FC Tulsa last Saturday at Al Lang Stadium. The Red Bulls II have been held without a goal in three of their last four contests, meanwhile, as they try to improve after a 1-0 defeat to Rio Grande Valley FC last Friday night.

Spotlight Players
New York Red Bulls II – AJ Marcucci:
The Red Bulls II goalkeeper is tied for third in the Championship with 17 saves in five appearances and could need to deliver a big performance if New York is to get a result at home.

Tampa Bay Rowdies – Sebastian Dalgaard: The Danish winger’s next appearance will be his 150th regular-season appearance in the league, and he’s notched a pair of goals so far this season for the Rowdies off the right flank.

Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC

Venue: Patriots Point
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: CHS 21%, LOU 55%, Draw 24%

The Lowdown: Louisville City FC will try to continue its undefeated start to the season as it heads for its first game against the Charleston Battery since 2019 at Patriots Point. LouCity has won five out of seven games to start the campaign after a 5-2 victory against San Diego Loyal SC last Saturday night, and extended its undefeated streak to nine games in all competitions on Wednesday night when it advanced to the Round of 32 in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after winning a dramatic penalty shootout against St. Louis CITY 2 at Lynn Family Stadium. Defender Josh Wynder, who scored the decisive goal in the 10th round of the shootout, will be unavailable on Saturday after his call-up to the United States U-19 Men’s National Team camp in California that starts today, and the visitors will also be without center back Sean Totsch as he serves a one-game suspension after his red card against SD Loyal. Charleston is hoping to break a four-game losing streak as it returns to action after falling 4-1 to San Diego in its last outing on April 9. The four-game losing run is the Battery’s longest in the Championship era, with Head Coach Conor Casey’s side looking for its first win since the opening day of the 2022 campaign.

Spotlight Players
Charleston Battery – Joe Kuzminsky:
The experienced goalkeeper is set to make his 100th appearance for the Battery in all competitions and will try to claim his 30th shutout in the Championship’s regular season against LouCity’s strong attack

Louisville City FC – Wesley Charpie: The veteran defender could need to step up in the absence of both Sean Totsch (suspension) and Josh Wynder (international duty) to bring together LouCity’s back line.

Hartford Athletic vs. Detroit City FC

Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Trinity Health Stadium
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: HFD 44%, DET 28%, Draw 28%

The Lowdown: Detroit City FC will head to Hartford looking to build on a historic Open Cup victory in midweek against an Athletic side that currently sits as a lone team yet to register a win in the league this season. Hartford suffered a 2-0 defeat to Miami FC last Saturday night before being eliminated from the Open Cup by the New York Red Bulls as Younes Boudadi’s shot off the woodwork with 11 minutes to go kept the hosts from equalizing and potentially sending the game to extra time in a 2-1 defeat. DCFC, meanwhile, trailed early against the Columbus Crew but rallied to take a 2-1 victory behind a pair of second-half goals by Maxi Rodriguez to earn victory in its first official contest against Major League Soccer opposition in club history. Detroit City’s Open Cup win was a continuation of its league form, where the club is undefeated in five games after a 1-0 victory against Birmingham Legion FC last Friday night that saw Antoine Hoppenot score the only goal and Nathan Steinwascher record his third league shutout of the season.  

Spotlight Players
Hartford Athletic – Ariel Martinez:
The veteran Cuban forward was signed by Hartford this week and could make his debut for the side as it tries to add some attacking punch to its front line.

Detroit City FC – Maxi Rodriguez: One of the holdovers from DCFC’s 2021 squad, Rodriguez has been instrumental in the side’s strong start and will be a player Hartford has to account for over the 90 minutes.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Atlanta United 2

Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Highmark Stadium
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: PIT 65%, ATL 14%, Draw 21%

The Lowdown: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC returns home to host Atlanta United 2 on Saturday night aiming to regain its scoring touch after suffering both its first defeat in the league this season and elimination from the U.S. Open Cup in the past seven days. The Hounds fell 1-0 to Las Vegas Lights FC last Saturday evening at Cashman Field, and then despite a bright first-half display were unable to find a decisive moment in the final third as they fell in extra time to FC Cincinnati in the Third Round of the open Cup on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh is undefeated in five prior meetings with Atlanta, going 3-0-2 in the series between the clubs, and still sits in second place in the Eastern Conference after four wins from five to start the campaign. Atlanta, meanwhile, suffered a late defeat to Indy Eleven last Saturday night in its most recent outing despite the fourth goal of the season by forward Jackson Conway, who is now tied for third in the league in goals alongside the Hounds’ Albert Dikwa and Dane Kelly and others.

Spotlight Players
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Danny Griffin:
The central midfielder has continued to shine in his central midfield role this season, completing 86.7 percent of passes while making nine interceptions in providing balance for the Hounds.  

Atlanta United 2 – Mikey Ambrose: The veteran defender has played every minute of the season so far for Atlanta and has won 5 of 5 tackles and made 13 interceptions and 15 clearances. His experience will be key if the visitors are to break through.

FC Tulsa vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Venue: ONEOK Field
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: TUL 35%, COS 40%, Draw 26%

The Lowdown: FC Tulsa will play host to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as both teams try to rebound from defeats last time out in league play in an interconference clash at ONEOK Field. Tulsa suffered its second consecutive league defeat in a 3-1 result against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium last Saturday night, and also fell in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night on the road against FC Dallas despite a late first-half goal by captain Bradley Bourgeois. The Switchbacks, meanwhile, saw their perfect start to the season come to an end in a 2-1 defeat against Memphis 901 FC at Weidner Field. Matt Mahoney scored a late goal for the hosts, but they were unable to find an equalizer to remain in second place in the Western Conference standings through six games this season. The sides have met 11 times overall previously, with the Switchbacks holding a 6-5 edge in victories as no prior meeting between the sides has ended in a draw.

Spotlight Players
FC Tulsa – JJ Williams:
The new arrival this offseason leads Tulsa with four goals in the league, accounting for one-third of the team’s goals so far this season.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Michee Ngalina: The Congolese winger has three goals and one assist this season, and his potential matchup against Tulsa’s Bradley Bourgeois on the left flank could be one to watch closely.

Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Venue: H-E-B Park
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: RGV 39%, SAC 32%, Draw 28%

The Lowdown: Rio Grande Valley FC will welcome a key figure from its postseason run back to H-E-B Park on Saturday night as Rodrigo Lopez and Sacramento Republic FC make the trip to Texas. The Toros are looking to build on a victory last time out in the league as Frank Lopez scored the only goal last Friday night in a 1-0 win against the New York Red Bulls II for their second win of the season. RGVFC is coming off a heartbreaking midweek defeat against Houston Dynamo FC in the U.S. Open Cup, however, as Lopez had a second-half penalty kick saved when the side had the chance to take a second-half lead before the Dynamo grabbed a winner in second-half stoppage time. The Toros transferred Lopez back to Republic FC this offseason after he helped the side reach the playoffs last fall, and Lopez has continued to make an impact for Sacramento in his third stint at the club. On Wednesday night he scored the decisive penalty kick in second-half stoppage time to send Republic FC through to the Round of 32 of the Open Cup with a 2-1 win against USL League One club Central Valley Fuego FC, and in the league the 34-year-old has notched two goals and 13 chances created, tied for eighth-most in the league.

Spotlight Players
Rio Grande Valley FC – Wahab Ackwei:
The center back has recorded 12 clearances and 10 interceptions this season and will need to be on top of his game against a strong Republic FC attacking corps.

Sacramento Republic FC – Duke Lacroix: The veteran full back has scored once and notched two chances created while continuing to show his adeptness getting up and down the left flank while winning 4 of 4 tackles this season.

New Mexico United vs. San Antonio FC

Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
Venue: Isotopes Park
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: NM 38%, SA 35%, Draw 27%

The Lowdown: New Mexico United will try to rebound from its first league defeat of the season and elimination from the U.S. Open Cup when it plays host to a San Antonio FC side that has won seven of eight games in all competitions to start the season. New Mexico fell for the first time in the Championship this season last Saturday night despite dominating the chances in a 1-0 defeat to Phoenix Rising FC and was then eliminated from the Open Cup by the same side as Neco Brett’s second-half goal to level was cancelled out by Greg Hurst’s late winner for the hosts at Wild Horse Pass. United has held the upper hand on SAFC in their prior head-to-head meetings, including winning all three contests at Isotopes Park in league play. San Antonio has made a strong start to this campaign, though, and on Wednesday night carried its momentum into the Open Cup and a 2-1 comeback win against Austin FC after extra time that marked the club’s first win against an MLS opponent in its history. Elliot Collier scored the opening goal before Carter Manley’s winner against Austin, and the New Zealand international has also scored three goals in the league this season to help drive the side’s successful start.

Spotlight Players
New Mexico United – Chris Wehan:
The attacking midfielder has shone in the past against San Antonio, recording six goals in four prior games against the visitors while in New Mexico colors.

San Antonio FC – Jordan Farr: The goalkeeper has shone consistently between the sticks this season and delivered a match-winning performance against Austin FC with seven saves to help the hosts spring the upset.

El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Oakland Roots SC

Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Southwest University Park
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: ELP 52%, OAK 23%, Draw 25%

The Lowdown: Oakland Roots SC will try to build on its first win of the season as it heads to face an El Paso Locomotive FC side trying to find its form in a rematch from last year’s postseason. Oakland took a 1-0 victory against El Paso in one of the big upsets of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs in the first meeting between the clubs, and Roots SC could be hopeful of a similar result this time around after a 4-1 win against Loudoun United FC got the side out of the blocks in impressive style last Saturday night. Edgardo Rito had a goal and assist for the side in that contest, while Ottar Magnus Karlsson has scored four goals to sit tied for third in the league in the early going. Locomotive FC, on the other hand, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Copa Tejas rival San Antonio FC last Saturday night and will be without 18-year-old standout Diego Luna this weekend after he was shown a red card after the conclusion of the contest, resulting in a one-game suspension. Having suffered five losses in six league games to start the season, Locomotive FC will be eager to get its campaign on track back on home turf.

Spotlight Players
El Paso Locomotive FC – Dylan Mares:
The attacking playmaker has recorded three goals and one assist this season and may be essential to Locomotive FC’s chances of earning all three points.

Oakland Roots SC – Emrah Klimenta: The former Montenegro international was key defensively in Roots SC’s upset victory and has been in solid form over the past two games as the visitors look to contain El Paso’s attack.

Las Vegas Lights FC vs. LA Galaxy II

Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
Venue: Cashman Field
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: LV 41%, LA 33%, Draw 26%

The Lowdown: Las Vegas Lights FC will try to continue its best start to a season in club history as it takes on the LA Galaxy II, which is also coming off victory last time out as it heads to Cashman Field. Lights FC moved up to fourth place in the Western Conference last Saturday as it handed Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC a 1-0 defeat as Danny Trejo scored the only goal of the game. Trejo continues to lead the Championship with six goals this season, while also sitting with a league-high four assists, as Las Vegas has shown an improved balance under new Head Coach Enrique Duran. Los Dos have historically had success against their hosts with seven wins in 11 prior meetings, however, and the visitors are also coming off a 3-1 win against Monterey Bay F.C. last Saturday night that saw both Michael Salazar and Duhaney Williams register a goal and assist at Dignity Health Sports Park. That served as only the second win of the season for the Galaxy II, who are yet to win away from home this campaign.

Spotlight Players
Las Vegas Lights FC – Danny Crisostomo:
The central midfielder has been solid throughout the season for Lights FC with one assist and 11 chances created while also winning 16 tackles and recording 19 interceptions.

LA Galaxy II – Duhaney Williams: The Jamaican newcomer had a breakout performance against Monterey Bay, scoring his first goal and assist for the club, and will look to build on that in Las Vegas.

Phoenix Rising FC vs. Miami FC

Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Wild Horse Pass
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: PHX 51%, MIA 24%, Draw 25%

The Lowdown: Phoenix Rising FC will try to add to its five-game winning streak in all competitions as it plays host to Miami FC in the first meeting between the two club in one of this season’s high-profile interconference matchups. Rising FC took its third consecutive league victory last Saturday night as Greg Hurst’s first-half goal stood as the winner in a 1-0 win against New Mexico United after goalkeeper Ben Lundt’s standout performance. Lundt was voted the Championship’s Player of the Week after a five-save shutout against United, and Hurst then bagged the winner against the same side on Wednesday night to send Rising FC to the Round of 32 of the Open Cup with a 2-1 win. Miami was eliminated from the Open Cup on Tuesday night in the first Miami Clasico against Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF at Riccardo Silva Stadium but has recorded back-to-back league victories as it heads to Phoenix. Kyle Murphy scored his first league goal for the club to start a 2-0 win against Hartford Athletic last Saturday night before Romeo Parkes put the game away late, and the visitors will be hopeful of springing a road surprise as they try to keep pace with the front-runners in the Eastern Conference.

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