The top-most division of the USL has been referred to as Championship since 2019 and there have been no back-to-back winners; five different playoff champions in six years (blame covid for that missing piece from 2020). Additionally, only one team has done the double (winning both the Players’ Shield AND the league title - San Antonio FC. There are some teams with great pedigree, like Louisville City, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Charleston Battery and Sacramento Republic. And there are rogues and refugees, teams who came up from other divisions and other leagues altogether.

The USL Championship is set to kick off this weekend and contributors from The Leagues Podcast, Daily Detroit, Oakland Roots Blog, Bluegrass Soccercast, USL Show, KitSZN, Crane Kicks Lex, Ranting Blue Penguin, On the Rocks Pod, RBRL Sports, Walkin90 Pod, Shea Butter FC, and Protagonist Soccer’s own THE C Podcast weighed in on the games they are most excited for. So, in chronological order (for the most part) let’s get stuck in!

The Miami FC vs Detroit City FC

March 8th, 4:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm ET at Kia Field at Pittbull Stadium in Westchester, FL

Miami FC and Detroit City FC have been dancing around each other for years; they spent two years in the NPSL together, and had DCFC just beaten Cleveland SC in the 2019 Regional Final, they would have played Miami FC in the playoffs. Alas, it was not to be. Then, later that year in NISA, Miami participated in the first half of the season, but left to join the USL Championship. Detroit, meanwhile, joined NISA in the second half of the season and went on to dominate.

Since joining USLC, Detroit has finished 7th, 8th, and a very impressive 3rd last year. Miami, on the other hand, have made the playoffs twice in five years and absolutely stunk last year. While this isn’t a rivalry, really, in any way - it’s a very important first game of the year for both teams. Miami overturned their squad and added some MLS Veterans in Lucas Melano, Bill Hamid, and Seba Blanco - who I think is going to surprise a lot of teams. DCFC might have lost a couple players to retirement or higher wages, but they have added some firepower and Ates Diouf may impress you on day 1.

This game may be an absolute blast for the neutral as both old school lower league standout clubs now look to duke it out and set a pace to make it to the playoffs.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / The C Podcast

Charleston Battery vs Louisville City

March 8th, 7:30 pm PT / 10:30 pm ET at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC

The Battery open their 2025 campaign at home against rival Louisville City. This one is sure to have fireworks as always. Charleston have a very strong returning squad minus Nick Markanich up top who was sold to LaLiga 2 side CD Castellón. They have added GKs Luis Zamudio and Christian Garner, F Douglas Martinez from Indy, D Langston Blackstock from Pittsburgh, Mid Johnny Klein from St. Louis City, Joey Akpunonu from FC Cincy, M Houssou Landry from New Mexico United and the big signing All League striker Cal Jennings from Tampa Bay. This game will be a good measuring stick of these two contenders.

Del Shaffer - The Leagues: World Soccer Podcast / The Real Charleston Podcast

Charleston Battery vs Rhode Island FC

March 15th, 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC

“The match I’m most excited for in Rhode Island’s first match of the season against Ben Pirmann and the Charleston Battery. Interested to see a more well rounded Rhode Island with Maxi Rodriguez joining the midfield against Charleston in their first game without talisman Nick Markanich”

Fletcher Sharpe - The Daily Detroit

Oakland Roots SC vs San Antonio FC

March 22nd, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA

It's easy to say any home opener is one to watch for any team, but there is a little extra juice behind the Roots' opener at the Coliseum. The club is looking to turn heads with their home opener attendance and show the soccer world they can attract over 20,000, we'll see the heights they can reach. As for the game, it might be a good measuring stick for Oakland's potential after its busy offseason

Jonathan Comeaux - Oak Roots Blog

Sacramento Republic vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

March 22nd, 7:00 pm PT / 10:00 pm ET at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, CA

League Champions, Switchbacks FC, split their regular season set with traditional Western Conference powerhouse, Sac Republic, last year, losing 0-2 at home (Trevor Amann and Russell Cicerone goals) then winning the regular season finale 1-0 on the road (another Juan Tejada especial). Both teams will return strong after the offseason, but Sacramento will have a change at the helm, with former Tampa Bay Rowdies boss, Neill Collins taking charge and it will be his second home game in a row to start the year - any jitters which could show in week one vs New Mexico United, may be worked out by the time Switchbacks fly into Sacramento International.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / The C Podcast

San Antonio FC vs Phoenix Rising FC

April 6th, 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm EST at Toyota Field in San Antonio, TX

Western Conference cornerstone franchise meet up for the 1st big boy CBS match of the year down in San Antonio for this one. Both sides will be roughly a month into the season and looking to improve from rough seasons for both the 2022 and 2023 USLC champions. Can they live up to the craziness of Lou’s 5-3 win over Indy last year or will one side crumble under the national broadcast pressure.

Jon Hunt - Bluegrass Soccer Cast / Protagonist Soccer

Indy Eleven vs Charleston Battery

April 19th, 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm EST at Michael A Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis, IN

After last season’s poor records against Lou City and Charleston, this early matchup at home will be the indicator if Indy is legit this year or not. Avoiding a repeat of last year’s performances (a 4-2 and 5-0 loss vs Charleston), is a must if Indy wants to achieve any of their lofty goals for 2025

Brett Mullinex - KitSZN

Louisville City FC vs Lexington SC

May 1st, 5:00pm PST / 8:00pm EST at Lynn Vamily Stadium in Louisville, KY

Forget the fact that these two teams are only 83 miles away from each other and somewhat shared a supporter base when these two teams were in separate leagues. Forget the rivalry between the two cities. This is a matchup between a team that ran away with the USL C Players’ Shield last year, and a team that needed four points in their final two games to avoid a wooden spoon in USL 1. Placing this fixture on a Thursday night may not dampen the vibes, but can Lexington prove they’re ready for second-division life against one of the league’s best?

Tim Howerton - Ranting Blue Penguin

A Second Shout: With only one official meeting (occurring in the Open Cup 2 years ago) between Lexington and Lou City, fans have waited a long time for a proper rivalry to bloom. While that will still take some time, the natural rivalry between the two cities has all of the ingredients to make this rivalry legitimate. Add in the widespread fan crossover between the two teams, Lexington having two Lou City legends in Cam Lancaster and Speedy Williams, and the fact that the game will be locally televised on Lexington’s Fox affiliate station and it’s difficult not to acknowledge the potential for drama and excitement that this match has to offer!

Tyler Crane - Crane Kicks Lex

Rhode Island FC vs San Antonio FC

May 3rd, 1:00pm PST / 4:00pm EST at The Stadium at Tidewater Landing in Pawtucket, RI

RIFC had a miraculous first season last year, from their run to the final to being the only team to defeat Louisville at home. They will be looking to continue that magic as they open the new crown jewel of USL stadiums in this one. SAFC is on this list a lot and will be under a lot of pressure as they enter a hopefully sold out 10,794 strong army.

Jon Hunt - Bluegrass Soccer Cast / Protagonist Soccer

New Mexico United vs Phoenix Rising FC

May 10th, 6:00pm PST / 9:00pm EST at RGCU Field at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, NM

In a league with so many high-quality matchups, this one flies below the radar and goes underappreciated. Across USL Championship Regular Season, Playoffs and US Open Cup, each side has won six matches and only shared points on two occasions. In 14 matchups, only 3 have been decided by a goal differential of 2 or more. What’s going to be hotter: New Mexico in May, or the rivalry being renewed for the first time since meeting in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2024 Playoffs?

Rich Flemings- On The Rocks Podcast

El Paso Locomotive vs San Antonio FC

July 4th, 4:30pm PST / 7:30pm EST at Southwest University Park in El Paso, TX

Can Wilmer Cabrera turn things around after an offseason to work on the roster? That’s the big question and by the time this game rolls around, we’ll have plenty of answers. Regardless, SAFC has been the most successful Texas USL Championship team so far, and Locomotive would love to punch them in the mouth on July 4th.

Dan Vaughn - Editor of Protagonist Soccer

Monterey Bay FC vs Orange County SC

July 11th, 6:00 pm PT / 9:00 pm ET at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, CA

Is this a rivalry? 2021 USLC Champions, Orange County SC, have finished in a playoff position for two of the last three years and only finished below the team formerly known as Union in Monterey’s inaugural season - that was a weird one for OCSC and one in which Monterey Bay did the double over them. However, since then, Orange County has won 3 and drawn once - outscoring Monterey 6-1 since 2023.

Monterey will be looking to improve upon three seasons of finishing out of a playoff spot and if they are in the mixer by July, then this game might actually prove to be tasty. Fingers crossed, to be honest, because it's a nice idea to visit the aquarium in the morning and spend an evening watching a meaningful California Coastal Derby.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / The C Podcast

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Sacramento Republic

September 6th, 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm EST at Al Lang Stadium in

The obvious answer for standout matches on the Rowdies’ calendar is when Sacramento comes to town, bringing former manager Neill Collins in tow. The Scot left in the middle of 2023 for seemingly greener pastures in England. Fickle ownership got in the way of that, and he has since found his way back to the USL with another ambitious club. He will be both welcomed back to St. Pete and, likely, jeered (lightly) by the fans who once adored him.

James Knowles - RBRL Sports

Rhode Island FC vs Tampa Bay Rowdies

October 11th, 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm EST at The Stadium at Tidewater Landing in Pawtucket, RI

It's a matchup near the end of the season, but one I'm excited about. Does Rhode Island have a repeat of their inaugural season? Tampa Bay is a stalwart in the Championship. Even when you think they're out, they come right to the playoffs. This game will be a game for home field playoff jockeying. Rhode Island surprised a lot of folks, but now I think they've proven just how good and tenacious the Rhode Island soccer scene is

Eboni Christmas - Walkin’ 90 Podcast / Shea Butter FC

Oakland Roots SC vs Lexington SC

October 25th, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA

Let’s be honest, the league has really let us down by not having Lexington SC in the same conference as Louisville City - but after some recent news about first division leagues, possible expansion sides, and the eventual movement of other teams, it's really only a matter of time before they are geographically grouped. In the meantime, we have a possible doozy of a final game of the season to prognosticate.

Last year, the Roots had a solid run during the season but ran out of steam at the end - this year, Gavin Glinton will look to keep the energy levels up all year and while he’s lost a great player in Johnny Rodriguez, Roots have brought in some exciting talent and moved into a huge new home. Meanwhile, Lexington SC finished quite poorly in the USL League One last year, after making huge investments for the future, they forgot about the present. This year the goal needs to be, just be competitive. Maybe by this final game they’ll have something to fight for - at the very least, pride.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / The C Podcast

Edited by Joshua Duder
Special thanks to all contributors - we couldn’t do things like this without you!

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