Match Week 33 proved to be a defining weekend in the USL Championship, as a host of teams punched their ticket into the postseason. The top eight teams from each conference qualify, and play single-elimination games starting November 2. Three rounds later, the East champ plays the West champ for the league title. Simple.

Eastern Conference Breakdown

The East has undoubtedly been the stronger division this season. All eight of their playoff contenders have a positive GD, and their 9th and 10th place teams would probably make the postseason if they were in the West. Here’s our thoughts on how things stand.

The Clear Favorite

Louisville City FC had their playoff slot locked down weeks ago, as they’ve sat top of the table nearly the entire season. Striker Wilson Harris has 17 goals and also became the youngest player to net 50 goals in the USL. They are a heavy favorite to take the title, having only failed to score a goal in 2 of their 33 matches (one a defeat to Oakland; the other a draw to Rhode Island).

The Rest of the Pack

The second and third seeds look a done deal, with Charleston Battery and Detroit City FC owning those positions. The last five spots were all decided over this past “clinch” weekend.

• Indy Eleven own the 4th spot after taking down Birmingham Legion 3-2. Despite Legion’s dominance in possession, shots and corners, the 14th minute own goal from Phanuel Kavita proved the deal-breaker. 
• Rhode Island FC’s draw against Charleston was enough to get them into the 5th spot.
• The reeling Tampa Bay Rowdies drop their fourth game in a row (to North Carolina) to continue their slide to 6th. Though the playoffs are a lock, the momentum is definitely not in their favor.
• The Pittsburgh Riverhounds waltzed into Loudoun and despite the host team owning all the critical stats performed a smash-n-grab to take two goals, three points and the 7th seed playoff berth. All in 90+ minutes.
• Seizing the final spot is North Carolina with that win over Tampa.

Still Possible…

Currently sitting in 9th, Hartford Athletic can give themselves a fighting chance for a playoff berth if they defeat Tampa Bay this Saturday. Of course, they will need losses from either Pittsburgh (not likely as they play the woeful El Paso) or North Carolina (going against an on-again/off-again Las Vegas), but at least the glimmer of hope is there.

Western Conference Breakdown

The West is a huge fustercluck… which makes for a muddling playoff picture but some exciting final weekend matches! With myriad storylines and potential outcomes at play heading into MW33, by Monday morning the West’s eight playoff teams had been decided.

The Favorite?

One month ago I’d have put New Mexico United as the favorite to win the title. But an October slide with losses to Sacramento & Phoenix, and draws at Tulsa and Orange County, has dulled that shine considerably.

The Rest of the Pack

• Last season’s whipping boys Las Vegas Lights have been revitalized by their new owner, ex-MLB slugger José Bautista, and will host a playoff game come November, most likely in the #2 spot if they can beat visiting North Carolina.
• USL stalwarts Sacramento Republic will host Colorado Springs on the final match day. With both teams tied on 49 points the 3rd place berth is up for grabs to the winner. Should be a cracking match.
• Meanwhile, Memphis 901 are hoping SAC vs. COS ends in a draw, and that they can continue to heap misery on New Mexico and leapfrog into that 3rd spot. 
• The Oakland Roots are the literal definition of “limping into the playoffs.” Eight games ago they sat second in the table; they’re now in 6th. Last Saturday’s crucial win in Las Vegas secured them a playoff spot, but they’ll be on the road and with little forward momentum.
• Orange County SC held New Mexico to a 0-0 draw and punched their postseason ticket. Not the most exciting way to get there… but at least they’re at the dance.
• Last year’s USL Champs Phoenix Rising have not been at their best this season, and are currently sitting in the final playoff spot. Their final game against Louisville should be interesting; best not concede many goals.

The LOOOONG Shot

San Antonio FC sit 9th in the table, 3 points behind Phoenix and 7 goals in the hole. They COULD beat Orange County by a lot. Phoenix COULD lose to Louisville by a single goal more. They COULD then squeak into the postseason… yeah, and pigs might fly out of my keister.