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.

There’s a full slate of action as the Race for the USL Championship Playoffs continues to build, with FC Tulsa in position to clinch its berth this weekend. Here’s what we’re looking forward to across a three-day weekend that includes a nationally televised clash on Sunday evening between Indy Eleven and Birmingham Legion FC on CBS Sports Network.

1. Game of the Weekend – Hartford Athletic vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Hartford Athletic is arguably the team of the moment at present in the USL Championship. The club is set for its first chance to lift a trophy in the USL Jagermeister Cup Final in two weeks when it faces Sacramento Republic FC at Heart Health Park and is on the verge of its first postseason trip since its lone prior appearance in 2020.

On Saturday night back it gets a chance to add to its current run against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Trinity Health Stadium (7 p.m. ET | ESPN+), squaring off with a Hounds side that has more often than not had its number over the years but that is currently looking to secure its eighth consecutive trip to the postseason.

• HOUNDS’ UPPER HAND: Since the start of their series upon Hartford’s entry to the USL Championship in 2019, Pittsburgh has dominated. The Hounds have taken 12 wins in 16 meetings to Hartford’s two in the regular season, posting a +20-goal differential. It’s symbolic of the contrast in stability the sides have had with Pittsburgh’s Bob Lilley on the sidelines for every encounter compared to six full-time Head Coaches for Athletic.

• FLIP THE SCRIPT: When Hartford took victory in their first meeting in 2024, it marked the first time Athletic had won in the series since 2020, when former Head Coach Radhi Jaïdi led the side to a stunning upset at Highmark Stadium. Earlier this season, when Hartford was scuffling out of the gate in March, Pittsburgh took a 1-0 win on a second-half goal by Danny Griffin.

• ON THE UPSWING: The difference between Hartford then and now is night and day. Burke is coming off winning the Coach of the Month award for August and his side is knocking on the door of the top four having gone 9-1-3 across all competitions since mid-July. Sitting in fifth place in the East, they hold a four-point lead over the Hounds in seventh with six games to play for both in the regular season.

The quality Hartford has shown since late May – and over the past two months in particular – mean that Saturday’s result won’t change the belief that Athletic is a side that can contend for the title in November. They’ve come too far for one result to alter that perspective.

What it could represent for Hartford, though, is a chance to put its imprint on a series that historically has been one-sided, and create a new dynamic for the seasons ahead as it looks to become the perennial playoff contender the Hounds have become since Lilley took the helm.

2. Three More Games to Watch

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET | ESPN+)

• Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC kicks off a run of four consecutive home games on Saturday looking to add to consecutive wins at Weidner Field in its past two outings. That will be challenging against Sacramento Republic FC, which has been one of the best away teams in the league this season, taking six of its 10 wins in the campaign on the road. Both teams really need all three points – the Switchbacks in particular as they fight for a place in the playoffs – which could lend to an entertaining clash.

El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Charleston Battery (Saturday, 9 p.m. ET | ESPN+)

• The Charleston Battery (50 goals) and El Paso Locomotive FC (37 goals) are two of the highest-scoring teams in the league this season, with the Battery currently sitting first thanks to the dynamic duo of Cal Jennings and MD Myers, who’ve combined for 26 of the side’s regular season goals. Locomotive has gotten the better of the Battery in their only two prior meetings, however, including Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera’s first win at the helm after his appointment last season.

Phoenix Rising FC vs. Loudoun United FC (10 p.m. ET | ESPN+)

• There is no shortage of attacking talent likely to be on display at Phoenix Rising Stadium on Saturday night, including two of the leading contenders for the league’s Golden Playmaker award. Rising’s Hope Avayevu and Loudoun’s Florian Valot each have eight assists so far this season, one off the current league-lead, and with the way each team likes to move quickly in attack this could have plenty of action to enjoy.

3. Kit of the Week – El Paso Locomotive FC “Noche De Locos” Kit

Technically, this isn’t going to be seen on the field on Saturday night, but El Paso Locomotive will be handing out 1,500 of its Noche de Locos Kits to fans as they arrive for what’s become one of the great annual nights out at Southwest University Park.

4. Landmark of the Week – Danny Cruz, Louisville City FC

Saturday night could be a big one for Louisville City’s Danny Cruz, who is one victory away from reaching 100 in the USL Championship regular season and playoffs on the sidelines. He’d be both the youngest coach to reach the landmark and achieve it in the fewest games in league history.

Check out Week 29’s News & Notes

5. Where to Watch Nationally
Saturday
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. North Carolina FC, 7:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Monterey Bay FC vs. New Mexico United, 10 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Golazo Network)

Sunday
Indy Eleven vs. Birmingham Legion FC, 5 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network)

Full Week 29 Broadcast Listings