With only 12 matches left in the group stage of the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup, the pressure is rising with eight clubs remaining in contention to win their respective groups and all 12 still alive to claim the Wild Card spot in Round 8. Detailed below are some high-stakes matches to keep an eye on along with knockout-clinching and elimination details with only two rounds remaining.

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As a reminder, the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup includes a group stage and a knockout round that creates additional matches of consequence in the annual calendar. The three groups - West, Central and East - consist of four clubs each and are built to emphasize regional rivalries.

The competition also includes non-traditional modifications that encourage attacking soccer and provide entertaining moments for fans, including goals scored determining one of four knockout round spots and matches ending level after full time advancing to a penalty kick shootout with the winning team earning an additional point.

Fuego FC has been on fire lately. Within the last few weeks alone, Central Valley have enjoyed a number of honors: USL League One Player of the Month, USL League One Player of the Week, USL League One Coach of the Week and USL Jägermeister Cup Player of the Round. Defeated only twice since the start of June across all competitions, Central Valley will take on an Omaha side that has been uncharacteristically struggling lately, winning only twice since the start of July across all competitions. While Central Valley have had a hard time against Omaha in the past - racking up a 1-6-1 record - the Owls will be without their leading goalscorer across all competitions, Pedro Dolabella, due to suspension. Most importantly, any points dropped by Omaha on Friday means Northern Colorado will clinch the West Group.

It'll be first versus second in a do-or-die East Group match for Charlotte as it hosts Greenville on Saturday evening. Trailing Triumph SC by four points, the Jacks are in a unique position in that they will face Greenville in both Round 7 and Round 8 - the only repeat matchup to close out the group stage. Charlotte must win or register a draw and win the penalty kick shootout in order to take their East Group title hopes to the final round of the USL Jägermeister Cup. Charlotte are unbeaten across its last six matches with its last loss coming against Greenville in regular season action on June 19, and if Triumph SC can repeat that feat, it'll end the evening with the East Group crown. An Independence victory would even up the all-time series at 5-5-0 and, more importantly, see Charlotte remain in contention to top its group.