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USL Championship Race to the Playoffs – Week 30

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 09/25/25, 10:50AM EDT

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Sacramento Republic FC takes aim at clinching playoff spot, New Mexico hosts Lexington among key games in Western Conference


Third-place New Mexico United and fifth-place Lexington SC square off in a key game in the Western Conference playoff race on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. | Photo courtesy Tommy Quarles / Lexington SC

Welcome to the latest edition of the USL Championship Race to the Playoffs presented by Terminix, where we provide weekly information on where each team stands in their bid to reach the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs.

This weekend could see Sacramento Republic FC clinch its return to the postseason as it visits NorCal rival Monterey Bay FC on Saturday night, while there are some crucial games in the Western Conference overall as Phoenix Rising FC hosts Oakland Roots SC in a six-pointer around the playoff line and New Mexico United and Lexington SC square off in a battle for a potential top-four finish.

Once again, we’re grateful to our friend John Morrissey at USL Tactics for providing the data for playoff projections. Now, here are four games to watch this weekend and an overview of where everyone stands.

GAMES TO WATCH

El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Rhode Island FC
Friday, 9 p.m. ET | ESPN+ | Southwest University Park

Entering the weekend, both El Paso Locomotive and Rhode Island FC are in the playoff positions, but both will be under pressure to take victory. Locomotive is currently sixth in the Western Conference and has a game in hand on both Phoenix Rising FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, but has lost three in a row, including its last two at home. Rhode Island, meanwhile, has squeezed out consecutive 1-0 victories to sit in eighth in the East but needs to keep winning with Indy Eleven only a point back. A win for either side on Friday night would apply pressure to the teams below them in their respective conferences to match their performance, but a defeat would open the door to a potential drop.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Hartford Athletic
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET | ESPN+ | Weidner Field

There was always going to be a spotlight on the return of Hartford Athletic Head Coach Brendan Burke and a few of his charges to face former club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, but there’s plenty on the line for both sides in terms of the playoff picture. For the Switchbacks, a win is a must after consecutive home defeats to Sacramento Republic FC and New Mexico United left the side vulnerable in eighth place in the West. For Hartford, finding a win on the road to keep the pressure on Loudoun United and North Carolina FC for a top-four finish is essential in addition to closing in on clinching its first trip to the playoffs since the 2020 season.

Phoenix Rising FC vs. Oakland Roots SC
Saturday, 10 p.m. ET | CBS Sports Golazo Network | Phoenix Rising Stadium

If Oakland Roots SC is going to make a return to the postseason in November, this visit to seventh-place Phoenix Rising FC is a game it’s going to need to win to get there. Roots have earned consecutive draws against contenders in the Charleston Battery and FC Tulsa but still sit five points out of the Western playoff positions with six games to go, while holding a game in hand on Phoenix and eighth-place Colorado Springs. Rising is undefeated in its last six games, drawing five of those contests, and after the Switchbacks’ defeat on Wednesday controls its path to the postseason. A win for the hosts would severely dent Roots’ playoff chances while solidifying Phoenix’s position.

New Mexico United vs. Lexington SC
Sunday, 6 p.m. ET | CBS Sports Network | Isotopes Park

New Mexico United’s comeback victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday night vaulted the side into third place in the West, two points ahead of Lexington SC, which dropped to fifth. While both teams are looking good for a postseason berth, at minimum getting their opening game of the postseason at home would be a welcome boost for both sides, but particularly Lexington as it heads to Isotopes Park for the first time having won only three games on the road this season. LSC claimed a 2-1 victory when these teams played in Kentucky in June, but if New Mexico can turn the tables at The Lab it sets up a great opportunity to close out strongly with Sunday’s game one of four home games in the last five for United.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. FC Tulsa
Record: 13-4-8, 47pts

Playoffs Odds: IN

Projected Finish:1st (58.9 points)
Max Points Available: 62pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ IND (9/27)
+
Outlook: The Scissortails are going back to the postseason for the first time since 2021 after last weekend’s results, and now they’re in position to make club history by earning a first home playoff game to kick off November. Tulsa could seal a top-four finish with a win and a little help from elsewhere, or even a draw pending other results as it heads to face Indy Eleven.

FC Tulsa Clinches Top-Four Finish IF:
1. FC Tulsa takes victory at Indy Eleven, moves to 50pts
AND El Paso Locomotive FC draws/loses vs. Rhode Island FC, maximum drops to 48/47pts
AND Orange County SC draws/loses vs. Charleston Battery, maximum drops to 48/47pts
AND Lexington SC draws/loses at New Mexico United, maximum drops to 48/47pts

2. FC Tulsa draws at Indy Eleven, moves to 48pts
AND El Paso Locomotive FC loses vs. Rhode Island FC, maximum drops to 47pts
AND Orange County SC loses vs. Charleston Battery, maximum drops to 47pts
AND Lexington SC loses at New Mexico United, maximum drops to 47pts
2. Sacramento Republic FC
Record: 11-5-8, 41pts

Playoffs Odds: >99%

Projected Finish: 2nd (56.0 points)
Max Points Available: 59pts

Magic Number: 6

Up Next: @ MB (9/27)
+
Outlook: Sacramento Republic FC moved its Magic Number to single digits with its victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC last Saturday, and after the Switchbacks’ midweek defeat to New Mexico United could clinch a postseason berth with a win on Saturday night on the road at Monterey Bay FC.

Sacramento Republic FC Clinches a Playoff Berth IF:
1. Sacramento Republic FC wins at Monterey Bay FC, moves to 44 points
AND Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC draws/loses vs. Hartford Athletic, maximum available drops to 44/43pts – Sacramento holds head-to-head tiebreaker over Colorado Springs (1-0-1)
Sacramento holds head-to-head tiebreaker over Oakland Roots SC on maximum of 44pts (1-0-1)
3. New Mexico United
Record: 11-10-4, 37pts

Playoffs Odds: 90%

Projected Finish: 3rd (47.2 points)
Max Points Available: 52pts

Magic Number: 10

Up Next: vs. LEX (9/28)
+
Outlook: United’s first comeback win of this regular season against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC gave the side a big boost in its bid for a top-four finish. Now it faces fifth-place Lexington SC in one of the key games of the weekend back on home turf with the chance to move into position to claim a postseason berth next week as well as bolster its chances of a top-three finish.
4. San Antonio FC
Record: 10-8-6, 36pts

Playoffs Odds: 80%

Projected Finish: 5th (44.2 points)
Max Points Available: 54pts

Magic Number: 11

Up Next: v. BHM (9/27)
+
Outlook: San Antonio FC’s second consecutive win gave it a real chance to stay in the top four in the West when it’s all said and done. The side faces a struggling Birmingham Legion FC this weekend, and while it might not quite be able to get into range to clinch a playoff berth next weekend with a win due to Phoenix Rising and Oakland Roots squaring off, it could be right on the doorstep.
5. Lexington SC
Record: 9-8-8, 32pts

Playoffs Odds: 89%

Projected Finish: 4th (46.4 points)
Max Points Available: 50pts

Magic Number: 12

Up Next: @ NM (9/28)
+
Outlook: Lexington pulled out a win on the road in Detroit City FC that greatly boosted its postseason chances. The side’s projected finish slid to fourth after New Mexico United’s victory on Wednesday night, but the meeting between those two sides on Sunday evening remains crucial as the two battle to earn a top-four finish with San Antonio moving in the right direction.
6. El Paso Locomotive FC
Record: 8-8-8, 32pts

Playoffs Odds: 77%

Projected Finish: 6th (43.3 points)
Max Points Available: 50pts

Magic Number: 15

Up Next: v. RI (9/27)
+
Outlook: El Paso has suffered a downturn in form at the worst possible moment. It’s still projected to be part of the postseason field, but it really needs to earn a result at home to Rhode Island FC on Friday night to solidify things. A win for Locomotive would also be a major boost for Indy Eleven and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the East.
7. Phoenix Rising FC
Record: 7-7-11, 32pts

Playoffs Odds: 59%

Projected Finish:8th (38.4 points)
Max Points Available: 47pts

Magic Number:15

Up Next: v. OAK (9/27)
+
Outlook: Phoenix is undefeated in its last six games overall but has drawn four in a row going into Saturday’s six-pointer against Oakland Roots SC. After Colorado Springs’ consecutive defeats, though, Rising is now in control of its pathway to the postseason with five games to go.
8. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Record: 8-9-7, 31pts

Playoffs Odds: 56%

Projected Finish: 9th (37.7 points)
Max Points Available: 46pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. HFD (9/27)
+
Outlook: Colorado Springs’ consecutive defeats mean it’s no longer in control of its pathway to the postseason. That’s only going to ramp up the pressure for Saturday’s game against Hartford Athletic – and some familiar faces led by Head Coach Brendan Burke – which now looks like a must-win while hoping the Charleston Battery can take victory against Orange County and for Phoenix Rising and Oakland Roots to end all square.
9. Orange County SC
Record: 8-10-5, 29pts

Playoffs Odds: 61%

Projected Finish: 7th (38.9 points)
Max Points Available: 50pts

Magic Number: 18

Up Next: vs. CHS (9/27)
+
Outlook: Orange County has two games in hand on Phoenix Rising and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, but its five-game winless streak is its longest so far this season. Saturday’s clash at home to the Charleston Battery is another big test, and OCSC will be hoping for the Switchbacks and Phoenix to both drop points at home.
10. Oakland Roots SC
Record: 7-12-5, 26pts

Playoffs Odds: 42%

Projected Finish: 10th (34.3 points)
Max Points Available: 44pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ PHX (9/27)
+
Outlook: For a second consecutive week, Roots earned points against a contender with its draw against FC Tulsa. Now Oakland faces a crucial game to its chances as it visits Phoenix Rising FC. A win could move the side within two points of the playoff positions if both the Switchbacks and Orange County fall this weekend, but a loss would be a serious blow to Roots’ chances.
11. Las Vegas Lights FC
Record: 6-12-7, 25pts

Playoffs Odds: 22%

Projected Finish: 12th (30.2 points)
Max Points Available: 40pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ PIT (9/28)
+
Outlook: The Lights were always going to be under the gun to get something out of their trip to Louisville City, and they face another big road test this weekend heading to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC this weekend. Las Vegas is now facing a six-point gap to the playoff positions with five games to play, and that makes this a must-win.
12. Monterey Bay FC
Record: 6-13-7, 25pts

Playoffs Odds: 26%

Projected Finish: 11th (30.9 points)
Max Points Available: 37pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next:vs. SAC (9/27)
+
Outlook: Monterey Bay was so close to getting a win it needed to have to stay in the playoff race last weekend but conceded late to New Mexico United to only earn a point. Now it’s a six-point gap to the playoff places with four games to go, and while three of those are at home, Saturday’s rivalry clash with Sacramento is a must-win or move to the brink of potential elimination.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Louisville City FC
Record: 18-1-6, 60pts

Playoffs Odds: IN

Projected Finish: 1st (74.0 points)
Max Points Available: 75pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ DET (9/27)
+
Louisville maintained its separation from the Charleston Battery with victory against Las Vegas Lights FC last Saturday night and is now 10 points from winning its second consecutive Players’ Shield as it heads to face Detroit City FC. A victory and any points dropped by the Battery at Orange County SC could put LouCity in position to wrap up the regular season crown next weekend.
2. Charleston Battery
Record: 17-5-3, 54pts

Playoffs Odds: IN

Projected Finish: 2nd (67.1 points)
Max Points Available: 69pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ OC (9/27)
+
Outlook: The Battery secured a top-four finish with their victory on the road at El Paso Locomotive FC and would secure a top-two spot this weekend with a win at Orange County SC. For the Players’ Shield to be in play for Charleston, though, they’re going to need to take victory and hope LouCity drops points away at Detroit City.
3. Loudoun United FC
Record: 11-9-5, 38pts

Playoffs Odds: 98%

Projected Finish: 4th (47.3 points)
Max Points Available: 53pts

Magic Number: 7

Up Next: vs. TBR (9/28)
+
Outlook: After letting its two-goal lead get away in Phoenix, forcing United to settle for a draw, Loudoun can’t quite clinch its first postseason berth this weekend with its series against Indy Eleven currently unresolved. A victory at home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, or results around the playoff line going its way, would ensure United can book its place in the playoffs next week.
4. North Carolina FC
Record: 11-9-4, 37pts

Playoffs Odds: 86%

Projected Finish: 6th (44.0 points)
Max Points Available: 55pts

Magic Number: 8

Up Next: vs. MIA (9/26)
+
Outlook: North Carolina grabbed a point out of the fire in stoppage time against the Tampa Bay Rowdies and now faces the USL-C’s other Florida side looking to close in on a playoff berth. Victory at home to Miami FC on Friday night would get NCFC within range and would also put pressure on Loudoun United, Hartford Athletic and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC to match their result in the race for a top-four finish.
5. Hartford Athletic
Record: 10-10-5, 35pts

Playoffs Odds: 99%

Projected Finish: 3rd (47.5 points)
Max Points Available: 50pts

Magic Number: 10

Up Next: @ COS (9/27)
+
Outlook: Despite its loss against Pittsburgh, Hartford remains projected for a top-three finish at the end of the season. Athletic will head to familiar surroundings for a few of its squad’s members on Saturday as it faces Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in need of a bounce-back performance while its three rivals for a top-four finish face opposition currently outside the playoff positions.
6. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Record: 9-9-7, 34pts

Playoffs Odds: 90%

Projected Finish: 5th (45.0 points)
Max Points Available: 49pts

Magic Number: 11

Up Next:vs. LV (9/28)
+
Outlook: Chase Boone’s late winner against Hartford was exactly what the Hounds needed to lift their chances of a top-four finish. They’ll head home to face Las Vegas Lights FC this weekend, a game they will need to take all three points in as well to keep the pressure on Loudoun United and North Carolina FC.
7. Detroit City FC
Record: 8-9-8, 32pts

Playoffs Odds: 60%

Projected Finish: 8th (37.6 points)
Max Points Available: 47pts

Magic Number: 13

Up Next: vs. LOU (9/27)
+
Outlook: With Rhode Island and Indy’s victories last weekend, Le Rouge could be looking over their shoulder a little after consecutive defeats. DCFC hosts Louisville City on Saturday night in need of a result, and looking for help elsewhere, as a run of four games against the current top four in the East begins.
8. Rhode Island FC
Record: 8-11-6, 30pts

Playoffs Odds: 57%

Projected Finish: 9th (36.9 points)
Max Points Available: 45pts

Magic Number: 15

Up Next: @ ELP (9/27)
+
Outlook: It wasn’t too pretty, but Rhode Island got a second consecutive win as it downed Miami on the road last Friday night. With Indy’s victory against Birmingham keeping the Boys in Blue only a point behind, RIFC must keep pushing forward when it visits El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday night to put pressure on the Boys in Blue to match their result again.
9. Indy Eleven
Record: 8-12-5, 29pts

Playoffs Odds: 62%

Projected Finish: 7th (38.1 points)
Max Points Available: 44pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. TUL (9/27)
+
Outlook: Indy’s first win after trailing at halftime since 2023 couldn’t have come at a better moment last Sunday against Birmingham Legion. The Boys in Blue get a serious test over the next two weeks as they host FC Tulsa on Saturday night and then visit LIPAFC rival Louisville City FC to open October, but they need to keep pushing forward to keep the pressure on RIFC and Detroit City.
10. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Record: 7-13-5, 26pts

Playoffs Odds: 33%

Projected Finish: 10th (31.8 points)
Max Points Available: 43pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ LDN (9/28)
+
Outlook: The Rowdies were so close to a six-point week only for North Carolina FC to deny them at the death last Saturday night. That’s left the side with a margin of four points to make up on eighth-place Rhode Island with five games to go, which means Sunday’s visit to Loudoun United is likely another must-win.
11. Birmingham Legion FC
Record: 4-11-10, 22pts

Playoffs Odds: 3%

Projected Finish: 12th (26.5 points)
Max Points Available: 37pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ SA (9/27)
+
Outlook: Legion lost both its contests in Week 29 after holding halftime leads, moving its winless streak to eight games, the club’s longest since its inaugural 2019 season. With eight points to make up and five games to go, it’s not looking good.
12. Miami FC
Record: 5-14-6, 21pts

Playoffs Odds: 12%

Projected Finish: 11th (27.9 points)
Max Points Available: 36pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: @ NC (9/26)
+
Outlook: Miami is going to have a lot of teams hoping it can take points off North Carolina FC on Friday night. Outside of something remarkable happening, it’s not likely to help the side’s chances of making the playoffs with a nine-point gap to make up to eighth place and five games to go.

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Tag(s): News  Features  San Antonio FC  CO Spring Switchbacks  Orange County SC  Phoenix Rising FC  Sacramento Republic FC  FC Tulsa  Charleston Battery  Louisville City FC  Pittsburgh Riverhounds  Tampa Bay Rowdies  Las Vegas Lights FC  Birmingham Legion FC  North Carolina FC  Indy Eleven  El Paso Locomotive FC  New Mexico United  Loudoun United FC  Hartford Athletic  Miami FC  Oakland Roots SC  Race to the Playoffs  Detroit City FC  Monterey Bay FC  Rhode Island FC  Lexington SC 

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