The 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup continues this weekend with Round 3 of the group stage. For all the teams involved, it’s the moment to either consolidate their positions – or maybe clinch progression to the knockout round – with another win or make a move to stay alive. 

For a few teams, however, there’s the bigger picture to think of as well. While succeeding in the interdivision competition is one thing, we’re also seeing its impact on clubs as they navigate their USL Championship and League One campaigns.

Here are five teams that should enter this weekend something to prove.

1. Rhode Island FC – Taking all the numbers into account, there are good things happening at Rhode Island FC. At the same time, there has been a lack of execution in both penalty areas, which is hurting the defending Eastern Conference title-holders in the standings. Per American Soccer Analysis, RIFC ranks fifth in the East in Expected Points at 18.82xP but sits in eighth after losing four of its last five games.

The big problem for RIFC has been its home form. The side has claimed victory only once at Centreville Bank Stadium since it opened in early May. Facing a Portland Hearts of Pine side that’s both in good form and can keep its chances of advancing alive with victory, Rhode Island needs to assert itself.

2. North Carolina FC – There’s no question North Carolina has pulled off some impressive victories this season. It handed Louisville City its first regular season defeat since September, 2024 last Friday night, downed the Charleston Battery for the first time in the USL Championship era, and took a road win at FC Tulsa that’s looking more impressive by the week.

But NCFC’s underlying numbers aren’t great. The side ranks 22nd in the Championship in Expected Goals with its 19 goals coming on 13.24xG, and it’s also overperforming its Expected Goals Against mark with only 14 goals conceded on 16.83xGA. As it heads to Louisville for a rematch – where both teams likely need all three points to stay in with a chance to advance – we might find out plenty about this side.

3. Spokane Velocity FC – After reaching the League One Final in their inaugural season, Velocity are – by almost any metric you want to use – the class of the league so far this season. That makes Spokane’s clash with Las Vegas Lights FC at Cashman Field a chance to make a statement, and keep its bid to advance alive.

Head Coach Leigh Veidman’s side defeated Oakland Roots in Round 1 and then arguably had the better of its 1-0 defeat to Monterey Bay FC. With a victory against the Lights, it bolsters the club’s side argument as the favorite for the League One Players’ Shield and sets up a massive game at home to Sacramento Republic FC to close the group stage.

4. Miami FC – There’s a lot to like about the wins Miami has put together this season. Four of their five league victories have come against current top-four teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences, including last week’s 1-0 win against the Charleston Battery.

But there’s also something that’s been a little unconvincing at times about Head Coach Gaston Maddoni’s side. As good as its wins have been, there have also been some suspect defeats. The side also had to rally to earn a shootout victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies and a regulation win against FC Naples in the opening two rounds to sit on top of Group 6. That showed resilience, but we’d really like to see something more convincing against Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday. 

5. Indy Eleven & Birmingham Legion FC – Yup, we’re cheating and pulling out the two-for-one special as Indy Eleven hosts Birmingham Legion, which could be the decisive game in Group 3. If either side takes victory in regulation, it’s into the knockout stage, with none of the group’s other four teams able to catch them.

The catch here is which side would you take to win this game outright at the moment? Legion showed progress last Wednesday night in defeating Sacramento Republic FC, and then arguably stepped even further back while losing to Oakland Roots SC. The Boys in Blue, meanwhile, have lost two in a row after consecutive shutout wins previously. For each, this could be the best chance at silverware this season. We want to see which team plays with that sense of urgency.