The USL Championship Playoffs have begun but if you’ve missed out, there’s no need to fear. There’s plenty of action still on deck starting with the conference semifinals this weekend. Here’s a guide with everything you need to know going into all four matches.
Recapping the Quarterfinals
The opening round gave us plenty to talk about. From multiple penalty-kick shootouts to the defending champs going down, there was no lack of excitement. They did prove to be a disappointment for a multitude of clubs, though. Last season’s success didn’t seem to translate, as both 2023 conference champions and the winner of the USL Final all went down in this year’s first round. It may have been a rough weekend for Pittsburgh, Sacramento and Phoenix, but there were some clubs that garnered real momentum going into the semis.
All kudos are due to Rhode Island FC, who have not only made the Playoffs in their first season of play, but have also advanced to the second round. They accomplished a thrilling road defeat of Indy Eleven with the help of a hat trick from forward JJ Williams. This clutch performance is one that Williams and the people of Rhode Island will never forget.
Top seeds Louisville City FC and New Mexico United took care of business, defeating North Carolina FC and Phoenix Rising FC, respectively. Nothing is guaranteed, though, and these two giants will continue to have a target on their back.
Beasts in the East
Two matches remain in the Eastern Conference as a pair of tickets to the conference final hang in the balance. Up first is Louisville versus Rhode Island, a battle of No. 1 seed titans and the underdog expansion club. Their previous meetings this season consisted of a draw and a 5-2 walloping by RIFC. Louisville has been the class of the field all season, but there’s still work to be done. Can the two-time champions take this one, or will the scrappy newcomers from New England do the unthinkable?
The next showdown in the east takes us to the site of last season’s USL Championship Final, Patriots Point, where Charleston Battery will look to defend their home turf against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Tampa Bay’s regular season didn’t exactly go according to plan, but this squad has embraced resiliency. Removed from their home stadium due to the effects of Hurricane Milton, the Rowdies were forced to finish their season surrounded by uncertainty. They rallied to upset No. 3 seed Detroit City FC last weekend and they’ll look to do the same on Sunday.
Best of the West
Now it’s time to go out west, where an intriguing pair of matchups await. Things get started on Saturday when Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host Orange County SC. Underdog Oakland Roots held strong for much of the first half last week, but conceded two goals in the span of 15 minutes to allow the Switchbacks to advance. Meanwhile, Orange County’s duel against Memphis 901 FC came down to the wire when Dillon Powers powered a header into the back of the net to send his club through to the semifinals. These teams may have advanced in different ways, but they’ll look for any advantage they can to get a win on Saturday. Colorado Springs is the favorite, but if the quarterfinals taught us anything, do not count out Orange County SC.
The latter of this conference’s semis features a team that won the conference, but did struggle coming down the line to end the regular season. New Mexico conceded first in their opener, but didn’t falter. Having to rally against the No. 8 seed certainly wasn’t expected, but this team has already shown that they can handle adversity. They may need to do this again against a feisty Las Vegas Lights FC, who clawed their way to victory against Sacramento Republic FC on penalties. Expect New Mexico to come out swinging, but this should be a thriller no matter what.
There is plenty of great soccer on the docket, so make sure to tune in this weekend. Check out the viewing guide below and if you’re in close proximity to one of these matches, go see the action in person!
Saturday, November 9
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Orange County SC
6:30 ET on ESPN+
Louisville City FC vs. Rhode Island FC
7:30 ET on ESPN+
New Mexico United vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
9:30 ET on ESPN+
Sunday, November 10
Charleston Battery vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
3:00 ET on ESPN+
