Welcome to The Weekender, where we’ll get you set up for what you need to know going into the upcoming weekend of USL Championship action.

Every club in the USL Championship is in action across a three-day weekend that kicks off with a doubleheader on CBS Sports Golazo Network on Friday night and features a notable return for one of the league’s top manager, some key games around the playoff line, and the potential for the second ticket to be booked for the postseason.

1. Game of the Weekend – Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Sacramento Republic FC

When Neill Collins’ return to the USL Championship as Sacramento Republic FC’s Head Coach was announced last December, his return to face former club the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium became a must-see game.

It finally arrives on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+) with Collins and Republic FC moving in the direction everyone anticipated when the season began, contending for at least a top-two finish in the West.

The Rowdies, however, have undergone a tumultuous campaign that has the hosts fighting for a postseason berth as they try to avoid missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2018, when Collins’ mid-season appointment began the club’s ascent to the league’s elite.

• PRESSURE ON: To put it mildly, the Rowdies haven’t been consistent enough this season. Despite the side’s comeback victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC last weekend, it still sits in 10th place in the East and is now five points out of the playoff places after Indy Eleven’s victory on Wednesday night.

• PICK UP THE PACE: Slow starts have been a problem, albeit a trait that new Head Coach Dominic Casciato has been able to make in-game adjustments to mitigate as detailed here by John Morrissey. With only eight games remaining, though, a win feels like a must for the hosts to stay in touch with the top eight.

• PRIMARY FOCUS: Collins, on the other hand, has Republic FC on course for a strong finish and the potential to claim silverware in the USL Jägermeister Cup with the side headed to face Rhode Island FC in next Wednesday’s Semifinals. While he admitted it’ll feel strange trying to beat the club he was part of for seven years as player and coach, winning matters more as Sacramento tries to chase down FC Tulsa.

It might not be the potential USL Championship Final preview that might have been expected in preseason, but the combination of on-field quality, pregame storylines and end-of-season pressure should make this compelling viewing for fans of all stripes.

2. Three More Games to Watch

Rhode Island FC vs. Louisville City FC (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET | TUDN)

• When these teams met for the first time this season, Louisville City came out on top with a 2-1 victory behind goals from Aiden McFadden and Ray Serrano at Lynn Family Stadium. With a playoff berth clinched, and a spot in the top four at hand, the visitors will be aiming to do the double over Rhode Island FC, which is looking for its second consecutive home win against one of the East’s top sides after taking victory against the Charleston Battery last Saturday night.

San Antonio FC vs. New Mexico United (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+)

• San Antonio FC and New Mexico United are both in poor runs of form of late, with SAFC under pressure to remain in the top four in the West and New Mexico sitting just above the playoff line after a seven-game winless streak. Their two prior meetings this season have delivered big entertainment, though, with United scoring twice late to earn a 4-2 win in the league and then doing the same to force a 2-2 draw in the USL Jagermeister Cup when they last visited Toyota Field. Pressure’s on to get a result for both clubs, but there should be entertainment to be had as well.

El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Loudoun United FC (9 p.m. ET | ESPN+)

• It’s unlikely anyone would have picked El Paso Locomotive FC and Loudoun United to be in the top three of their respective conferences at this point of the season in March, but these are two of the best storylines in the USL-C this season. What’s more, you’re likely to get your money’s worth when it comes to goalmouth action. Locomotive and United are two of only five teams in the league this season who’ve both scored and conceded at least 30 goals so far.

3. Kit of the Week – Birmingham Legion FC’s “Stars Fell Kit”

Birmingham Legion hit it out of the park with its Stars Fell kit, which has been in action a few times since its launch in early July paying homage to the Leonid meteor shower in 1833 that remains a major touchpoint in Alabama history.

4. Landmark of the Week – Amadou Dia, Louisville City FC

Amadou Dia could make his 200th regular season appearance in the USL Championship in Louisville City’s visit to Rhode Island FC. With two Players’ Shields and two conference titles to his name, he’s one of the most decorated individuals who has yet to win the USL Championship Final in his career.

Check out Week 27’s News & Notes

5. Where to Watch Nationally
Friday
Lexington SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, 6 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC, 10:30 p.m. ET (TUDN / CBS Sports Golazo Network)

Saturday
Detroit City FC vs. Orange County SC, 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Rhode Island FC vs. Louisville City FC, 7 p.m. ET (TUDN)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Monterey Bay FC, 9 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Golazo Network)

Full Week 27 Broadcast Listings