USL League One Power Rankings

USL League One Power Rankings - Week 27

By ETHAN TRIEBSCH - ethan.triebsch@uslsoccer.com, 09/20/23, 11:15AM EDT

Minimal movement in the middle of the pack as postseason looms

The race for the Players’ Shield is in full swing as Northern Colorado, Omaha and North Carolina officially locked up the first playoff spots.

Can Northern Colorado, North Carolina or Madison construct a six-point week? Can Lexington stave off postseason elimination for another week? Tell us why your club should rank higher and keep the conversation going on Twitter at @USLLeagueOne.

Biggest Movers

1 GVL, TRM, CHA

1 KNX, MAD, LEX

Rank	Team	Change	Summary
1	Union Omaha (15-5-7) Week 28: v. CV	Last Week: 1	It wasn’t the prettiest, but Omaha got the job done in Chattanooga to lock up the first playoff spot. The Owls will aim to extend their record-breaking winning streak to double digits as they host Fuego FC on Saturday.
2	Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (15-5-7) Week 28: @ MAD, v. NC	Last Week: 2	Five straight victories and the Hailstorm have matched Omaha’s 15-5-7 record. The best goal differential in the league has helped Northern Colorado jump the Owls in the standings, though.
3	North Carolina FC (15-7-5) Week 28: @ CV, @NCO	Last Week: 3	A loss to South Georgia last week was certainly disappointing, but North Carolina FC has a chance to jump up to first or second place following its two-match Week 28.
4	Charlotte Independence (12-8-8) Week 28: v. MAD	Last Week: 4	Charlotte’s points dropped against Lexington definitely stunt its Players’ Shield prospects, and the second-toughest remaining schedule currently stands in the way of the Jacks heading to the postseason.
5	Greenville Triumph SC (11-9-7) Week 28: @ RIC	1 Last Week: 6	With the easiest remaining schedule to navigate, Greenville will likely become the first club in league history to head to the postseason in five consecutive seasons.
6	One Knoxville SC (9-10-9) Week 28: @ TRM	1 Last Week: 5	The League One newcomers are set for a pivotal road test against the defending champs on Saturday. Knoxville’s slim postseason hopes may widen a bit with a positive result in Statesboro.
7	South Georgia Tormenta FC (10-13-5) Week 28: v. KNX	1 Last Week: 8	Just about do or die for Tormenta FC. A massive victory against first-place North Carolina has set up the defending champs to jump back above the playoff line by Week 29 should a few things go their way.
8	Forward Madison FC (11-8-8) Week 28: v. NCO, @ CLT	1 Last Week: 7	Finally snapping its six-match winless run, Madison earned a much-needed victory over Henry Derby rival Richmond. The ‘Mingos have the toughest remaining schedule, but with a chance to clinch this week, expect Madison to lock in.
9	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (6-16-6) Week 28: @ LEX	1 Last Week: 10	In a match serving as a microcosm of Chattanooga’s season, the Red Wolves put up a good fight but fell just short against Omaha. The 2022 finalists will look to play spoiler against Lexington on Saturday.
10	Lexington SC (7-12-9) Week 28: v. CHA	1 Last Week: 9	With each draw feeling like a loss, Lexington now finds itself in a difficult position. The first-year side should be able to take care of Chattanooga, but it may not matter if Madison and Greenville pick up a few points.
11	Richmond Kickers (6-12-10) Week 28: v. GVL	Last Week: 11	The first defending regular season champions to fail to make the postseason, Richmond have a chance to play spoiler with three consecutive matches against teams on the bubble.
12	Central Valley Fuego FC (5-17-5) Week 28: v. NC, @ OMA	Last Week: 12	After facing first-place Northern Colorado last week, Fuego FC is set for a pair of Week 28 contests against second-place Omaha and third-place North Carolina. Yikes.