League One Playoff Tracker

League One Playoff Tracker - Week 22

By ETHAN TRIEBSCH - ethan.triebsch@uslsoccer.com, 08/31/22, 3:15PM EDT

Seven weeks remain in a competitive regular season

With seven weeks and 43 matches remaining in the regular season, the pressure is rising with all 11 clubs remaining in contention for the 2022 USL League One Playoffs. Detailed below are some high-stakes matches to keep an eye on along with current standings with playoff-clinching details.

MATCHES TO WATCH

Charlotte Independence

Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. ET
American Legion Memorial Stadium

South Georgia Tormenta FC

The Charlotte Independence are unbeaten all-time against South Georgia Tormenta FC and will aim to keep it that way on Wednesday night. With both Charlotte and South Georgia even on points, wins and goal differential, a win by the Jacks would be enough to keep them above the playoff line and earn both themselves and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC the target of a magic number heading into the weekend. For Tormenta FC to end Wednesday in a playoff position, the Ibises will need to defeat the Independence for the first time or earn a draw and hope for a Madison loss in Omaha. With each side having won only once so far this month, Charlotte and South Georgia could both really use closing out August with three points.

Union Omaha

Sept. 3 | 8 p.m. ET
Werner Park

Forward Madison FC

If Union Omaha avoids a loss to Forward Madison FC on Wednesday night, the Owls will retain third place in the standings ahead of visit from a red-hot Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday. However, an Omaha draw or loss on Wednesday would allow Chattanooga to overtake the Owls in the standings with a win on Saturday. The Red Wolves do hold a slim advantage in the all-time series at 2-1-2 but given that none of the five previous matches have produced more than two combined goals, Omaha’s league-leading defense may hold the upper hand.

STANDINGS

1. Richmond Kickers

Record: 11-7-5, 38 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 2nd

Max. Points Available: 59 pts

Magic Number: 17

Up Next: vs. TRM (9/7)

The Kickers regained their spot atop the league table last weekend thanks in large part to their league-leading 42 goals scored this season. Resilient this season, the Kickers have gained a league-high 14 points from a losing position on the year.

2. Greenville Triumph SC

Record: 11-7-5, 38 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 3rd

Max. Points Available: 59 pts

Magic Number: 17

Up Next: vs. MAD (9/3)

It’s tough to beat Greenville when they grab the lead yet just as tough for the side to earn points when trailing. The perennial title contenders have dropped the fewest points from a winning position this season but have also gained just one point when losing.

3. Union Omaha

Record: 8-3-10, 34 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 7th

Max. Points Available: 61 pts

Magic Number: 21

Up Next: vs. MAD (8/31)

The reigning champs have slowly crept up the table thanks to fine goalkeeping and a suffocating defense. The Owls have nine matches remaining and the opportunity to finish on top of the table when it’s all said and done.

4. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Record: 9-8-6, 33 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 5th

Max. Points Available: 54 pts

Magic Number: N/A (Tiebreaker)

Up Next: at OMA (9/3)

The Red Wolves are hot at the perfect time, racking up an impressive eight-match unbeaten run as the season nears its conclusion. Tied on max points available with Charlotte and South Georgia, the Red Wolves have the best record of the bunch against the pair this season.

5. Forward Madison FC

Record: 7-5-10, 31 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 4th

Max. Points Available: 55 pts

Magic Number: 24

Up Next: at OMA (8/31)

Despite sitting just two spots above the playoff line, the ‘Mingos control their own destiny thanks largely to their accrual of the second-fewest losses this season and precise passing play.

6. Charlotte Independence

Record: 8-8-6, 30 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 9th

Max. Points Available: 54 pts

Magic Number: N/A (Tiebreaker)

Up Next: vs. TRM (8/31)

The Jacks are seeking their third-consecutive postseason appearance – and first in League One – after going unbeaten in five of their last six. Charlotte will need to take advantage of its favorable schedule remaining.

7. South Georgia Tormenta FC

Record: 8-8-6, 30 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 1st

Max. Points Available: 54 pts

Magic Number: N/A (Tiebreaker)

Up Next: at CLT (8/31)

Tormenta FC is on the cusp of making its first League One postseason appearance, but it won’t be an easy task. Sitting just below the playoff line, South Georgia will hope some recent roster additions can help navigate the toughest remaining schedule.

8. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

Record: 7-9-8, 29 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 11th

Max. Points Available: 47 pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. NC (9/3)

It’s been an up-and-down inaugural season for the Hailstorm. Looking on the bright side of things, Northern Colorado’s remaining schedule is the easiest in in the league in terms of current standings.

9. Central Valley Fuego FC

Record: 7-9-6, 27 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 10th

Max. Points Available: 47 pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: vs. TUC (8/31)

With one of the more manageable strength of schedules remaining, Fuego FC will need to find a way to increase its offensive production if it wants to challenge for a playoff spot.

10. North Carolina FC

Record: 6-11-5, 23 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 8th

Max. Points Available: 47 pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: at NCO (9/3)

Still seeking its first League One postseason appearance, North Carolina has one of the easier schedules remaining. After a strong start to the season, NCFC has struggled down the stretch, dropping a league-high 18 points from a winning position.

11. FC Tucson

Record: 4-11-5, 17 pts

Rem. Strength of Schedule: 6th

Max. Points Available: 47 pts

Magic Number: N/A

Up Next: at CV (8/31)

Tucson is last in the table but have a chance to accumulate the most points in the league during the final few weeks. With 10 matches remaining, Tucson will face every League One side again (except Richmond) at least one more time.