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PREVIEWS: 2024 USL League One Playoffs - Semifinals

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 11/06/24, 4:15PM EST

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Omaha, Greenville seek second star, Madison, Spokane chase first trophy


Omaha, Greenville seek second star, Madison, Spokane chase first trophy | Image Credit: Union Omaha

Pair of League One Juggernauts battle for chance at second title

Matchup: No. 1 Union Omaha vs. No. 4 Greenville Triumph SC
Venue: Werner Park; Papillion, Neb.
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 9; 5 p.m. ET
Weather: Showers, 50°
Broadcast: ESPN+
Hashtag: #OMAvGVL | #USLPlayoffs
Series (First Meeting): 5-2-5, OMA (2020)

THE BIG PICTURE
 
  • The first rematch in USL League One Playoffs history will pit a pair of teams with a title and the most wins in league history against each other. Union Omaha and Greenville Triumph SC will meet for the 13th time across all competitions and first in postseason play since Omaha's convincing 3-0 victory in the 2021 USL League One Final. The matchup marks the first time in USL League One Playoffs history that a pair of current or former Players' Shield winners or League One champions have faced off in a Semifinal match.
WHAT MATTERS
 
  • Owl optimism: A strong showing against a continuously threatening Richmond side provided the Omaha faithful with plenty of inspiration, but a look at the Owls' record against their next opponent will help them maintain that feeling. Omaha beat Greenville in both regular season matchups this season, and looking back, they haven't lost to Triumph SC since June 2022.
  • All the walls come down: Despite a favorable lack of clinicality from their opposition, Greenville beat Knoxville 2-1, in the Quarterfinals last weekend. Putting two goals past back-to-back Golden Glove winner, Sean Lewis was no small feat considering he had only conceded 15 goals all season, and this kind of production against a league-leading defense should do wonders for Greenville in the confidence department moving forward.

  • Looking forward: The winner of this match will come out with plenty of battle scars but will have a lot to look forward to next weekend. If Omaha advances, they'll be hosting the match regardless of other outcomes, and will be happy to avoid a road trip out to Madison. If Greenville head to the final, they'll be facing a team they've had a positive record against in either Madison or Spokane.

PLAYER TO WATCH
 
  • M - Lyam MacKinnon (GVL): The Golden Boot winner did what he does best against Knoxville last week, and there's no reason why he would slow down now. A handful more goals could covert into a hand around a trophy within the next two weeks, and with the ultimate prize even closer, the always-hungry forward is going to be one to watch during the remainder of the postseason.

League One original, expansion side battle for first League One Final berth

Matchup: No. 3 Forward Madison FC vs. No. 7 Spokane Velocity FC
Venue: Breese Stevens Field; Madison, Wis.
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 9; 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Showers, 50°
Broadcast: ESPN+
Hashtag: #MADvSPK | #USLPlayoffs
Series (First Meeting): 2-0-0, MAD (2024)

THE BIG PICTURE
 
  • Fresh off of constructing the largest upset in USL League One Playoffs history, Spokane Velocity FC will travel to Breese Stevens Field with hopes of downing the 'Mingos for the first time. Velocity FC - the third club in USL League One Playoffs history to win a postseason match in its first season - became the first League One team to enter the postseason with an active winless streak of four matches or greater and win its opening postseason contest. Madison will look to build on its best-ever finish in a regular season and first-ever postseason victory by advancing to its first USL League One Final.
WHAT MATTERS
 
  • Shock and awe: Spokane produced one of the biggest upsets in playoff history as they beat Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 3-0, away from home. In downing the USL Jägermeister Cup champions, Velocity FC showed they can get a result against just about anybody. Given that the Hailstorm have been Madison's kryptonite in recent seasons, the 'Mingos are likely a bit more pleased to remain at home as they host the newcomers.
  • Madhouse in Madison: Madison produced a dominant display over Charlotte in the club's first-ever playoff match at Breese Stevens Field in front of a raucous crowd. The 'Mingos limited the visitors to just six total shots, none of which were on target, and created 16 of their own in the process. With the Semifinal being at home and the additional possibility of hosting the final, Madison seem to be big proponents of home-field advantage.

  • Making history: Important history will be made for both of these clubs regardless of the result. Spokane have naturally already registered a club-best postseason finish in their first year, and as for Madison, they have now met their historic 2019 season's finish by reaching the Semifinals, maintaining the opportunity to win their first title.

PLAYER TO WATCH
 
  • M - Luis Gil (SPK): Spokane's inaugural captain impressed against the Hailstorm and will be looking to produce against the 'Mingos after failing to do so in both games against Madison during the regular season. Gil just grabbed his 11th goal of the season and has provided five assists, so there's no reason why the former USMNT talent will stop creating chances for his side.

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Tag(s): News  Spotlight  Union Omaha  Forward Madison FC  Greenville Triumph SC  Playoffs News  Playoffs  Game Previews  Spokane Velocity FC 

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