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USL Championship Race to the Playoffs – Sept. 30-Oct. 1

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 09/28/23, 5:25PM EDT

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Six teams can clinch postseason berths this weekend, with some key games around the playoff line


Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC can clinch a playoff berth this weekend if it continues its three-game winning streak, but Rio Grande Valley FC has also won two in a row to return to the battle for eighth position.

Welcome to the latest edition of the USL Championship Race to the Playoffs, in which we provide weekly information on where each team stands in their bid to reach the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs in October.

Six teams could clinch their playoff berths this weekend – some without help, some with – while the top spot in both conferences remains up for grabs, as do home playoff games in the opening weekend of the postseason four weekends from now.

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

GAMES TO WATCH

Saturday, September 30
Indy Eleven
Detroit City FC
7:00 PM
Stadium IconMichael A. Carroll Stadium
Match Center

With a potential rivalry brewing between the two clubs, this matchup between the Boys in Blue and Le Rouge has all the makings of a classic. Indy would clinch a playoff berth with victory against Detroit, which would send the side back to the postseason for the first time since 2019, but after its midweek defeat the visitors are in a must-win situation with both FC Tulsa and Miami FC directly behind them in the fight for the final playoff place. That’s the set-up for a potentially dramatic clash.

Saturday, September 30
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
FC Tulsa
7:00 PM
Stadium IconHighmark Stadium
Match Center

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is in the driver’s seat to win the Players’ Shield and finish on top of the Eastern Conference, but it should get a major test from FC Tulsa in its home finale. Tulsa is one point out of the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference behind Detroit City FC and will be trying to break a three-game winless streak in the series against the Hounds. If the visitors manage that, it could shake up the standings again, and leave Pittsburgh with a crucial away game against the second-placed Tampa Bay Rowdies next weekend.

Saturday, September 30
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Rio Grande Valley FC
8:00 PM
Stadium IconWeidner Field
Match Center

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s three-game winning streak has taken it from in danger of missing the playoffs to within reach of clinching a playoff berth with two games to spare. After victory against Detroit City FC on Wednesday night the Switchbacks return home to host one of the two teams they could move clear of to secure a third consecutive playoff berth on Saturday night. The Toros have won two games in a row themselves, however, and with four games to go are still in with a chance of a playoff trip of their own. With the Toros having won when these sides met in June, there’s everything to play for here.

Saturday, September 30
San Diego Loyal SC
Monterey Bay F.C.
10:00 PM
Stadium IconTorero Stadium
Match Center

San Diego Loyal SC’s late comeback against Monterey Bay F.C. last week was one of the most dramatic endings we’ve seen this season, but it also had major implications for both clubs in their respective postseason positions. SD Loyal can clinch a playoff berth on Saturday night if it completes a season sweep of its visitors, while Monterey Bay is in a must-win scenario while also hoping for help elsewhere to regain control of its playoff destiny. That should have numerous neutral fans tuning in to see how this game turns out.

STANDINGS

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Sacramento Republic FC
Record: 15-6-10, 55pts

Playoffs Odds: Clinched

Projected Finish: 1st (78%)
Max Points Available: 64pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. LV (10/1)
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Sacramento Republic FC’s defeat at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC allowed San Antonio FC to close the gap to top spot to one point going into the final three games of the season. Republic FC will want to bounce back from last week’s setbacks and take victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Sunday afternoon, which would ensure at least one home playoff game, and potentially two should San Diego Loyal SC and Orange County SC both falter this weekend.

Sacramento Republic FC Clinching Scenarios
  • - Sacramento Republic FC wins vs. Las Vegas Lights FC, moves to 58pts
  • - Sacramento moves clear of Phoenix Rising FC on maximum available total of 56pts
  • -Sacramento Republic FC draws vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, moves to 56pts
  • - Sacramento moves clear of Phoenix Rising FC on maximum available total of 56pts – Sacramento holds tiebreaker (1-1-0, +3GD)
2. San Antonio FC
Record: 14-5-12, 54pts

Playoffs Odds: Clinched

Projected Finish: 2nd (65%)
Max Points Available: 63pts

Magic Number:N/A

Up Next: at OAK (9/30)
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San Antonio FC clinched its playoff berth in emphatic fashion against Orange County SC last Saturday night. Now it can clinch at least one home playoff game this weekend with victory against Oakland Roots SC on Saturday night while looking to keep pressure on Sacramento Republic FC for top spot in the conference overall. A win could also clinch a top-two finish for San Antonio should both San Diego Loyal SC and Orange County SC falter.

San Antonio FC Home Playoff Game Clinching Scenarios
  • - San Antonio FC wins vs. Oakland Roots SC, moves to 57pts
  • - San Antonio moves clear of Phoenix Rising FC on maximum available total of 56pts
  • - San Antonio FC draws vs. Oakland Roots SC, moves to 55pts
  • - AND Phoenix Rising FC draws/loses vs. Orange County SC, maximum available total drops to 54pts
3. San Diego Loyal SC
Record: 13-9-8, 47pts

Playoffs Odds: >99%

Projected Finish: 4th (27%)
Max Points Available: 59pts

Magic Number: 4

Up Next: vs. MB (9/30)
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San Diego Loyal SC missed out on creating separation from Phoenix Rising FC and Orange County SC last Sunday with its draw against Las Vegas Lights FC, but its game this weekend against Monterey Bay F.C. could not only see the side clinch a postseason berth but shape the playoff race around the line in the Western Conference.

San Diego Loyal SC Clinching Scenarios
  • - San Diego Loyal SC wins vs. Monterey Bay F.C., moves to 50 points
  • - AND Rio Grande Valley FC draws/loses vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, maximum available total drops to 48/47pts
  • - OR El Paso Locomotive FC loses vs. Charleston Battery, maximum available total drops to 49pts
  • - San Diego moves clear of Monterey Bay F.C. with maximum available total of 47pts
  • - San Diego Loyal SC draws vs. Monterey Bay F.C., moves to 48pts
  • - AND Rio Grande Valley FC loses vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, maximum available total drops to 47pts
  • - San Diego moves clear of Monterey Bay F.C. with maximum available total of 48pts – San Diego holds head-to-head tiebreaker (1-0-1)
4. Phoenix Rising FC
Record: 12-8-11, 47pts

Playoffs Odds: >99%

Projected Finish: 6th (30%)
Max Points Available: 56pts

Magic Number: 4

Up Next: vs. OC (9/30)
+
Phoenix Rising FC’s second consecutive draw came at the death in El Paso, but it now has a major chance to boost its top-four chances as it plays host to Orange County SC this Saturday night as well as clinch a postseason berth. Thanks to holding head-to-head tiebreakers over both Monterey Bay F.C. and Rio Grande Valley FC, Phoenix is in with a win, but it will also want all three points to move its bid for a top-three finish at the end of the season forward as well.

Phoenix Rising FC Clinching Scenarios
  • - Phoenix Rising FC wins vs. Orange County SC, moves to 50 points
  • - Phoenix Rising FC moves clear of Monterey Bay F.C. on head-to-head tiebreaker (1-0-1)
  • - Phoenix Rising FC moves clear of Rio Grande Valley FC (1-1-0, +1GD)
    • -Phoenix Rising FC draws vs. Orange County SC, moves to 48pts
    • - AND Monterey Bay F.C. draws/loses vs. San Diego Loyal SC, maximum available total drops to 48/47pts – Phoenix holds head-to-head tiebreaker (1-0-1)
    • - AND Rio Grande Valley FC draws/loses vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, maximum available total drops to 48/47pts – Phoenix holds head-to-head tiebreaker (1-1-0, +1GD)
    • - Phoenix Rising FC loses vs. Orange County SC, remains on 47pts
    • - AND Monterey Bay F.C. loses vs. San Diego Loyal SC, maximum available total drops to 47pts – Phoenix holds head-to-head tiebreaker (1-0-1)
    • - AND Rio Grande Valley FC loses vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, maximum available total drops to 47pts – Phoenix holds head-to-head tiebreaker (1-1-0, +1GD)
5. Orange County SC
Record:14-11-5, 47pts

Playoffs Odds: >99%

Projected Finish: 3rd (29%)
Max Points Available: 59pts

Magic Number: 4

Up Next: at PHX (9/30)
+
Orange County couldn’t close out a playoff berth last weekend in San Antonio FC, but the door remains wide open for the 2021 Championship title winner as they head to Phoenix Rising FC in a key game for top-four position this weekend. A win or a draw would get OCSC back into the postseason, pending results elsewhere, but victory by two goals in Phoenix would give OCSC the tiebreaker over their rivals for third place in the standings.

Orange County SC Playoff Clinching Scenario
  • - Orange County SC wins vs. Phoenix Rising FC, moves to 50 points, and two results from the following three games
  • - Monterey Bay F.C. draws/loses vs. San Diego Loyal SC, maximum available total drops to 48/47pts
  • - Rio Grande Valley FC draws/loses vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, maximum available total drops to 48/47pts
  • - El Paso Locomotive FC loses vs. Charleston Battery, maximum available total drops to 49pts
  • - Orange County SC draws vs. Phoenix Rising FC, moves to 48 points
  • - AND Monterey Bay F.C. loses to San Diego Loyal SC, maximum available total drops to 47pts
  • - AND Rio Grande Valley FC loses to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, maximum available total drops to 47pts
6. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Record: 14-13-4, 46pts

Playoffs Odds: >99%

Projected Finish: 5th (26%)
Max Points Available: 55pts

Magic Number: 5

Up Next:vs. RGV (9/30)
+
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC put itself into position to clinch a third consecutive postseason berth on Saturday night with its victory against Detroit City FC. The side now holds a six-point lead on the teams below the playoff line and thanks to its home game with Rio Grande Valley FC could clinch with a win at Weidner Field pending Monterey Bay F.C.’s result against San Diego Loyal SC.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Clinching Scenario
  • - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC wins vs. Rio Grande Valley FC, moves to 49 points
  • - AND Monterey Bay F.C. draws/loses vs. San Diego Loyal SC, maximum available total drops to 48/47pts
  • - Rio Grande Valley FC maximum available total drops to 47pts
7. Oakland Roots SC
Record: 11-11-8, 41pts

Playoffs Odds: 75%

Projected Finish: 7th (37%)
Max Points Available: 53pts

Magic Number: 10

Up Next: vs. SA (9/30)
+
Neveal Hackshaw’s dramatic late equalizer against Monterey Bay F.C. provided another twist in the Western Conference playoff race, while the side was also helped by Phoenix Rising FC’s late equalizer against El Paso Locomotive FC. Roots SC will be hoping to find a way back into the win column – a big ask at home to second-placed San Antonio FC – but will also be rooting for San Diego Loyal SC to take victory against Monterey Bay F.C., the Charleston Battery to take victory against El Paso Locomotive FC, and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to take victory against Rio Grande Valley FC.
8. Monterey Bay F.C.
Record: 11-12-8, 41pts

Playoffs Odds: 53%

Projected Finish: 8th (33%)
Max Points Available: 50pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: at SD (9/30)
+
Monterey Bay F.C. let another lead slip away at a pivotal moment against Oakland Roots SC last Saturday, but its playoff chances remain in the balance thanks to Phoenix Rising FC’s late equalizer against El Paso Locomotive FC. Gaining revenge for its defeat against San Diego Loyal SC last week would be a massive boost for MBFC’s postseason chances, and it will also be rooting for the Charleston Battery to take victory against El Paso Locomotive FC, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to defeat Rio Grande Valley FC, and San Antonio FC to defeat Oakland to push the odds greater in its favor.
9. El Paso Locomotive FC
Record: 11-12-7, 40pts

Playoffs Odds: 55%

Projected Finish: 8th (26%)
Max Points Available: 52pts

Magic Number: 11

Up Next: vs. CHS (9/30)
+
El Paso Locomotive FC would have moved above the playoff line last weekend if not for its last concession to Phoenix Rising FC, and that cut its odds marginally to reach the playoffs while having a game in hand on Monterey Bay F.C. Locomotive FC still controls its path, however, and with a home win against the Charleston Battery – who admittedly will enter with the best road record in the league this season – coupled with San Diego Loyal SC defeating Monterey Bay F.C., San Antonio FC defeating Oakland Roots SC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeating Rio Grande Valley FC, El Paso could be in much stronger shape.
10. Rio Grande Valley FC
Record: 9-10-11, 38pts

Playoffs Odds: 19%

Projected Finish: 10th (35%)
Max Points Available: 50pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: at COS (9/30)
+
Rio Grande Valley FC remains an outside shot to reach the postseason, but the Toros’ victory last Sunday against Indy Eleven at least pulled them within three points of the teams above the playoff line. Another victory on Saturday night on the road against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, plus Oakland Roots SC, Monterey Bay F.C. and El Paso Locomotive FC all dropping points, could make it a four-team race for the final two spots over the last two weeks.
11. New Mexico United
Record: 10-14-7, 37pts

Playoffs Odds: 7%

Projected Finish: 11th (51%)
Max Points Available: 46pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. LOU (9/30)
+
New Mexico United couldn’t find a way to pick up a result against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and now it looks like it might need to win out over its final three games to earn a postseason spot. Victory at home to LouCity starts that run while hoping the four teams currently above them in the standings all find ways to drop points.

Eliminated: Las Vegas Lights FC

Eastern Conference

1. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Record: 17-5-9, 60pts

Playoffs Odds: Cliched

Projected Finish: 1st (64%)
Max Points Available: 69pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. TUL (9/30)
+
The Hounds clinched at least one home playoff game with its victory against New Mexico United, while also benefiting from losses by the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Sacramento Republic FC in its pursuit of the Players’ Shield. Pittsburgh could clinch a top-two finish this weekend with a win in its regular season home finale against FC Tulsa – a result both Detroit City FC and Miami FC would welcome – should the Charleston Battery also lose to El Paso Locomotive FC later on Saturday night.
2. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Record: 17-8-6, 57pts

Playoffs Odds: Clinched

Projected Finish: 2nd (47%)
Max Points Available: 66pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. LDN (9/30
+
The Tampa Bay Rowdies righted the ship on Wednesday night with their victory at Hartford Athletic, and this weekend would clinch at least one home playoff game with a win against Loudoun United FC at Al Lang Stadium. As importantly, the Rowdies will want to claim all three points to stay within touch of Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in first place ahead of their showdown next weekend, and if the Hounds find a way to drop points against FC Tulsa, all the better.

Tampa Bay Rowdies Home Playoff Game Clinching Scenario
  • - Tampa Bay Rowdies take victory vs. Loudoun United FC, moves to 60pts
  • - Tampa Bay moves clear of Memphis 901 FC on maximum available total of 58pts
  • - Tampa Bay moves clear of Louisville City FC on maximum available total of 58pts
  • - Tampa Bay Rowdies draw vs. Loudoun United FC, moves to 58pts
  • - AND Memphis 901 FC draws/loses vs. Birmingham Legion FC, maximum available total drops to 56/55pts
  • - OR Louisville City FC draws/loses vs. New Mexico United, maximum available total drops to 56/55pts
  • - Tampa Bay Rowdies lose vs. Loudoun United FC, remain on 57pts
  • - AND Memphis 901 FC draws/loses vs. Birmingham Legion FC, maximum available total drops to 56/55pts
  • - OR Louisville City FC draws/loses vs. New Mexico United, maximum available total drops to 56/55pts
3. Charleston Battery
Record: 16-7-8, 56pts

Playoffs Odds: Clinched

Projected Finish: 3rd (56%)
Max Points Available: 65pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: at ELP (9/30)
+
The Charleston Battery would clinch a top-three finish this weekend with a victory on the road against El Paso Locomotive FC and could also do so with a draw, pending results from Memphis 901 FC and Louisville City FC. If the Battery earn all three points, though, it would provide a boost to the other teams currently vying for the final two places in the Western Conference, while keeping Charleston’s in with a chance of a top-two finish.

Charleston Battery Home Playoff Game Clinching Scenario
  • - Charleston Battery wins vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, moves to 59 point
  • - Charleston moves clear of Memphis 901 FC on maximum available total of 58pts
  • - Charleston moves clear of Louisville City FC on maximum available total of 58pts
  • - Charleston Battery draws vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, moves to 57pts
  • - AND Memphis 901 FC draws/loses vs. Birmingham Legion FC, maximum available total drops to 56/55pts
  • - OR Louisville City FC draws/loses vs. New Mexico United, maximum available total drops to 56/55pts
4. Memphis 901 FC
Record: 13-8-10, 49pts

Playoffs Odds: Clinched

Projected Finish: 5th (56%)
Max Points Available: 58pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. BHM (9/30)
+
Memphis 901 FC booked its postseason berth in impressive fashion last Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and thanks to holding the head-to-head tiebreaker over Louisville City FC has control over its run to a top-four spot at the end of the season. Finding all three points at home to Southern Harm rival Birmingham Legion FC is next on the checklist, while hoping New Mexico United can find a way to take points off LouCity.
5. Louisville City FC
Record: 14-10-7, 49pts

Playoffs Odds: Clinched

Projected Finish: 4th (56%)
Max Points Available: 58pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: at NM (9/30)
+
LouCity booked its ninth consecutive postseason berth – the longest current active streak in the league – with victory last Saturday night against Loudoun United FC. Now it will head to New Mexico United looking for all three points and hoping Birmingham Legion FC can earn a result against Memphis 901 FC to allow the defending Eastern Conference title holders a pathway to a top-four finish at the end of the season.
6. Indy Eleven
Record: 11-11-9, 42pts

Playoffs Odds: 99%

Projected Finish: 6th (77%)
Max Points Available: 51pts

Magic Number: 4

Up Next: vs. DET (9/30)
+
Indy Eleven’s defeat to Rio Grande Valley FC was tempered by Birmingham Legion FC also falling on Sunday night, but the Boys in Blue will go into Saturday’s game against Detroit City FC knowing a win puts them back into the playoffs for the first time since 2019. A draw could also be enough, pending Miami FC’s result against Hartford Athletic, but after three games without a win picking up all three points would be a nice boost of confidence going into the final two weeks.

Indy Eleven Clinching Scenarios
  • - Indy Eleven wins vs. Detroit City FC, moves to 45 points
  • - Detroit City FC maximum available total drops to 43pts
  • - Indy Eleven moves clear of Miami FC on maximum available total of 44pts
  • - Indy Eleven draws vs. Detroit City FC, moves to 43 points
  • - AND FC Tulsa loses vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, maximum available total drops to 42pts
  • - AND Miami FC draws/loses vs. Hartford Athletic, maximum available total drops to 42/41pts
7. Birmingham Legion FC
Record: 12-15-4, 40pts

Playoffs Odds: 96%

Projected Finish: 7th (64%)
Max Points Available: 49pts

Magic Number: 6

Up Next: at MEM (9/30)
+
Birmingham Legion FC ran into one of the performances of the season against Miami FC last Sunday night, but thanks to results elsewhere the side’s playoff odds haven’t changed much. There is a path to clinch a postseason berth this weekend, too, if Legion FC can get past Southern Harm rival Memphis 901 FC on the road, pending results from FC Tulsa and Miami FC.

Birmingham Legion FC Clinching Scenarios
  • - Birmingham Legion FC wins vs. Memphis 901 FC, moves to 43pts
  • - AND FC Tulsa draws/loses vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, maximum available total drops to 43/42pts – Birmingham holds head-to-head tiebreaker (2-0-0)
  • - AND Miami FC draws/loses vs. Hartford Athletic, maximum available total drops to 42/41pts
8. Detroit City FC
Record: 10-14-7, 37pts

Playoffs Odds: 54%

Projected Finish: 8th (39%)
Max Points Available: 46pts

Magic Number: 9

Up Next: at IND (9/30)
+
Detroit City FC took a major step forward with its victory against Hartford Athletic last Saturday night, and then gave a lot of it back in its loss to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday. Le Rouge are a toss-up to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season and would be boosted greatly by taking victory against Indy Eleven on Saturday night. FC Tulsa and Miami FC dropping points against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Hartford Athletic, respectively, would also be a major help.
9. FC Tulsa
Record: 9-13-9, 36pts

Playoffs Odds: 33%

Projected Finish: 9th (36%)
Max Points Available: 45pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: at PIT (9/30)
+
Tulsa wasn’t able to come away with points from its visit to the Charleston Battery last time out and heading to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – which has the best home record in the league this season – is an equally daunting task. The side will hope to take something from its contest and see Detroit City FC and Miami FC – which is now only a point behind Tulsa in the standings – fail to take victories in their respective contests this weekend.
10. Miami FC
Record: 9-14-8, 35pts

Playoffs Odds: 18%

Projected Finish: 10th (51%)
Max Points Available: 44pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. HFD (9/30)
+
Miami got a major boost with its victory against Birmingham Legion FC – hopefully, some people picked up Jake McGuire’s dinner tab this week in payback – and now the side sits only two points out of the playoff places with three games to go. All three points this weekend at home to last-placed Hartford Athletic is a must, however, with two challenging games against the Charleston Battery and Sacramento Republic FC on the slate to round out the season.

Eliminated: Loudoun United FC, Hartford Athletic

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Tag(s): Features  San Antonio FC  CO Spring Switchbacks  Orange County SC  Phoenix Rising FC  Rio Grande Valley FC  Sacramento Republic FC  FC Tulsa  Charleston Battery  Louisville City FC  Pittsburgh Riverhounds  Tampa Bay Rowdies  Birmingham Legion FC  Indy Eleven  Memphis 901 FC  El Paso Locomotive FC  New Mexico United  San Diego Loyal SC  Miami FC  Oakland Roots SC  Detroit City FC  Monterey Bay F.C. 

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