USLC Week Eight: Loudoun Looking Likeable
Before we get into the preview, I want to say thank you to former United Soccer League President Jake Edwards. The growth of USL under Edwards for the last 10 years has been remarkable; while under Jake Edwards’ leadership we have seen USL go from a struggling D3 league. Today USL has leagues in D2 (USLC) D3 (USL L1), and unofficial D4 (USL L2). Also, USL has also grown into the Women's game with the announcement of the Super League and the growing W-League. That's not all USL has seen growth in, with the USL Academy structure; league and Cup. While he has discussed trying to create Pro/Rel and a Leagues Cup between the division, we sadly never got to see that implemented in his time - hopefully the new leadership of USL will continue that path!
Phoenix Rising vs Loudoun United (Saturday 7:30PM PST / 10:30PM EST)
Must watch cross conference match:
Phoenix Rising FC (1-4-1 7 points) Hosts Loudoun United (3-1-2 10 points)
What an interesting matchup. Loudoun United is coming off back-to-back league wins and a victory in The US Open Cup. Zach Ryan leads Loudoun with 5 goals and 2 assists and will be facing off against one of the top goalkeepers in USL Championship this year in Rocco Rios Novo who has 25 saves on the year and is coming off a great match against San Antonio. The bottom line: is Rising back after a tough schedule to start the year? Or is Loudoun United this year's breakout team?
Harry’s Prediction: Phoenix Rising 2 - 1 Loudoun United
Detroit City FC vs Tampa Bay Rowdies (Saturday 1PM PST / 4pm EST)
Must watch Eastern Conference Match:
Detroit City FC (1-1-5 4 points) Hosts Tampa Bay Rowdies (1-2-4 5 Points)
Did anyone have both of these teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference? Both teams are struggling to score, the difference is Detroit City is playing better defense.at this time. For Tampa Bay, they need to find a way to get the 3 points, but it is going to be tough to do in Detroit. Last year they split the series with each team winning at home 1-0. The matchup I am looking to see is which one of the star players will score Maxi Rodriguez (Det) or Cal Jennings (TB).
Harry’s Prediction: Detroit City FC 0 - 0 Tampa Bay Rowdies
San Diego Loyal vs El Paso Locomotive (Saturday 7 PM PST / 10 PM EST)
Must watch Western Conference Match:
San Diego Loyal (4-2-1 14 points) host El Paso Locomotive (3-1-3 10 points)
First of all congratulations to San Diego Loyal for the performance against Seattle in the US Open Cup. While they came up short, it is one of the best matches in Open Cup history. However, going the distance then coming home to face a tough El Paso team. The Locomotive started with three straight losses. However, what a turn around for El Paso having not lost in four games (3W 1D). The matchup I am looking for is a combo for El Paso Petar Petrovic and Luis Solignac (6 goals) vs SD Loyal Evan Conway and Ronaldo Damus (5 goals), both defenses will be tested. Last year SD won both games and scored 3 goals in each. Harry’s Prediction: San Diego Loyal 2 - 3 El Paso Locomotive
The Rest of This week’s fixtures:
sat - April 29
FC Tulsa vs Sacramento Republic - 3p (PST) / 6p (ET)
Harry Says: The best team without any question is Sacramento Republic. Having only allowed 1 goal all year yet are second in scoring for the league at 13 goals. FC Tulsa is scoring, but also has a leaky defense with 10 goals allowed. So far in 11 games Sac Rep has not lost to FC Tulsa (9W 2D). But I have a feeling…
Harry's Prediction: FC Tulsa 2 - 1 Sacramento Republic
Indy Eleven vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC - 4p (PST) / 7p (ET)
Harry Says: Indy Eleven are winless in their last 4 games, and are struggling to score on a consistent basis. Facing Pittsburgh and Bob Lilley is not a way to get out of the slump of scoring. Was last week's two goal outburst the start? The good news for Indy, is that the Riverhounds are also struggling to score. The matchup to watch is between the goalkeepers, both have struggled a little bit. Yannik Oettl (Indy 61% Save %) against Jahmali Waite (PIT 61% Save %). Riverhounds hold the head to head count over Indy (6W 2D 3L), including the last two games in Indianapolis.
Harry's Prediction: Indy Eleven 0 - 1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Charleston Battery vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks - 4:30p (PST) / 7:30p (ET)
Harry Says: Last year this matchup finished 3-3 in Colorado Springs, so the rematch in Charleston should be a good one. Both teams look much different than last year however. An important part of Charleston is out due to a red card and that is Augustine Williams. Augustine has been a huge part of the Battery offense so that is a lot to overcome.
Harry's Prediction: Charleston Battery 1 - 2 Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Memphis 901FC vs Louisville City FC - 5p (PST) / 8p (ET)
Harry Says: What a week for Memphis 901 FC! Got their first win against RGV, but also had the Cupset of the Open Cup beating Atlanta United. BUT they are facing Louisville City who last year beat Memphis 901 both times (when Memphis was a top 4 team). To me the match up is can the forwards of 901FC break down the defense of Lou City? Lou City coming off of three straight clean sheets, while Memphis has scored in every game they have played this year.
Harry's Prediction: Memphis 901FC 1 - 2 Louisville City FC
San Antonio FC vs Las Vegas Lights - 5:30p (PST) / 8:30p (ET)
Harry Says: It will be very interesting to see the lineup that San Antonio FC puts out. Also both teams will face each other next week in Vegas. In the last couple of weeks SAFC has brought in several players. Including Forward Sam Adeniran who was a key player in last year's championship run. For Las Vegas this is the final game of a 6 game road trip. Both teams had Open Cup matches on Wednesday. But the depth of San Antonio I think is the difference in this one.
Harry's Prediction: San Antonio FC 4 - 0 Las Vegas Lights
New Mexico United vs Orange County SC - 6p (PST) / 9p (ET)
Harry Says: Both teams have got off to a disappointing start, and both have the same issue. Being able to take shots and to be able to finish. New Mexico is coming off an emotional but physical win in Open Cup action, so you have to wonder if that will impact this match. Orange County also played, but was not the emotional or physical match. The head to head is even with both teams with one win and two draws.
Harry's Prediction: New Mexico United 1 - 1 Orange County SC
Monterey Bay Union vs Rio Grande Valley FC - 7p (PST) / 10p (ET)
Harry Says: This is a big game for RGV, who are struggling in all aspects of the game. Going to Monterey Bay who is coming off a cupset over San Jose. WIll Monterey Bay look past RGV and will it even matter? Monterey Bay drew RGV at HEB Park and the head to Head series has RGV ahead with 3W 2D 2L. Monterey Bay has shown they will give up goals, but does RGV have anyone that can convert?
Harry's Prediction: Monterey Bay Union 4 - 0 RGV Toros
Oakland Roots SC vs The Miami FC- 7p (PST) / 10p (ET)
Harry Says: THE Miami FC offense woke up against Las Vegas, but can they do it on the road in Oakland. For the Roots it's all about defense and Paul Blanchette to keep the clean sheets. For Miami the health of Christian Sorto has to be a concern as left the Open Cup came with an injury.
Harry's Prediction: Oakland Roots SC 1 - 1 The Miami FC
sun - April 30
Birmingham Legion FC vs Hartford Athletic - 2p (PST) / 5p (ET)
Harry Says: In the final matchup of the week, Birmingham Legion returned home to face Hartford for the final time this year. Legion got a 1-0 win in March in Hartford and Legion leads the head to head 3-1. Hartford is led by Prince Saydee (4G 1A) and Elvis Amoh (2G) so they have the firepower to go toe to toe against the Legion offense. Who counter with Neco Brett (3G 1A) and Enzo Martinez (1G 1A).
Harry's Prediction: Birmingham Legion 3 - 1 Hartford Athletic
by Harry Austin