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Union Omaha clinched a spot in the 2024 USL League One Playoffs in Week 20. Omaha have secured its fifth consecutive postseason appearance in its fifth season of existence. The defending Players’ Shield holders were bounced from the 2023 USL League One Playoffs by Charlotte in the Semifinals. Los Búhos are chasing their fourth trophy in club history and first since winning the 2023 USL League One Players’ Shield.
Omaha clinch a top-four finish and home playoff match if one of the following three scenarios occur:
1. Omaha win at Richmond
2. Omaha draw at Richmond AND two of the following four things happen:
a. Charlotte lose vs. Madison
b. Greenville lose/draw vs. Lexington
c. Knoxville lose/draw at Chattanooga
d. Northern Colorado lose/draw vs. South Georgia
3. Omaha lose at Richmond AND two of the following three things happen:
a. Greenville lose/draw vs. Lexington
b. Knoxville lose at Chattanooga
c. Northern Colorado lose vs. South Georgia
This article is updated as of Thursday, Oct. 3
The Race to the 2024 USL League One Playoffs, presented by Terminix is back for the league's sixth season, where we provide weekly information on where each team stands in their bid to reach the 2024 USL League One Playoffs, presented by Terminix in November.
The defending USL League One Players' Shield winners, Union Omaha, locked up the first postseason berth in Week 20 before Madison joined them in Week 22, and all 12 teams still remain in contention for postseason play as Week 22 concludes with Friday and Saturday action.
This season, we're grateful to our friend John Morrissey at USL Tactics for providing the data for playoff projections. Below, you'll find matches to watch and an overview of where everyone stands.
As a reminder, the 2024 USL League One Playoffs will be expanded to include the top eight regular season finishers - the largest postseason field in league history. The postseason will begin with the four quarterfinal matches on the weekend of Nov. 2 with the top four seeds hosting the four remaining lower seeds: No. 1 hosting No. 8, No. 2 hosting No. 7, No. 3 hosting No. 6 and No. 4 hosting No. 5.
The pair of semifinal matches will be hosted by the highest remaining seeds on the weekend of Nov. 9. The 2024 USL League One Final will be held on the weekend of Nov. 16 at the home venue of the highest remaining seed as the league concludes its sixth campaign. The seven total postseason matches will be the most in league history.
MATCHES TO WATCH
Tuesday, October 1
Defense wins championships, and on Tuesday, defense and goalkeeping will be key in either Knoxville or Madison confirming their postseason spot. The 'Mingos are in with a win or a draw, while One Knox will need a win to qualify on Tuesday. In regular season play, the pair of sides are tied for the fewest goals conceded (13) thanks in large part to OKSC's Sean Lewis (0.71 GAA) and FMFC's Bernd Schipmann (0.76 GAA) who sit first and second, respectively, in the USL League One Golden Glove race. Further, the pair of shot-stoppers are one-two atop the clean sheet ranks with Schipmann's eight and Lewis' seven. Both sides eager to get back on track, Knoxville is coming off a loss against Omaha which ended its 11-match unbeaten stretch, and Madison is fresh off of a penalty shootout loss to Northern Colorado in the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup Final.
Friday, October 4
Ahead of a dramatic, four-match Saturday slate, Charlotte - the 2023 USL League One runners-up - can clinch a postseason berth with a home victory against Madison on Friday. Across an all-time series that features a slight Charlotte advantage at 3-2-3, Madison came out victorious in the pair's last meeting - a 2-1 Semifinal victory in the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup Knockouts. Should Madison fail to pick up a point against Knoxville on Tuesday, the 'Mingos can confirm their postseason position on Friday with a win or draw against the Independence or on Saturday should a few different results go their way.
x - Union Omaha
Record: 12-4-2, 38 pts.
Playoffs Odds: 100%
Magic Number: Clinched
Max Points Available: 50
Playoffs Odds: 100%
Magic Number: Clinched
Max Points Available: 50
Best/Worst Finish: 1st/7th
Strength of Schedule: 12th
Up Next: @ RIC (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: 12th
Up Next: @ RIC (10/5)
+
x - Forward Madison FC
Record: 8-2-8, 32 pts.
Playoffs Odds: 100%
Magic Number: Clinched
Max Points Available: 44
Playoffs Odds: 100%
Magic Number: Clinched
Max Points Available: 44
Best/Worst Finish: 1st/8th
Strength of Schedule: 5th
Up Next: @ CLT (10/4)
Strength of Schedule: 5th
Up Next: @ CLT (10/4)
+
Forward Madison FC clinched a spot in the 2024 USL League One Playoffs in Week 22. Forward Madison FC has confirmed its second consecutive postseason appearance and third in club history. Madison concluded the 2023 campaign with a loss in the 2023 USL League One Playoffs Quarterfinals against Northern Colorado. The 6-year-old club is seeking its first trophy in club history.
Charlotte Independence
Record: 8-4-6, 30 pts.
Playoffs Odds: >99%
Magic Number: 2
Max Points Available: 42
Playoffs Odds: >99%
Magic Number: 2
Max Points Available: 42
Best/Worst Finish: 1st/10th
Strength of Schedule: 7th
Up Next: vs. MAD (10/4)
Strength of Schedule: 7th
Up Next: vs. MAD (10/4)
+
The Charlotte Independence are able to clinch and unable eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. The Independence control their own destiny with a magic number of two. The Jacks are seeking their fourth consecutive postseason appearance and seventh in club history. Charlotte concluded the 2023 campaign with a loss on penalties in the 2023 USL League One Final. The 9-year-old side is chasing its first trophy in club history.
Charlotte clinch a postseason berth if one of the following three things happen:
1. Charlotte win/draw vs. Madison
2. Richmond lose/draw vs. Omaha
3. South Georgia lose/draw at Northern Colorado
Charlotte clinch a postseason berth if one of the following three things happen:
1. Charlotte win/draw vs. Madison
2. Richmond lose/draw vs. Omaha
3. South Georgia lose/draw at Northern Colorado
Greenville Triumph SC
Record: 8-6-4, 28 pts.
Playoffs Odds: 94%
Magic Number: 4
Max Points Available: 40
Playoffs Odds: 94%
Magic Number: 4
Max Points Available: 40
Best/Worst Finish: 1st/11th
Strength of Schedule: 11th
Up Next: vs. LEX (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: 11th
Up Next: vs. LEX (10/5)
+
Greenville Triumph SC is able to clinch and unable to be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. Triumph SC controls its own destiny with a magic number of four. Greenville is seeking its sixth postseason appearance in its sixth season of existence. Greenville concluded the 2023 campaign with a loss in the 2023 USL League One Playoffs Quarterfinals against Charlotte. Triumph SC is chasing its third trophy and first since being crowned 2020 USL League One Final winners.
Greenville clinch a postseason berth if one of the following two things happen:
1. Greenville win vs. Lexington
2. Greenville draw vs. Lexington AND Richmond lose vs. Omaha AND Chattanooga lose vs. Knoxville AND South Georgia lose/draw at Northern Colorado
Greenville clinch a postseason berth if one of the following two things happen:
1. Greenville win vs. Lexington
2. Greenville draw vs. Lexington AND Richmond lose vs. Omaha AND Chattanooga lose vs. Knoxville AND South Georgia lose/draw at Northern Colorado
One Knoxville SC
Record: 8-5-5, 29 pts.
Playoffs Odds: >99%
Magic Number: 3
Max Points Available: 41
Playoffs Odds: >99%
Magic Number: 3
Max Points Available: 41
Best/Worst Finish: 1st/11th
Strength of Schedule: 10th
Up Next: @ CHA (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: 10th
Up Next: @ CHA (10/5)
+
One Knoxville SC is able to clinch and is unable to be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. One Knox controls its own destiny with a magic number of three. Knoxville is seeking its first USL League One Playoffs appearance and second postseason appearance in club history after qualifying for the 2022 USL League Two Playoffs as South Central Division champions. One Knox finished the 2023 season in eighth place, and the 3-year-old side is chasing its first trophy in club history.
Knoxville clinch a postseason berth if one of the following four things happen:
1. Knoxville win at Chattanooga
2. Knoxville draw at Chattanooga AND Richmond lose/draw vs. Omaha
3. Knoxville draw at Chattanooga AND South Georgia lose/draw at Northern Colorado
4. Lexington lose/draw at Greenville AND Richmond lose vs. Omaha AND South Georgia lose at Northern Colorado
Knoxville clinch a postseason berth if one of the following four things happen:
1. Knoxville win at Chattanooga
2. Knoxville draw at Chattanooga AND Richmond lose/draw vs. Omaha
3. Knoxville draw at Chattanooga AND South Georgia lose/draw at Northern Colorado
4. Lexington lose/draw at Greenville AND Richmond lose vs. Omaha AND South Georgia lose at Northern Colorado
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Record: 8-5-5, 29 pts.
Playoffs Odds: >99%
Magic Number: 3
Max Points Available: 41
Playoffs Odds: >99%
Magic Number: 3
Max Points Available: 41
Best/Worst Finish: 1st/11th
Strength of Schedule: 4th
Up Next: vs. TRM (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: 4th
Up Next: vs. TRM (10/5)
+
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC is able to clinch and unable to be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. The Hailstorm control their own destiny with a magic number of three. Northern Colorado is seeking its second consecutive postseason appearance in its third season of existence. The Hailstorm concluded the 2023 campaign with a loss in the 2023 USL League One Playoffs Semifinals against eventual champion North Carolina. The Windsor, Colo.-based club is seeking a double after lifting its first trophy in club history as 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup champions in September.
Northern Colorado clinch a postseason berth if one of the following two things happen:
1. Northern Colorado win/draw vs. South Georgia
2. Lexington lose/draw at Greenville AND Richmond lose vs. Omaha AND Chattanooga lose/draw vs. Knoxville
Northern Colorado clinch a postseason berth if one of the following two things happen:
1. Northern Colorado win/draw vs. South Georgia
2. Lexington lose/draw at Greenville AND Richmond lose vs. Omaha AND Chattanooga lose/draw vs. Knoxville
Spokane Velocity FC
Record: 7-6-5, 26 pts.
Playoffs Finish: 81%
Magic Number: 6
Max Points Available: 38
Playoffs Finish: 81%
Magic Number: 6
Max Points Available: 38
Best/Worst Finish: 1st/11th
Strength of Schedule: 9th
Up Next: @ CV (10/9)
Strength of Schedule: 9th
Up Next: @ CV (10/9)
+
Spokane Velocity FC is unable to clinch or be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. Velocity FC controls its own destiny with a magic number of six. Velocity FC is seeking its first postseason appearance in its first season of existence. Outside of the league’s inaugural 2019 campaign, a playoff berth in 2024 would see Spokane join Omaha (2020) and Charlotte (2022) as the only clubs to qualify for the USL League One Playoffs in their first season in the league.
Richmond Kickers
Record: 5-9-4, 19 pts.
Playoffs Odds: 39%
Magic Number: 13
Max Points Available: 31
Playoffs Odds: 39%
Magic Number: 13
Max Points Available: 31
Best/Worst Finish: 3rd/12th
Strength of Schedule: 6th
Up Next: vs. OMA (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: 6th
Up Next: vs. OMA (10/5)
+
The Richmond Kickers are unable to clinch or be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22 and control their own destiny with a magic number of 13. The Richmond Kickers are seeking their 25th postseason appearance, their third since joining League One in 2019, and first since 2022 when the historic club claimed the 2022 USL League One Players’ Shield. Richmond finished the 2023 campaign in 11th place. The 32-year-old club is seeking its 10th trophy.
South Georgia Tormenta FC
Record: 4-7-7, 19 pts.
Playoffs Odds: 25%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 31
Playoffs Odds: 25%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 31
Best/Worst Finish: 3rd/12th
Strength of Schedule: T-1st
Up Next: @ NCO (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: T-1st
Up Next: @ NCO (10/5)
+
South Georgia Tormenta FC is unable to clinch or be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. The Ibises are seeking their third postseason appearance and second in USL League One after qualifying for the USL League Two Playoffs in 2018 and USL League One Playoffs in 2022. Tormenta FC finished one point shy of qualifying for the postseason in 2023, finishing in seventh place. South Georgia is seeking its second trophy in club history and first since winning the 2022 USL League One Final.
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Record: 5-11-2, 17 pts.
Playoffs Odds: 7%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 29
Playoffs Odds: 7%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 29
Best/Worst Finish: 4th/12th
Strength of Schedule: 8th
Up Next: vs. KNX (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: 8th
Up Next: vs. KNX (10/5)
+
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is unable to clinch or be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. The Red Wolves are seeking their third postseason appearance and first since advancing to the 2022 USL League One Final. The Red Wolves concluded the 2023 campaign in 10th place and are aiming to lift their first trophy in club history this season.
Lexington SC
Record: 4-9-5, 17 pts.
Playoffs Odds: 7%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 29
Playoffs Odds: 7%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 29
Best/Worst Finish: 4th/12th
Strength of Schedule: 3rd
Up Next: @ GVL (10/5)
Strength of Schedule: 3rd
Up Next: @ GVL (10/5)
+
Lexington SC is unable to clinch or be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. LSC is seeking its first postseason appearance in its second season of existence. In its inaugural 2023 campaign, Lexington finished in ninth place. In its final season in League One before moving to the USL Championship in 2025, LSC is seeking its first trophy.
Central Valley Fuego FC
Record: 3-12-3, 12 pts.
Playoffs Odds: <1%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 24
Playoffs Odds: <1%
Magic Number: N/A
Max Points Available: 24
Best/Worst Finish: 8th/12th
Strength of Schedule: T-1st
Up Next: vs. SPK (10/9)
Strength of Schedule: T-1st
Up Next: vs. SPK (10/9)
+
Central Valley Fuego FC is unable to clinch or be eliminated from 2024 USL League One Playoffs contention in Week 22. Fuego FC is seeking its first postseason appearance in its third season of existence. The Fresno, Calif.-based side finished in last place in 2023 and is seeking its first trophy in club history.
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