With five weeks and 31 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.
In a high-stakes match with significant playoff implications, Union Omaha will host the Richmond Kickers as it aims to even up the all-time series at 2-2-2 with a win. Just one of two league opponents Omaha has yet to defeat this season, the Kickers will travel to Omaha for the first time this year. The Kickers and the Owls are the only two sides that can clinch a postseason berth this week – and it all hinges on the outcome of Wednesday evening’s fixture. In order to clinch this week, Omaha or Richmond need to win both of its Week 25 contests and hope for some outside help from teams below them in the standings. Even if things aren’t confirmed by the end of this week, it would be a shock if either team fails to qualify when things are all said and done.
Central Valley Fuego FC will hope to claim its first-ever win against the Charlotte Independence in the Jacks’ first visit to Fresno in Week 25’s final fixture. While Charlotte finds itself positioned above the playoff line as things currently stand, it’s the ninth-place Fuego FC side that actually controls its own destiny thanks to its seven matches remaining. If Central Valley wins, it’s three points closer to clinching its spot in the playoffs in its inaugural season. If Charlotte wins, however, Central Valley will lose its magic number as the two sides would be even on tiebreakers.