skip navigation

USL Championship Race to the Playoffs – Sept. 9-10

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 09/08/22, 3:20PM EDT

Share

With five spots secured in the Eastern Conference, attention remains trained on the West this weekend


San Antonio FC and San Diego Loyal SC's top-two showdown in the Western Conference is among the key games in the playoff race this weekend. | Photo courtesy San Diego Loyal SC

Welcome to our latest look at the playoff picture across the USL Championship as we go into this weekend’s action, where five teams have claimed their postseason places in the Eastern Conference, but the Western Conference playoff race continues to offer plenty of intrigue after notable midweek victories for Rio Grande Valley FC and Monterey Bay F.C.

Here are four games to keep an eye on, and where everyone stands.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
September 10 | 7:00 p.m. ET
Highmark Stadium
Louisville City FC

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC clinched its playoff berth on Wednesday night after Louisville City FC’s 2-2 draw with FC Tulsa, but that result – and the bigger picture for both clubs – makes this a crucial game in terms of playoff seeding. For the Hounds, there the importance of picking up three points ahead of a second consecutive key game against Birmingham Legion FC next Wednesday night, while Louisville needs to take victory to ward off the potential challenge of the Tampa Bay Rowdies for top spot, and to try and remain in the hunt for the best record in the league with Western Conference leader San Antonio FC also facing its own challenging fixture later in the night.

Rio Grande Valley FC
September 10 | 8:30 p.m. ET
H-E-B Park
New Mexico United

Rio Grande Valley FC’s victory on the road against El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday night vaulted it into a projected playoff berth in the Western Conference according to fivethirtyeight.com’s projections, which have the Toros as the No. 7 seed ahead of the LA Galaxy II going into this weekend. There can’t be any let-up for the Toros, however, with the battle for the last two positions still firmly in the balance. For New Mexico, meanwhile, a rebound performance on the road against a side it has taken four points from in their prior two meetings this season would help relax some nerves and move United closer to a postseason return.

San Antonio FC
September 10 | 8:30 p.m. ET
Toyota Field
San Diego Loyal SC

When San Diego Loyal SC took a 3-0 victory against San Antonio FC when the teams met at Torero Stadium last month, it opened the potential for this game to be for first place in the Western Conference. San Antonio’s rebound in form since then – and consecutive defeats for SD Loyal – have made this as much about San Diego holding off Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for second place as it is for the visitors in closing the gap to top spot. San Antonio will be eager to turn the tables on SD Loyal back on home turf, meanwhile, and victory would also be another major boost in SAFC’s drive toward finishing with the best record in the regular season.

Phoenix Rising FC
September 10 | 10:30 p.m. ET
Wild Horse Pass
Oakland Roots SC

There is the underlying storyline of recently appointed Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra facing his former club, but after Wednesday night’s victories for Rio Grande Valley FC and Monterey Bay F.C. this game is massive for both Rising FC and Roots SC’s playoff chances. Now sitting in 11th and 12th place respectively, both Phoenix and Oakland have less than a 20 percent chance of reaching the playoffs going into the weekend according to fivethirtyeight.com. For both teams, that makes this an absolute must-win to try and boost those odds and apply a devastating blow to their rival. A repeat of the 0-0 draw the teams played to in July, meanwhile, would be disastrous for both.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

2. San Antonio FC
1. San Antonio FC
Record: 19-5-3, 60pts
Playoff Odds: Clinched
Projected Finish: 1st (96%)
Max. Points Available: 81pts
Magic Number: IN
Up Next: vs. SD (9/10)
With an eight-point lead and a game in hand on second-placed San Diego Loyal SC, San Antonio FC is looking locked into top spot in the Western Conference going into their rematch regardless of the outcome at Toyota Field. SAFC will still want all three points on Saturday night, however, first to provide a mental boost after falling to SD Loyal when they first met and also to maintain its edge over Louisville City FC for the best record in the regular season – which would mean the road to the USL Championship Final goes through Toyota Field.
2. San Diego Loyal SC
2. San Diego Loyal SC
Record: 16-8-4, 52pts
Playoff Odds: >99%
Projected Finish: 2nd (67%)
Max. Points Available: 70pts
Magic Number: 3
Up Next: at SA (9/10)
After last weekend’s loss to Monterey Bay F.C., San Diego Loyal SC can clinch its playoff berth with a victory against San Antonio FC on Saturday night, and there are other avenues to clinch should the visitors earn a draw, or even lose. With a draw to move to 53 points, SD Loyal would clinch a playoff place with three corresponding results from four games – a loss for Las Vegas Lights FC to Monterey Bay F.C., dropping Las Vegas to a maximum of 52 points, or the LA Galaxy II, Rio Grande Valley FC or Phoenix Rising FC failing to take victory in their respective games, each of which would drop those teams to 52 points or fewer as their maximum available. If SD Loyal falls against San Antonio, keeping it on 52 points, it would need Los Dos to lose against Orange County SC and Rio Grande Valley FC to lose against New Mexico United, dropping both to a maximum of 51 points, and Phoenix to fail to take victory against Oakland Roots SC, dropping it to at-best a maximum of 51 points. In any outcome, SD Loyal can’t be caught by El Paso Locomotive FC, over which it holds the head-to-head tiebreaker with Locomotive FC’s maximum available points total now on 52 after its midweek loss.
3. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
3. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Record: 16-9-3, 51pts
Playoff Odds: >99%
Projected Finish: 3rd (55%)
Max. Points Available: 69pts
Magic Number: 4
Up Next: vs. DET (9/10)
The Switchbacks are within range of clinching a playoff place on Saturday night and would do so with a victory against Detroit City FC to move to 54 points. With Colorado Springs holding the head-to-head tiebreaker against the LA Galaxy II (2-0-0) and Los Dos sitting on a maximum available point total of 54 points going into the weekend, the contest between Monterey Bay F.C. and Las Vegas Lights FC would put the Switchbacks in whatever its outcome. A Monterey Bay victory would drop Las Vegas to a maximum of 52 points, while a Las Vegas victory would drop Monterey Bay to a maximum of 53 points, and a draw would move Las Vegas to a maximum of 53 points, ensuring the Switchbacks a top-seven finish.
There is also a pathway for the Switchbacks to clinch with a draw on 52 points should four different results go their way. A loss for Las Vegas would drop Lights FC to a maximum available of 52 points, with the Switchbacks holding the head-to-head tiebreaker (2-0-0), a loss for Rio Grande Valley FC against New Mexico United to drop the Toros to a maximum available of 51 points, a draw or loss for the LA Galaxy II against Orange County SC to drop Los Dos to a maximum available of 52 points – where the Switchbacks would also hold the head-to-head tiebreaker – and a draw or loss for Phoenix Rising FC against Oakland Roots SC, dropping Phoenix to a maximum available total of 51 points, would see Colorado Springs assured of a top-seven finish.
7. Sacramento Republic FC
4. Sacramento Republic FC
Record: 12-8-7, 43pts
Playoff Odds: >99%
Projected Finish: 4th (51%)
Max. Points Available: 64pts
Magic Number: 12
Up Next: vs. LDN (9/10)
Sacramento Republic FC will return home from its Open Cup Final appearance aiming to secure at least one home game in the postseason as it resumes league play against Loudoun United FC. Republic FC is almost a lock at this point to be part of the postseason, but now it’s about picking up momentum over the final five weekends of the season to put itself in position for silverware in November.
4. New Mexico United
5. New Mexico United
Record: 11-8-9, 42pts
Playoff Odds: 91%
Projected Finish: 5th (43%)
Max. Points Available: 60pts
Magic Number: 13
Up Next: at RGV (9/10)
New Mexico United was boosted by Rio Grande Valley FC’s victory on Wednesday night against El Paso Locomotive FC. Now United will try to claim victory against the Toros, which would not only see the club move closer to a playoff place, but also provide another twist to the race for the final two positions around the playoff line.
2. El Paso Locomotive FC
6. El Paso Locomotive FC
Record: 11-12-7, 40pts
Playoff Odds: 47%
Projected Finish: 7th (21%)
Max Points Available: 52pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at LA (9/18)
Locomotive FC’s playoff odds dropped by more than 20 percent after its loss to Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday night. Now it will watch this weekend and hope for New Mexico United to take victory against Rio Grande Valley FC, and for the contests between Orange County SC and the LA Galaxy II, Las Vegas Lights FC and Monterey Bay F.C., and Phoenix Rising FC and Oakland Roots SC to all end in draws, meaning all six teams would drop points from their maximum available totals.
2. El Paso Locomotive FC
7. Las Vegas Lights FC
Record: 10-11-7, 37pts
Playoff Odds: 26%
Projected Finish: 10th (17%)
Max Points Available: 55pts
Magic Number: 18
Up Next: vs. MB (9/10)
Las Vegas Lights FC is still in control of its playoff destiny thanks to Monterey Bay F.C. and Rio Grande Valley FC’s victories on Wednesday night. After conceding 11 times in the past two games, it could really boost its playoff odds overall with a home victory against Monterey Bay F.C. on Saturday, but a loss would leave Lights FC potentially needing help to remain in control of its path to a first playoff berth.

4. LA Galaxy II
8. LA Galaxy II
Record: 10-12-6, 36pts
Playoff Odds: 38%
Projected Finish: 6th (15%)
Max. Points Available: 54pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at OC (9/10)
The LA Galaxy II don’t currently have a Magic Number, but that would change if they can find a way to take victory on the road against Orange County SC on Saturday night with the matchup between Las Vegas Lights FC and Monterey Bay F.C. ensuring one – or both in the case of a draw – of the teams is guaranteed to drop points. A draw or loss to Orange County, though, would leave the Galaxy II’s playoff chances still in the balance.
6. Rio Grande Valley FC
9. Monterey Bay F.C.
Record: 11-14-2, 35pts
Playoff Odds: 25%
Projected Finish: 11th (16%)
Max. Points Available: 56pts
Magic Number: 20
Up Next: at LV (9/10)
Monterey Bay F.C. remained in control of its playoff pathway with its victory against Orange County SC on Wednesday night and would further boost those chances if it can find a way to take a third consecutive victory on the road against Las Vegas Lights FC. MBFC would also be boosted by an Orange County victory against the LA Galaxy II, a draw between Phoenix Rising FC and Oakland Roots SC, and Rio Grande Valley FC falling to New Mexico United.
10. Rio Grande Valley FC
10. Rio Grande Valley FC
Record: 9-12-6, 33pts
Playoff Odds: 43%
Projected Finish: 6th (17%)
Max. Points Available: 54pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. NM (9/10)
Rio Grande Valley FC picked up a big victory on the road against El Paso Locomotive FC to stay in the playoff picture on Wednesday night. Now the Toros need to repeat that victory at home to New Mexico United on Saturday night and hope for help elsewhere. Draws between Monterey Bay F.C. and Las Vegas Lights FC, and Oakland Roots SC and Phoenix Rising FC and an Orange County SC victory against the LA Galaxy II would all be good news for the Toros on Saturday night.
5. Oakland Roots SC
11. Oakland Roots SC
Record: 7-9-12, 33pts
Playoff Odds: 13%
Projected Finish: 12th (24%)
Max. Points Available: 51pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at PHX (9/10)
Oakland Roots SC is in a must-win position after Wednesday night’s results with both Rio Grande Valley FC and Monterey Bay now not only ahead in the standings but with on additional game remaining on their schedule. Victory on the road against Phoenix is essential, and Roots SC would also be boosted by the Toros losing to New Mexico United, the LA Galaxy II losing to Orange County SC and Monterey Bay F.C. drawing with Las Vegas Lights FC.
Phoenix Rising FC
12. Phoenix Rising FC
Record: 9-13-5, 32pts
Playoff Odds: 18%
Projected Finish: 12th (25%)
Max. Points Available: 53pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. OAK (9/10)
Phoenix Rising FC faces the same scenario as its opponent on Saturday night in Oakland Roots SC, with three points essential to Rising FC’s chances. A victory combined with a loss by Rio Grande Valley FC to New Mexico United, a loss by the LA Galaxy II to Orange County SC and a draw between Las Vegas Lights FC and Monterey Bay F.C. would be a major boost to Phoenix’s chances.
3. Orange County SC
13. Orange County SC
Record: 6-12-10, 28pts
Playoff Odds: < 1%
Projected Finish: 13th (84%)
Max. Points Available: 46pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. LA (9/10)
It’s not looking good for Orange County SC after Wednesday night’s loss at Monterey Bay F.C. At this point, playing spoiler with an outside chance of making a run is probably all that’s left for the defending title holders, and spoiling the playoff chances for the LA Galaxy II on Saturday night is a game the side will certainly be motivated for.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

2. Louisville City FC
1. Louisville City FC
Record: 18-5-5, 59pts
Playoff Odds: Clinched
Projected Finish: 1st (62%)
Max. Points Available: 77pts
Magic Number: IN
Up Next: at PIT (9/10)
Louisville City FC is still in line to finish in first place in the Eastern Conference but its draw against FC Tulsa on Wednesday night gave the Tampa Bay Rowdies a chance to close in down the stretch while also reducing LouCity’s chances of finishing with the best record in the league ahead of San Antonio FC. That makes finding victory on the road against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC essential to maintain the gap to the chasing pack while hoping San Diego Loyal SC can find a victory on the road against San Antonio during Saturday night’s slate.
3. Memphis 901 FC
2. Memphis 901 FC
Record: 17-7-4, 55pts
Playoff Odds: Clinched
Projected Finish: 3rd (48%)
Max. Points Available: 73pts
Magic Number: IN
Up Next: vs. CHS (9/16)
Memphis 901 FC clinched its second consecutive postseason berth in fine style with Phillip Goodrum moving into second place in the race for the Golden Boot with a hat trick against Atlanta United 2. Memphis gets this weekend off, but will be hoping its next opponent – the Charleston Battery – can get a result against the Tampa Bay Rowdies to keep Memphis in second place coming out of the weekend.
1. Tampa Bay Rowdies
3. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Record: 16-5-6, 54pts
Playoff Odds: Clinched
Projected Finish: 2nd (48%)
Max. Points Available: 75pts
Magic Number: IN
Up Next: at CHS (9/10)
The Tampa Bay Rowdies booked their fourth consecutive playoff place on Saturday night with a comprehensive victory against Las Vegas Lights FC and can now put pressure on Louisville City FC for first place if they can find victory against the Charleston Battery on Saturday night. A win for Tampa Bay and dropped points for LouCity at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC opens the race for first place wide open.
3. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
4. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Record: 15-7-6, 51pts
Playoff Odds: Clinched
Projected Finish: 5th (36%)
Max. Points Available: 69pts
Magic Number: IN
Up Next: vs. LOU (9/10)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC clinched its fifth consecutive playoff berth without having to kick a ball on Wednesday night thanks to FC Tulsa’s 2-2 draw with Louisville City FC. The pressure is going to be on the Hounds to find a victory at home to Louisville on Saturday night, however, to try and maintain its edge over Birmingham Legion FC before they square off next Wednesday night with the potential of a home playoff game to start the postseason likely on the line.
1. Birmingham Legion FC
5. Birmingham Legion FC
Record: 15-7-6, 51pts
Playoff Odds: Clinched
Projected Finish: 4th (34%)
Max. Points Available: 69pts
Magic Number: IN
Up Next: at IND (9/10)
Birmingham Legion FC also booked its playoff place on Wednesday night while watching FC Tulsa end all square with Louisville City FC. In the same vein as Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Legion FC will now look for victory on Saturday night at Indy Eleven to set up for the showdown between itself and the Hounds at Protective Stadium next Wednesday night.
4. The Miami FC
6. The Miami FC
Record:12-8-8, 44pts
Playoff Odds: >99%
Projected Finish: 6th (43%)
Max. Points Available: 62pts
Magic Number: 7
Up Next: at NY (9/9)
Miami FC can’t quite clinch a playoff place this weekend thanks to FC Tulsa holding the head-to-head tiebreaker between the two teams. A victory against the New York Red Bulls II and losses for Tulsa against Harford Athletic and Indy Eleven against Birmingham Legion FC would move the South Florida side within a point of a playoff place.
1. Birmingham Legion FC
7. Detroit City FC
Record: 11-6-10, 43pt
Playoff Odds: 98%
Projected Finish: 7th (56%)
Max. Points Available: 64pts
Magic Number: 8
Up Next: at COS (9/10)
Just as with Miami FC, Wednesday night’s draw between FC Tulsa and Louisville City FC was a very positive one for Detroit City FC. Le Rouge are now almost a lock to make it to the playoffs, even with a tough road trip to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on the slate this weekend.

4. FC Tulsa
8. FC Tulsa
Record: 10-14-5, 35pts
Playoff Odds: 2%
Projected Finish: 8th (64%)
Max. Points Available: 50pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at HFD (9/10)
FC Tulsa’s playoff chances are almost gone after it dropped points at home to Louisville City FC on Wednesday night. The side now likely needs to win out its final five games – starting with Saturday’s visit to Hartford Athletic – and see one of Detroit City FC or Miami FC collapse down the stretch to have a chance at the postseason.
5. OKC Energy FC
9. Indy Eleven
Record: 8-14-5, 29pts
Playoff Odds: < 1%
Projected Finish: 9th (46%)
Max. Points Available: 50pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. BHM (9/10)
Indy Eleven is part of one of this weekend’s important games as it hosts Birmingham Legion FC. If the Boys in Blue can pick up a result, it won’t make their playoff chances much better, but it would do a major favor to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the battle for a top-four finish.
5. OKC Energy FC
10. Hartford Athletic
Record: 7-15-6, 27pts
Playoff Odds: < 1%
Projected Finish: 10th (50%)
Max. Points Available: 45pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. TUL (9/10)
Hartford Athletic could apply an effective coup de grace to FC Tulsa’s playoff chances this Saturday night at Trinity Health Stadium. A win or a draw would move Miami FC and Detroit City FC closer to clinching.
5. OKC Energy FC
11. Loudoun United FC
Record: 7-17-3, 24pts
Playoff Odds: < 1%
Projected Finish: 11th (48%)
Max. Points Available: 45pts
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at SAC (9/10)
Loudoun United FC heads west to face Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night. A defeat means mathematical elimination from contention, regardless of other results.
Eliminated from Playoff Contention: Charleston Battery, Atlanta United 2, New York Red Bulls II

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos