Detroit City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Venue: Keyworth Stadium
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: Detroit City FC will try to keep its season alive as it welcomes Players’ Shield winner and rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC for its regular season finale at Keyworth Stadium. Le Rouge (11-15-7, 40pts) remained in contention to reach the postseason for a second consecutive Championship campaign last weekend as Maxi Rodriguez scored twice in a 3-0 victory against Loudoun United FC, but the side remains a point behind Miami FC for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The hosts would put pressure on Miami if they were able to reverse a 2-0 defeat to the Hounds earlier this season in which Edward Kizza and Burke Fahling both scored for Pittsburgh (19-5-9, 66pts) at Highmark Stadium. The visitors have only team records and individual marks to play for, meanwhile, after wrapping up the first silverware of the season in a 2-0 victory last Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rowdies that saw Albert Dikwa and Arturo Ordoñez find the net. With Dikwa leading the Golden Boot race with 20 goals this season, and Kenardo Forbes tied for the league-lead in assists on 10 this campaign, the Hounds could look to end their season on a high as the postseason beckons.

Spotlight Players
Detroit City FC – Dominic Gasso: The 20-year-old Academy product had a stellar display against Loudoun helping protect the back line and will need to produce more of the same against a strong attacking midfield contingent for the Hounds.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Kenardo Forbes: The Championship’s all-time assists leader has never led the league in that category in an individual season and will be hoping to add to his 10 helpers to claim the Golden Playmaker award.

Charleston Battery vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Venue: Patriots Point
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: The Charleston Battery and Birmingham Legion FC will square off in a final tune-up before the postseason with the hosts looking to break their first losing streak of the season. The Battery (16-9-8, 56pts) fell 2-1 to Miami FC last Saturday night despite an early goal by Augustine Williams that locked the side into the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The result marked the first time Charleston had lost consecutive games in the league this season, leaving the side to look for a bounce-back performance this time out as it prepares for its first postseason trip since the 2020 campaign. The Battery took a 2-1 victory at Protective Stadium earlier this season when Derek Dodson scored a late winner, but Legion FC could set up a second consecutive showdown with the Battery if they can take all three points this time out. Birmingham (14-15-4, 46pts) clinched its postseason berth last Sunday evening with a 2-0 victory against Monterey Bay F.C. as Juan Agudelo and Collin Smith scored second-half goals, and with a third consecutive victory the side could jump past Indy Eleven into sixth position with Indy set to visit San Antonio FC later in the night. If Birmingham earns the No. 6 seed, it would return to face the Battery at the same venue next Sunday afternoon to open the playoffs.

Spotlight Players
Charleston Battery – Derek Dodson: The versatile defender could be one of only eight players to log at least 3,000 minutes in the regular season this campaign, and his ability to join the attack could be a key ingredient for the Battery here.

Birmingham Legion FC – Enzo Martinez: The attacking playmaker has been at the center of much of Legion FC’s success this season, making his potential matchup with Charleston’s Chris Allan one that could shape the game.

Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Venue: Lynn Family Stadium
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: The participants in the past three editions of the Eastern Conference Final of the USL Championship Playoffs will meet with Louisville City FC hoping to turn the tables on the Tampa Bay Rowdies while hoping for the chance to jump into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. LouCity (14-11-8, 50pts) dropped two points behind Memphis 901 FC last Saturday night as it was held to a 1-1 draw against Hartford Athletic at Lynn Family Stadium after Rasmus Thellufsen had given the side a halftime lead. LouCity now must win against Tampa Bay and see Memphis lose to New Mexico United on Friday night to jump into fourth place, while a draw would guarantee the side a fifth-place finish ahead of Indy Eleven. The Rowdies (18-9-6, 60pts) are locked into the No. 2 seed in the East, meanwhile, after falling 2-0 to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. The visitors will be aiming to end the regular season on a positive note, however, having claimed a 2-1 victory when these sides met last month as Cal Jennings scored both goals at Al Lang Stadium. With the teams set to be on the opposite side of the Eastern Conference bracket this postseason, the chance for another ECF final remains in play if LouCity comes through with a result.

Spotlight Players
Louisville City FC – Wilson Harris: The young forward will be looking to boost his confidence ahead of the postseason and bagging his 10th goal of the season could go a long way to setting the tone.

Tampa Bay Rowdies – Leo Fernandes: The 2022 Championship MVP made his return to action after a torn Achilles’ tendon last Saturday night and will look for another run-out here to build his fitness ahead of the playoffs.

Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Loudoun United FC

Venue: H-E-B Park
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: Rio Grande Valley FC is in a must-win situation as it faces Loudoun United FC for the first time since the 2021 season, with the visitors set for their final game of the campaign after struggling down the stretch. The Toros (9-11-13, 40pts) fell 3-2 against Sacramento Republic FC last Saturday despite twice taking the lead at H-E-B Park through goals from Frank Lopez and Michael Knapp. The side is now winless in its last three games, but still has a slim chance to reach the postseason if it takes victory should New Mexico United and Oakland Roots SC both suffer defeat and Monterey Bay F.C. fail to take victory in their final games. Loudoun (7-22-4, 25pts) continued its road toward the offseason last Saturday night with a 3-0 defeat to Detroit City FC at Segra Field, running its winless streak to seven games. As it closes out the campaign, United could look for one final hurrah as it prepares for the offseason to come.

Spotlight Players
Rio Grande Valley FC – Frank Lopez: The Cuban forward has scored three goals in the past four games and will need to be at his best to try and help the Toros pull out a result and an improbable jump into eighth place.

Loudoun United FC – Houssou Landry: The 22-year-old has been a bright spot for Loudoun this season in midfield and could look to add to his lone goal this season to cap a good individual campaign.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC

Venue: Weidner Field
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will try to preserve its position in fifth place in the Western Conference as it faces the lone side that could jump past it in the standings in Phoenix Rising FC to close the regular season. The Switchbacks (15-13-5, 50pts) moved up a position last Saturday night as they took a 3-2 victory on the road against Las Vegas Lights FC as Jairo Henriquez, Maalique Foster and Romario Williams all found the net at Las Vegas Ballpark. Williams’ goal moved him to 15 tallies this season, but the Jamaican forward will be absent on Saturday after being called up for Concacaf Nations League duty by the Reggae Boyz this week. Phoenix (12-9-12, 48pts) dropped a position, meanwhile, as it suffered its first defeat since August in a 2-1 loss to New Mexico United at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Phoenix will need to take victory to move back ahead into fifth this time out, but with the sides having played to a 1-1 draw on a late equalizer by Rising FC’s Danny Trejo when they last met in July, the Switchbacks will be aiming to close out the regular season by continuing their current six-game undefeated streak to close out the No. 5 seed.

Spotlight Players
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Maalique Foster: The Jamaican bagged his fourth goal of the season with a sharp finish against Las Vegas and has also notched four assists this season in a positive campaign so far.

Phoenix Rising FC – Dariusz Formella: The Polish forward notched his 10th goal of the season as a late consolation last weekend against New Mexico, continuing a career-best season, and will look to deliver again on the road.

San Antonio FC vs. Indy Eleven

Venue: Toyota Field
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: San Antonio FC will try to seal the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference as it tries to rebound from a setback last time out against an Indy Eleven side that has won consecutive games as it heads to Texas with a playoff spot in hand. SAFC (14-6-13, 55pts) suffered a 1-0 defeat last Saturday night to Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium, a result that narrowed San Antonio’s margin ahead of both OCSC and San Diego Loyal SC to just a point going to the final game of the season. With a win, San Antonio would be assured of second place, but a draw would leave the door open for Orange County and San Diego to push them down to fourth place in the final standings later in the night. Indy (13-11-9, 48pts) can only move as high as fifth in the Eastern Conference should it take victory and Louisville City FC lose to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, but the Boys in Blue took victory last time out with a 2-1 result against FC Tulsa that saw Solomon Asante cap a late comeback with the game-winner at ONEOK Field. Indy also earned a 1-0 result against San Antonio when these sides last met a season ago, and a repeat performance here could open a world of possibilities in both conferences.

Spotlight Players
San Antonio FC – Jorge Hernandez: The attacking playmaker is currently tied for the league-lead with 10 assists and will look to provide the service that helps SAFC to victory and also claims the Championship’s Golden Playmaker award.

Indy Eleven – Cam Lindley: The central midfielder has recorded assists in four out of his past five appearances with Aodhan Quinn absent through injury and will return to Toyota Field again having competed for SAFC in the 2021 season.

Sacramento Republic FC vs. Miami FC

Venue: Heart Health Park
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: Miami FC will try to add to its longest winning streak of the season as it faces Sacramento Republic FC, which enters its final game of the regular season guaranteed to be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference this postseason while potentially needing a win to post the second-best record this regular season ahead of the playoffs. Republic FC (17-6-10, 61pts) rallied for a 3-2 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC last Saturday night as Luther Archimede scored the winner in the second half at H-E-B Park. The result moved Sacramento six points clear in the West, and one point ahead of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the overall standings, a position that could be key when it comes to hosting a potential USL Championship Final. Republic FC and Miami have yet to meet in their respective histories, but Miami (11-14-8, 41pts) enters on a four-game winning streak and in control of its playoff fate after a 2-1 win against the Charleston Battery that saw Joaquin Rivas notch a goal and assists last Saturday at Patriots Point. Miami will know the result it needs going into this contest, with Detroit City FC set to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC earlier in the day and will hope to deliver another impressive late-season outing having recorded more than one-third of its wins this campaign in the past three-and-a-half weeks.

Spotlight Players
Sacramento Republic FC – Danny Vitiello: The current leader for the Championship’s Golden Glove award, Vitiello will look to close out the regular season with another shutout to seal the individual award.

Miami FC – Florian Valot: The French playmaker has notched two goals and three assists this season after time off with injury but could be an influential player as Miami pursues success in the final third to secure its postseason berth.

Oakland Roots SC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC

Venue: Pioneer Stadium
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: Oakland Roots SC and El Paso Locomotive FC will try to shake off difficult outings last time out as they square off in a win-and-you’re-in showdown as each tries to secure a place in the postseason. Roots SC (11-13-9, 42pts) suffered a 4-2 defeat to San Diego Loyal SC last Saturday night at Torero Stadium despite taking an early lead through Bryan Tamacas as the hosts reeled off four goals before halftime to extend Oakland’s winless run to eight games. The result dropped Roots SC below the playoff line into ninth in the West, but sitting only two points behind El Paso the hosts would seal a playoff place if it can produce a similar performance to its 3-1 victory at Southwest University Park earlier this season when Lindo Mfeka, Johnny Rodriguez and Anuar Pelaez all found the net. That result continued Oakland’s upper hand in the series overall, with Roots SC having won three times and drawn once in its last four meetings with El Paso. Locomotive FC (12-13-8, 44pts) also conceded four times in its last outing, a 4-0 defeat to Memphis 901 FC this past Saturday. The side has taken only one win in its last five games overall as its up and down season continues but enter Saturday knowing a draw would be enough to secure a postseason berth. With everything on the line, this should prove an enthralling contest.

Spotlight Players
Oakland Roots SC – Johnny Rodriguez: The longtime Roots SC forward has a team-leading 12 goals this season and will try to drive the attack in front of Oakland’s home support to secure a third consecutive playoff berth.

El Paso Locomotive FC – Josue Aaron Gomez: El Paso’s forward stalwart has scored five goals this season but his energy could be a key in providing defensive pressure as well as creating chances in Oakland’s defensive third.

Monterey Bay F.C. vs. Orange County SC

Venue: Cardinale Stadium
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: Orange County SC will try to build on consecutive victories as it faces a Monterey Bay F.C. side that needs a win and help to advance to the playoffs in MBFC’s home finale at Cardinale Stadium. Monterey Bay (11-14-8, 41pts) saw its postseason hopes continue to dim last Sunday evening as it suffered a 2-0 defeat to Birmingham Legion FC at Protective Stadium. The result extended MBFC’s winless streak to four games and left the side two points outside the playoff positions and in need of a victory to potentially jump into the playoff positions, while also hoping for a setback for New Mexico United in its Friday night clash with Memphis 901 FC to put it in with a chance of jumping above the line. Orange County (16-11-6, 54pts) has no such concerns, and could claim the No. 2 seed in the West after taking a 1-0 win against San Antonio FC last Saturday that saw Milan Iloski bag his 15th goal of the season at Championship Soccer Stadium. Should OCSC take victory and San Antonio miss out on all three points at home to Indy Eleven earlier in the evening, the 2021 Championship title winners would jump a spot ahead of the playoffs. Having taken a 3-1 win when these sides met in July behind a brace from Thomas Amang, Orange County will be hopeful of another positive performance ahead of the start of the playoffs.

Spotlight Players
Monterey Bay F.C. – Morey Doner: The right back has recorded two goals and two assists this season and enters with a chance to play every minute of the regular season, one of only four potentials this season going to the final game.

Orange County SC – Milan Iloski: The 2022 Golden Boot winner has scored in three consecutive games to help power OCSC into position for a top-two finish and will be hoping to remain in form ahead of his first chance at postseason play.

Las Vegas Lights FC vs. San Diego Loyal SC

Venue: Las Vegas Ballpark
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: San Diego Loyal SC will look to close its final regular season with a win as it visits Las Vegas Lights FC, which was the club’s original opponent at the start of the 2020 season, with the visitors still in with a chance to finish second in the Western Conference going into the night. Las Vegas (3-20-10, 19pts) suffered a 3-2 defeat in its last outing, its first of two at the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin, Nev., as goals by Tyler Bagley and Lucas Stauffer weren’t enough to earn a result. Lights FC will try to end its campaign on a positive note and took a 1-1 draw against San Diego when these sides met at Torero Stadium last month as Daniel Rios scored an early goal for the visitors. SD Loyal (15-9-9, 54pts) will be looking for all three points in the return fixture, however, as it looks to build on a 4-2 win against Oakland Roots SC last Saturday that extended the club’s undefeated streak to five games. With a win, San Diego could move as high as second in the Western Conference should both San Antonio FC and Orange County SC drop points in their final games. Having scored four goals in three of its last five outings overall, San Diego will want to produce another big attacking performance to wrap up its campaign.

Spotlight Players
Las Vegas Lights FC – Lucas Stauffer: The right back has had a stellar individual season with three goals and six assists as well as recording 15 blocked shots defensively, and will look to cap it off with another good display.

San Diego Loyal SC – Ronaldo Damus: The Haiti international has scored five goals in the past three games and will be looking for more ahead of a potential postseason run.