League News

Around the Leagues: Pieces Finally Fall into Place

The USL Championship and NWSL wrapped up their regular seasons over the weekend, with Major League Soccer facing Decision Day on Sunday, November 7. The stage was set for a Manchester showdown this weekend, while a changing of the guard took place in North London and the Hammers kept their foot on the pedal.

USL Championship

The final pieces of the postseason picture were set in stone this weekend, as Oakland Roots SC completed its late season push and will officially make the USL Championship postseason in its debut season. Rounding out the Pacific Division’s top four are Phoenix Rising FC, Orange County SC, and San Diego Loyal SC.

El Paso, Colorado Springs, San Antonio, and Rio Grande Valley will represent the Central Division in the remainder of the Western Conference side of the bracket. Tampa Bay, FC Tulsa, Birmingham, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Memphis, Louisville, and Miami make up the Eastern Conference’s postseason picture.

Switchbacks FC’s Hadji Barry was officially awarded the Golden Boot with 25 goals, while Tampa Bay’s Evan Louro was named Golden Glove winner and Danny Barrera of Hartford took home the Assists Champion title with a league-high 12 assists.

Premier League

West Ham’s impressive season at the top continues. David Moyes’ Hammers left Birmingham over the weekend with a 4-1 victory over 10-man Aston Villa to pull level on points with Manchester City. The Hammers have now taken all three points in three of their last four outings.

City, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. Despite holding down third place, Pep Guardiola’s squad’s progress has flatlined since jumping from seventh to second in three weeks’ time.

In North London, it was a day of reckoning for one manager and a day of relief for another.

United are back to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. While the result puts the Red Devils back in the top five after a two-week hiatus, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proved once again that he can deliver with his job on the line.

In the other dugout, the loss sealed Nuno Espirito Santo’s fate as boss after the club’s fifth loss in its last seven matches with just one goal to show for it.

A must-watch Manchester Derby at Old Trafford awaits this weekend.

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF’s Federico Higuaín has decided to hang up his boots, the Argentinian midfielder announced on Friday. Higuaín made the transition to Major League Soccer in 2012 when he signed with the Columbus Crew and leaves the game nine years later having played his final season in Florida alongside his younger brother, Gonzalo.

New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union claimed spots in the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs this past weekend, leaving three spots up for grabs in the Eastern Conference.

Minnesota United saved its season after a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, while Montreal suffered the opposite fate with a 1-0 loss to Red Bulls at the death that dropped the Impact further below the playoff line with time running out.

Decision Day takes place on Sunday, November 7, as we answer the final question of who’s in and who’s out of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

National Women’s Soccer League

Last week, Kansas City announced plans for an NWSL-specific waterfront stadium, the first of its kind. Four days later, the first-year franchise unveiled its crest and new name – Kansas City Current – at halftime of the season finale against OL Reign.

On the pitch, the expanded NWSL playoff picture is set. The Reign have earned a quarterfinal bye alongside NWSL Shield holder Portland. Chicago and Gotham FC will square off on November 7 for a chance to face Portland, while OL Reign awaits the winner of Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage.

The November 20 NWSL Championship match will be held at Racing Louisville FC’s Lynn Family Stadium.

What to Watch Around the USL: Week 28

The final week of the regular season is here. However, even with 27 weeks of play completed, the best is still yet to come. Ahead of the season’s final match day, a number of fixtures across the league serve as win-or-go-home contests for some, while others will be looking to take advantage of one last chance to improve their seeding before the postseason commences in November.

Pacific Division Update

Ahead of the final week, only Phoenix knows where they will sit when postseason play begins. Below the Arizona side rests San Diego and Orange County, separated by just a point with one match each to play.

Below them, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Tacoma all remain in competition for the fourth and final spot in the Pacific Division. A win over Orange County will secure the spot for Los Dos. For Tacoma or Oakland to take it, they’ll need to take three in their respective final matches against Phoenix and Sporting KC II, in addition to a draw or loss for Los Angeles.

Birmingham Legion FC v Louisville City FC

The two squads find themselves in a winner-take-all meeting for the Central Division crown on Saturday.

Birmingham has the luxury of a larger margin for error in the contest. A win or draw with Louisville will leave them atop the division when the final whistle sounds, since they enter Saturday with a two point advantage. Unbeaten since September 4, Legion has recorded four clean sheets their last nine matches, and will need another great defensive effort to keep Louisville’s Cam Lancaster quiet as he looks to take over the Eastern Conference Golden Boot.

After a tough 1-0 loss for Louisville to Indy Eleven on October 16, the Eastern Conference scoring leaders rebounded in a crucial match with Memphis. A win- and only a win- over Birmingham will crown them Division Champions by putting them a point ahead in the table over their Alabama foes, who have been one of the league’s hottest teams since September.

The two squads find themselves in a winner-take-all meeting for the Central Division crown on Saturday.

Austin Bold FC v Charlotte Independence

One of two inter-division matches remaining during the season’s final weekend will have a big impact on both participants.

Austin is in a win-or-go-home scenario, and will need three points in addition to help from Real Monarchs and El Paso Locomotive FC to get into the final playoff spot. Cooling down a Charlotte team on a six-match win streak will be tough, but they have the defense to do it as they enter the contest fourth in USL in clean sheet performances this season.

Charlotte still needs three points to keep a hold on second place in the Atlantic, even after taking their tenth win in eleven matches Wednesday. Getting on the board early will be a major key for the league’s fourth best scoring team, especially since Austin has had trouble playing from behind of late.

One of two inter-division matches remaining during the season’s final weekend will have a big impact on both participants.

Rio Grande Valley FC v El Paso Locomotive FC

The Mountain Division playoff picture will likely be decided by the final match between first-place El Paso and Rio Grande Valley.

Two consecutive wins for the Toros have thrust them into sole possession of fourth place in the division, putting them in control of their own destiny- win and they are in, lose or draw and they will need some help. A win over an El Paso team that has shut out each of their last two opponents will be tough, but Rio Grande Valley has been excellent of late, conceding just three goals in their last five matches and claiming three wins and a draw in that time.

As mentioned, Mountain Division champion Locomotive FC is coming off of consecutive clean sheets, a feat they’ve accomplished three other times this season. They have returned to form since a blowout loss to LA Galaxy II earlier in the month, and should respond well to a chance to spoil their divisional foes’ playoff chances. El Paso has fared well against RGV this season, taking two wins and a draw in three contests.

The Mountain Division playoff picture will likely be decided by the final match between first-place El Paso and Rio Grande Valley.

Around the Leagues: Playoffs, drama, and goals galore

Late season drama continued in the domestic ranks with more playoff tickets being punched, and the USL Championship’s Pacific Division somehow got wilder. Then the Premier League said, ‘I’ll see your fireworks and raise you 40 goals.’ We saw the ball hit the back of the net a lot in England’s men’s topflight over the weekend, and not without some history being made along the way.

USL Championship

As if the Pacific Division could not be shaken any more, 10-man Oakland Roots SC pulled out a wild 4-3 win in second half stoppage time at San Diego Loyal SC to remain in the playoff conversation and deny Loyal SC second place. A night prior, Orange County SC escaped with a stoppage time win of its own in OCSC’s home regular season finale.

Elsewhere in a wild Western Conference, El Paso Locomotive completed its first perfect home regular season in franchise history and Rio Grande Valley gained ground in the Mountain Division with a 2-0 win over New Mexico United.

The playoff teams in the Eastern Conference are set, but the seeds are far from. A booming 40-yard strike from Louisville City FC’s Cameron Lancaster in LouCity’s 3-1 win over Memphis has the Englishman riding high on confidence with 20 goals heading into a final week showdown with Birmingham Legion FC. Everything to play for in the Central Division is on the line when the two sides meet in Birmingham on Saturday.

FC Tulsa signed, sealed, and delivered its trip to the postseason on a late equalizer while Pittsburgh’s 2-1 win over Charleston gave the Hounds a clearer shot at overtaking them in the table.

Premier League

This weekend was goals, goals, and more goals – 40, in fact, the most in a Premier League match week this season – and of course, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool had a big hand in it.

The Reds’ dominance over the Premier League knows no boundaries. Liverpool embarrassed Manchester United 5-0 over the weekend at Old Trafford, as Mohammed Salah became the highest scoring African player in Premier League history and the first player ever to record a league hat trick at the Theater of Dreams.

Also contributing to an offensive outburst of a weekend, Chelsea made easy work of Norwich City in a 7-0 win that was never in doubt while Watford erased a 2-1 deficit with four goals in the final 20 minutes to humble Everton, 5-2.

Michail Antonio’s strike in the 72nd minute gave West Ham a 1-0 win over Tottenham and more importantly, sole possession of fourth in the Premier League after leapfrogging Spurs.

This weekend was goals, goals, and more goals – 40, in fact, the most in a Premier League match week this season – and of course, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool had a big hand in it.

Michail Antonio’s strike in the 72nd minute gave West Ham a 1-0 win over Tottenham and more importantly, sole possession of fourth in the Premier League after leapfrogging Spurs.

MLS

The Supporters’ Shield was never in question for the New England Revolution, but Sunday’s draw with Orlando City was – enter Adam Buksa. Two goals from the MLS Player of the Week in the final nine minutes gave the Revs a point and the league’s best record for the 2021 regular season.

Sporting Kansas City punched its ticket to the MLS postseason after a 2-1 win over Seattle, meaning one spot remains in the race for home field advantage. Spots four through nine are separated by five points with the Portland Timbers leading the charge in fourth with 46 points despite a 2-0 loss to Colorado.

Meanwhile, playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference is wide open. Philadelphia, NYCFC and the Red Bulls all picked up three points over the weekend to stay in contention for the right to host in the playoffs.

NWSL

Gotham FC still finds themselves outside the playoff line after a 1-1 draw with Kansas City in the only game of the weekend. Luckily for NJ/NY, another chance at a postseason ticket awaits on Thursday against Racing Louisville FC.

The top half of the playoff bracket is filled out entering the final week of the regular season, but spots three through six are anything but solidified. Chicago, NJ/NY, Houston and North Carolina all remain in contention to extend their seasons.

What to Watch Across the USL Championship: Week 27

Even with just two weeks remaining in the 2021 season, a lot still needs to be decided before the regular season comes to a close. One division remains up for grabs while the number of squads looking to stave off playoff elimination has grown with every passing match day. This week, a number of key matchups could further solidify the playoff picture across USL Championship.

Pacific Division Update

Results across the league on Saturday made San Diego Loyal SC the second club to clinch a playoff spot in the Pacific Division. However, Landon Donovan’s squad will need two more positive results to keep ahead of Orange County SC, who could take over the second spot in the table with a victory over last-place Las Vegas on Saturday evening.

LA Galaxy II’s loss to Charleston and a scoreless draw between Oakland Roots SC and Tacoma Defiance in the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday tightened the screws even more on the Pacific Division postseason race. With Orange County securing the division’s third playoff spot and Los Dos, Sacramento, Oakland and Tacoma now all having two games left, the last two match weeks of the regular season will be must-see soccer as the division completes its playoff picture.

New Mexico United v Rio Grande Valley FC

A pair of matchups in the Mountain Division this weekend will likely determine who goes and who doesn’t.

It’s do-or-die for Rio Grande Valley, who following a loss to Colorado Springs sits two points back of fourth in the table with two matches to play. A victory would give them the tiebreaker in head-to-head points should things not be decided after their final contest on October 30. A loss would eliminate the Toros, leaving them five points back going into their final contest.

New Mexico could clinch a playoff spot with a win, but the results of Austin Bold FC’s matches this week could have a major impact on their chances. United currently sits in a tie for fourth, but has the tiebreaker over the Texas club. With no games in hand, however, three points every time they take the field is a must-have.

A pair of matchups in the Mountain Division this weekend will likely determine who goes and who doesn’t.

FC Tulsa v Indy Eleven

With just one spot left in the Central Division, three clubs are all grappling for the last postseason berth.

Tulsa has not just one, but two games in hand on Indy, giving the Oklahoma side control over their foes’ playoff destiny. A victory will eliminate Indy Eleven, as well as set Tulsa up well for what could be a winner-take-all contest with in-state rival OKC Energy during the season’s final weekend. To get there, they’ll need to turn things around on the defensive end, where they have conceded eight scores in a six-match winless streak.

Indy Eleven, much like RGV in the Mountain Division, is in a win-or-go-home scenario. Six points back of Tulsa in the table, they’ll need to win out and see their foes drop each of their remaining contests to have a chance to qualify by tiebreaker. They have momentum on their side after taking three points from Louisville City FC, knocking the Kentucky side another point back of first-place Birmingham.

With just one spot left in the Central Division, three clubs are all grappling for the last postseason berth.

Louisville City FC v Memphis 901 FC

The final contest between the two clubs this season could very well dictate who raises the Central Division crown.

After dropping three points to Indy Eleven last week, Louisville City fell another point behind of Birmingham Legion FC in the table, where just one point had kept them from a share of first place. With a win needed to keep their division title hopes alive, Louisville will be looking for their high flying offense to get back on track after being shut out for just the third time this season.

Memphis has everything to gain from a win over Louisville on Saturday. Just four points up on a FC Tulsa side who plays an extra match next week, keeping their standing in third place will be difficult. Issuing Louisville their season-high third straight defeat and stripping them of their Division title chances gives them a lot to play for, even though they’ve already solidified a playoff berth. They have been one of the league’s hottest teams in October, claiming four wins while netting 14 scores in five matches.

The final contest between the two clubs this season could very well dictate who raises the Central Division crown.

Around the Leagues: International break ends, but drama does not

More playoff tickets were punched in the NWSL and USL Championship this weekend while the Pacific Division remains wide open with two weeks remaining. Across the pond, a giant has fallen from the top mix of the Premier League, while a dark horse has soared up to the top five.

USL Championship

San Diego Loyal SC locked up a spot in the USL Championship postseason and can clinch a home game with three points on Wednesday at Orange County SC. Two hours up the I-5, LA Galaxy II put five goals past El Paso Locomotive FC in a 5-0 win that gave Los Dos its fifth win in its last seven games. With Phoenix and San Diego having postseason tickets in hand, the Pacific Division fight continues to remain exciting. Three clubs directly under the playoff line are tied with 34 points. The last two weeks of play could determine the field of four up to the final Saturday in league play.

Losses from Austin Bold FC and Rio Grande Valley FC left the door cracked open for New Mexico United to gain ground in the playoff race, but United busted that door down on Saturday with a stoppage time equalizer at Loyal SC from Ilija Ilić.

RGV’s setback came against a Colorado Springs side that has been plagued with the injury bug in its attacking third. One of those injury-ridden attackers though, Thomas Amang, returned to the pitch on Saturday and bagged a late winner that pushed Colorado Springs into a tie with San Antonio FC for second in the Mountain Division.

Memphis 901 FC completed its postseason pursuit over the weekend with a little help. After 901 FC’s 4-2 victory over Atlanta United 2, it wasn’t until a scoreless draw between OKC Energy FC and Birmingham Legion FC that Memphis could celebrate its first playoff berth in franchise history.

Charlotte and Miami FC also clinched playoff spots over the weekend, meaning the Central Division’s last playoff spot will complete the Eastern Conference postseason bracket. Struggling OKC and FC Tulsa sides continue to battle for that fourth seed and will face off on the last matchday of the regular season at ONEOK Field.

Premier League

A hat trick from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané’s 100th Premier League goal helped visiting Liverpool put a 5-0 hurt on Watford, while back on Merseyside, Everton dropped points at Goodison Park for the first time this season in a 1-0 defeat to West Ham.

Ben Chilwell’s first half goal was the difference in a West London derby as Chelsea beat Brentford 1-0 to overtake Man City and the Reds for the top of the table.

Manchester United’s struggles continued after a 4-2 defeat to a Leicester City side with their first Premier League win since August 28, while Tottenham’s three first half goals spoiled the ushering in of a new era at Newcastle United. At sixth and without a Premier League win since September 19, United are at their lowest point in the table since matchday two.

At the other end of the scale, it’s all sunshine for Brighton. The Seagulls sit in fourth place following a scoreless affair with Josh Sargent and Norwich City and have now walked away with points in all but one match this season. The club’s ascension up English football’s topflight is in full gear, with fourth being the club’s highest table standing after eight match weeks in their now-five-year run in the Premier League.

Ben Chilwell’s first half goal was the difference in a West London derby as Chelsea beat Brentford 1-0 to overtake Man City and the Reds for the top of the table.

Major League Soccer

LA Galaxy cooled off the Portland Timbers over the weekend with a 2-1 win to move above the playoff line, while Seattle returned to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who squandered a chance to crash the playoff picture.

PTFC has now fallen behind in the race for the top three in the Western Conference, but still separate themselves by four points from both the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. Minnesota United joined the Galaxy above the playoff line with a 1-0 win over Austin FC.

The Red Bulls took bragging rights with a 1-0 win over NYFC to pull level with their Hudson River neighbors at 40 points apiece, but Gyasi Zardes’ brace in a 4-0 win over Inter Miami CF earned him MLS Player of the Week and his reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew three more points and a more realistic chance at the playoffs.

National Women's Soccer League

National Women’s Soccer League

Portland Thorns FC locked up the NWSL Shield for the second time in franchise history after Lindsey Horan’s goal in the 43rd minute sealed a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash.

Washington Spirit were the latest team to clinch a playoff spot and are now on pace to end the season with a top-three league finish for the second consecutive season.

With two weeks left until the conclusion of the regular season, spots four through eight in the NWSL table are separated by three points. Chicago Red Stars leads the way with 35, while Gotham FC, Houston and North Carolina are deadlocked at 32.

Portland Thorns FC locked up the NWSL Shield for the second time in franchise history after Lindsey Horan’s goal in the 43rd minute sealed a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash.

Washington Spirit were the latest team to clinch a playoff spot and are now on pace to end the season with a top-three league finish for the second consecutive season.

What to Watch Across USL: Week 26

With just two weeks until the final match of the 2021 season, much across the USL landscape is yet to be decided. Every playoff race features more squads than will be permitted to advance come the end of the month, while two division crowns remain up for grabs.

Pacific Division Update

On the West Coast, Phoenix Rising remains the only team with a solidified spot in the 2021 postseason. Beneath the league’s leader in points sits San Diego and Orange County, followed by four teams–Los Angeles, Oakland, Tacoma, and Sacramento– who are separated by just three points entering the final two weeks of the season.

With the exception of Oakland, who will take on Sporting KC II the final weekend of the season, every squad has completed their inter-divisional schedule, which could possibly take the playoff race all the way down to the final match of the year.

The Miami FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

While Pittsburgh has clinched a playoff spot, final seedingin the Atlantic Division is yet to be determined.

Riverhounds enters the week coming off a huge victory over Atlantic Division Champion Tampa Bay last weekend. The club notched their eighth clean sheet of the season in the victory, and will be looking to put together a similarly dominant performance against a South Florida side they have yet to defeat in three matches this year. With Miami just three points back and Charlotte Independence behind by just two, they’ll need a victory to keep second place in the table as the season winds down.

Miami will be looking to rebound come Saturday. While they sit comfortably in fourth place, a win could catapult them into second. In addition, the club will need to bounce back from a tough 3-2 defeat at the hands of last place Loudon United, who had won just three matches this season. They hold the edge in the season’s series with Pittsburgh, winning 3-2 in their last meeting on October 2.

While Pittsburgh has clinched a playoff spot, final seedingin the Atlantic Division is yet to be determined.

Orange County SC vs. Oakland Roots SC

With the Pacific Division still up for grabs by almost every team, this weekend’s contest between Oakland and Orange County could have a major impact on the playoff race.

Saturday could be a big opportunity for Orange County to hold their place in the Pacific Division. Coming off a big win at home against Phoenix, staying in the win column would be big for them as they look to generate momentum heading into the postseason. They’ve bested Oakland in each of their three meetings this season, conceding just one score to the Bay Area side.

Aftera tough start to the season, Oakland has thrust themselves into the thick of the playoff conversation with a string of positive performances. They’ve taken just four losses since the start of August, and prior to their 1-0 loss to Phoenix last week had been held scoreless just twice in 14 matches dating back to August 14. A win could put them in sole possession of a playoff spot, pending results from around the division.

With the Pacific Division still up for grabs by almost every team, this weekend’s contest between Oakland and Orange County could have a major impact on the playoff race.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. Rio Grande Valley FC

Another battle for playoff position will take place in the Mountain Division over the weekend.

Behind USL scoring leader Hadji Barry, Switchbacks will be looking to get back in the win column when they welcome Rio Grande Valley on Saturday. A victory would claim them three points for the first time since September 25, as well as move them closer to second place in the division ahead of the postseason.

Another battle for playoff position will take place in the Mountain Division over the weekend.

The Toros need a victory to stay in the playoff picture. While the Mountain Division remains crowded– just nine points separate second place from sixth– a win would keep them in control of their own destiny. They’ve had trouble containing the potent offense of Colorado Springs this season, surrendering eight scores, but recent success on the defensive end against Real Monarchs and New Mexico give them some momentum heading into the final two weeks.

Around the Leagues: World Cup qualifying and domestic playoff races are cause for excitement

Domestic competitions in Europe took a backseat to qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the UEFA Nations League, but in no way did that lead to a lack of excitement. A world-record unbeaten streak fell while five matches in, CONCACAF World Cup qualifying has turned into must-see television.

USL Championship

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and El Paso Locomotive became the newest members of the 2021 USL Championship playoff corps. Pittsburgh scored a 2-0 win in a high-level clash with Tampa Bay Rowdies, while El Paso won 2-1 at FC Tulsa.

OKC Energy FC is winless in its last three matches, but remains just two points below the playoff line in the Central Division. Energy FC faces a tall task in playoff-bound Birmingham Legion FC on Sunday.

New Mexico United finds itself in a similar situation as OKC. United has not seen a win in its last three matches, but are still in the hunt in a wide open Mountain Division where four teams are separated by seven points.

LA Galaxy II jumped above the playoff line over the weekend with the 1-0 win at Las Vegas Lights FC, while Tacoma Defiance kept their foot in the playoff scene with a convincing win over Orange County SC.

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

The United States Men’s National Team fell in Panama with a flat performance on the road, but can bounce back on October 13 with the October Octagon finale against Costa Rica at Lower.com Field in Columbus.

The Stars and Stripes have split two contests in their three-game slate in the Octagon during October, taking down Jamaica before faltering in Panama.

With the win, Panama pulled level with the USMNT on points in Group 1. Mexico took sole possession of first with a 3-0 win over Honduras, while Canada is knocking on the door of the top three after draws with Mexico and Jamaica.

The Stars and Stripes have split two contests in their three-game slate in the Octagon during October, taking down Jamaica before faltering in Panama.

International

Domestic competitions were put on pause for an international break that included World Cup qualifying and the second installment of the UEFA Nations League.

France upended Spain in Sunday’s Nation’s League Final at Giuseppe Meazza in Milano, Italy. After going down 1-0 in the 64th minute, goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappé lifted Les Bleus to the title with a controversial winner from the PSG striker.

The host country had their world-record 37-match unbeaten streak snapped in the semifinals, falling 2-1 to eventual champion France. Azzurri took the consolation match on Sunday, downing Belgium 2-0 at Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in Torino.

Qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar entered the October schedule both at home and abroad. Denmark continued mowing down the field in the Group F with a 1-0 win over Austria on Tuesday, increasing their goal differential to +27, the best among all 10 groups in Europe.

Domestic competitions were put on pause for an international break that included World Cup qualifying and the second installment of the UEFA Nations League.

MLS

The Seattle Sounders clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the 13th straight season over the weekend with the dominating 4-1 win over Cascadia neighbors Vancouver Whitecaps.

The Eastern Conference playoff race remains unpredictable with six clubs divided by five points. New York Red Bulls jumped into the picture with a 1-0 win over Inter Miami CF on Saturday, thanks to Patryk Klimala’s strike in the 25thminute, while the Philadelphia Union hung on for a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati that pushed the Sons of Ben into home-field advantage territory while eliminating the Ohio side from playoff contention. Kacper Przbylko scored his fourth goal in five games to help lift Philadelphia in the conference table.

The Seattle Sounders clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the 13th straight season over the weekend with the dominating 4-1 win over Cascadia neighbors Vancouver Whitecaps.

NWSL

With both Cascadia sides Portland Thorns FC and OL Reign having clinched playoff spots, spots three through eight are separated by just four points ahead of a jam-packed match week.

Chicago and Orlando face off on Wednesday night in Bridgeview, with the winner jumping over the playoff line. Also on Wednesday, a Cascadia clash goes primetime with Thorns FC and Reign colliding in the Rose City.

With both Cascadia sides Portland Thorns FC and OL Reign having clinched playoff spots, spots three through eight are separated by just four points ahead of a jam-packed match week.

Julian Chavez Nominated for USL Goal of the Month

Julian Chavez’s banger in the 88th minute of Sacramento Republic FC’s 3-1 win at Las Vegas Lights FC on September 5 has been nominated for USL Goal of the Month for September. Voting is now open at USLChampionship.com through Monday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m. PT.

The Academy product rocketed a left-footed curler into the upper left corner to bag his first goal of the season and second professional goal, securing three points in Sin City for Republic FC. The strike won the USL Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week for Week 20, the third for the club at the time.

This is the first Goal of the Month nomination of the season for Republic FC.

The Indomitable Club is back in action on Saturday, October 9 with a 7:30 p.m. PT kickoff at San Diego Loyal SC. Fans can tune into the match on KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento, and ESPN+.

Luis Felipe’s Long-Distance Rocket Wins Fans Choice Goal of the Week

Luis Felipe’s 77th minute score from Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Tacoma Defiance has won the USL Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week for Week 24.

This marks Felipe’s second Goal of the Week win in 2021, and Republic FC’s fourth time bringing home the award out of six nominations. The goal will be in the running for October’s Goal of the Month, which will be open for fan voting in early November.

Felipe was also named to the USL Team of the Week Bench for his performance on Saturday. In addition to his goal, the midfielder finished with 90% passing accuracy while winning 72% of his duels. He also leads the league in duels won.

Republic FC is headed down to Southern California to take on San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and the match will be broadcast on KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento, and ESPN+.

What to Watch Around the USL: Week 25

Playoff Races around the USL remain in full force this week, as teams from across the league make their final pushes for postseason seeding.

Pacific Division Update

With their win over Orange County on Saturday, Phoenix became the first squad to clinch their division in 2021. The USL’s best team in terms of points entering the week, the Arizona squad will take on a number of teams looking to improve their standing in the final few weeks- starting with Oakland Roots on October 9.

The remainder of the Pacific Division remains up for grabs, as four teams sit within two points of each other for the final spot. As it stands, Republic FC, Galaxy II, Oakland, and Tacoma all sit within four points of one another. Sacramento will meet with San Diego this weekend, while Oakland clashes with Phoenix and Tacoma hosts Orange County.

Birmingham Legion FC v Indy Eleven

While Birmingham has already clinched a playoff spot, Indy Eleven still has a lot on the line as the season enters the final weeks.

Legion FC enters the week as one of just four squads in the league with a playoff spot already secured. However, a string of wins could allow them to overtake Louisville City FC for first place in the Central Division. They sit just two points back with five to play, and they’ll match up with the divisional leaders in their final matchup of the year. Until then, every contest is important.

Indy Eleven has a lot on the line come Saturday. Following Memphis’ Wednesday win, the club currently sits seven points back of playoff seeding, and each of their final five contests will come against clubs ahead of them in the standings. They’ll be looking to pull even in the season series with Birmingham- with whom each contest this season has been decided by one score- as well as get back on track with their first win since September 11.

While Birmingham has already clinched a playoff spot, Indy Eleven still has a lot on the line as the season enters the final weeks.

New Mexico United v Rio Grande Valley FC

The Toros and United meet for the final time this season in a match that could well decide the final spot in the Mountain Division playoff race.

New Mexico enters the contest coming off a tough 2-2 draw with Hartford Athletic. Winners of three of their last five, things are going well in Albuquerque as the club has lost just three times since mid-July. They had their way with the Toros in the two clubs’ last clash– a 2-0 home win on September 29.

RGV will need a win this week over their divisional rivals to keep pace. While they sit just a point back from New Mexico and two back from the fourth place, they have one additional loss on their record, leaving them on the outside looking in. Getting on the board early will be crucial, especially against a squad in the top 10 in USL in clean sheets through 24 weeks.

The Toros and United meet for the final time this season in a match that could well decide the final spot in the Mountain Division playoff race.

Tampa Bay Rowdies v Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Tampa Bay has been one of the best in USL this season, leading in clean sheets, sitting at eighth in scoring, and posting the seventh-best conversion rate. Entering their final matchup of the season against Pittsburgh, they’ll be looking for their tenth straight win to bring them closer to an Atlantic Division title, and will lean hard on Eastern Conference scoring leader Sebastián Guenzatti, who enters the contest just two ahead of Louisville’s Cameron Lancaster, to get them there.

While Tampa has the division all but locked up, Pittsburgh has plenty to play for– they currently sit tied in points with The Miami FC. A win over the hottest team in the League would surely give them some much needed confidence going into their final three contests.