The 2026 USL Championship season wraps up on Saturday October 24, with the playoffs starting one week later. Heading into decision day, it’s not exactly the most thrilling scenario facing fans, as most playoff spots have been locked in. But there are some good contests, including a surprisingly tight and convoluted battle in the Western Conference.
Eastern Conference Picture
Tampa Bay Lifts the Players Shield
Last Saturday, in front of nearly 5,000 fans at Al Lang stadium, the Tampa Bay Rowdies defeated Detroit City FC 1-0 to clinch the best record in the league and lift the Players Shield trophy. Congratulations to Tampa Bay, who also have a baseball team in the World Series. This brings some cheer to a region devastated by Hurricane Milton two years ago.
Tight Race for Second
Detroit’s loss left them tied for second place with Charleston Battery, both on 50 points. Charleston holds the tiebreaker, however. Each side has defeated the other, but Battery’s victory was 2-0 vs. 1-0, giving them the edge.
Charleston plays at home against Loudoun United. Sitting in 11th place, with no playoff hopes, Loudoun have nevertheless finished strong with two wins and a draw in their last five. They won’t roll over. Detroit has to travel to Louisville City, who sit one place below them on 46 points. LouCity cannot improve their current position, but have a six-game undefeated streak to defend.
5th through 7th Also Close
The conference quarterfinals are determined by position, with 1st playing 8th, etc. So for Rhode Island, Pittsburgh and Hartford, who occupy 5th through 7th, Saturday is all about trying to secure the best opponent for the playoffs. RIFC and the Riverhounds both have 42 points, with Anchors holding the tiebreak. Pittsburgh hosts Birmingham, who have earned half of their season’s six victories within the past five matches. Although eliminated from the post-season, do not dismiss the motivating power of pride. Rhode Island and Hartford will face each other for the fourth time this season. The Anchors have owned El Clámico (one of the best derby names ever) this season, with three straight victories, including a penalty win in the U.S. Open Cup qualifiers. They’ll feel confident and look to keep their 5th seed intact.
Western Conference Picture
A Three-Way Race for First
With only three points separating the top four teams, it will come down to the wire to see exactly how the table shapes up. Most excitingly, the top two sides, El Paso Locomotive and New Mexico United, will face off in Texas. Both teams suffered losses last week, which opened the door for Sacramento Republic to leapfrog them if they can defeat Oakland Roots and the two sides play to a draw. Expect no quarter from either side.
Lexington SC is in red hot form right now, with five wins in a six-game undefeated run, averaging 3.5 goals per game. As a result, they’ve jumped up to 4th place. They cannot mathematically win the conference, but they can improve their position by defeating Phoenix Rising.
A Three-Way Race for the Middle
With only two points separating the 5th through 7th place teams, Saturday will likely see a shuffle in those positions after the final whistle. Colorado Springs (#5) will host FC Tulsa (#6) for a winner-takes-5th place fracas. San Antonio (#7) will host Orange County (#9). SAFC have only scored six goals in the past 13 games, among the league’s worst droughts. They can’t get knocked out of the playoffs, sitting solid in their 7th place by virtue of owning the tiebreaker over Phoenix.
A Three-Way Place for 8th
Scrambling for the lowest playoff seed are Phoenix Rising (#8), Orange County (#9) and Oakland Roots (#10). Roots have a five-game unbeaten run going, which included four straight clean sheets, but their playoff chances are very slim. Two scenarios can play out:
- Roots win; OC and PHX lose or tie
- Roots draw; OC and PHX both lose
If either Orange County or Phoenix win, the Roots’ playoff door is closed. And with the SAFC v. OC match kicking off 90 minutes prior to their match at Sacramento, it’s possible that Oakland will know their fate before the starting whistle. In any event, Roots are always up for a match against local rival Sac Republic.
The Qooligan is an alias of Hooligan Soccer founder Q Williams. Q is a 20+ year veteran of numerous technology and media companies, including MTV, Gracenote, Watchwith and Crunchyroll. He has a master’s degree in European History from Columbia University. Q is also a respected Sports Journalist with extensive experience in Soccer, particularly the Premier League, Champions League, MLS and USL. The Qooligan provides analysis and valuable insights based on years of professional practice. Connect with The Qooligan on X and Bluesky. He is committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy content that reflects expertise, experience and no shortage of attitude.
