With double in mind, Hailstorm are back in postseason for second consecutive season | Image Credit: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC booked its place in the 2024 USL League One Playoffs, presented by Terminix following a 4-0 victory over South Georgia on Oct. 5, to secure back-to-back postseason appearances.
The Hailstorm were crowned champions of the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup last month after downing Forward Madison FC, 5-4, on penalties, and now they get a chance to do the double and claim a League One title. Here are three reasons why they'll be the last team standing, and one reason why they won't.
The Hailstorm are among some of League One's finest when it comes to transitional attacking play, and should continue to keep their opposition's backlines on their toes during the playoffs. They lead League One in successful long passes with 639 - 96 more than second-place South Georgia - and are also tied for second in completed through balls with 26.
These transitional plays often create opportunities for both individual runners and team-oriented goals, as suggested by their league-high 18 shots from fast breaks alongside more league-highs in total crosses and crossing-success rate. This was showcased in the USL Jägermeister Cup Final when the team picked up the ball off an interception from the Madison backline and immediately moved it wide to cross back into Bruno Rendón for their regular-time equalizer. Northern Colorado are dangerous the second they poke their head up when on the ball, and they should continue to be in the playoffs.
Despite their knack for quick attacking play, the Hailstorm are also defensively sound. Northern Colorado are currently tied for second in League One in clean sheets with seven, just one behind first-place Madison, while also sitting second in total duel success rate at just over 51%. The third-year side has only conceded 17 goals all season, and their expected goals-against rate of 16.03 suggests that they are unlucky to have not conceded less.
The Hailstorm have a high standard of defending all across the pitch but also look after the ball incredibly well. They sit first in League One in passing accuracy within their own half at 91%, and have had just two errors leading to shots for the opposition all season, neither of which resulted in goals. This tidiness forces opponents to create their own magic to score, which is not something that has happened often.
Momentum is crucial for teams that are pushing to go above and beyond in their pursuit of silverware, and nobody has more than the Hailstorm right now. They persevered against a Madison side in club-record form to claim the USL Jägermeister Cup, also beating League One leaders Omaha, 2-0, to reach their first-ever final. The team won both of their matches following the conclusion of the USL Jägermeister Cup, and have lost only twice since the middle of July.
While they still have some tricky fixtures remaining, all their focus will likely be channeled into going on another trophy-winning run. Their USL Jägermeister Cup victory was the club's first-ever trophy, and it is now entirely possible that another may join it in the cabinet.
Fatigue is bound to catch up to the Hailstorm at some point, and it's quite possible this might inhibit the team's ability to reach the final. Northern Colorado are tied with Omaha for the most matches played in all competitions at 32 total, and this combined with their high speed of play could wear them down before they have the opportunity to lift the cup.
The Hailstorm have conceded three penalties over the season and currently sit middle of the pack for total fouls conceded with 243. Legs and minds that are continuously tiring because of a high-intensity playstyle could stop the Hailstorm from reaching their full potential, but only time will tell.