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USL United Soccer League Championship

USL PRO Regular Season Set for Conclusion

September 5, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - The 2014 USL PRO regular season concludes this weekend with five teams still alive in the race for three remaining playoff berths, and playoff seeding set to be decided below the top two of Orlando City SC and Sacramento Republic FC.

The Rochester Rhinos, Wilmington Hammerheads and Harrisburg City Islanders sit in line for the final three playoff berths, but any misstep could open the door for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds or Charlotte Eagles to grab a place in the postseason.

Dayton Dutch Lions FC vs. Wilmington Hammerheads FC, Friday, 7 p.m. ET

Wilmington Hammerheads FC only needs a point to clinch its place in the postseason, and a visit to the last-placed Dutch Lions would seem an ideal place to do so with Dayton yet to claim victory on home turf this season. The Dutch Lions did, however, spring a surprise when they visited Legion Stadium last month as a late penalty kick earned a 2-1 victory, so Wilmington will still need to put in a positive performance or potentially play for its playoff life against Rochester on Sunday.

Charleston Battery vs. Harrisburg City Islanders, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET

The Battery clinched a place in the playoffs last weekend and now will try to protect their No. 5 seed as they host a City Islanders side that sits in eighth place going into the weekend. Each side has taken victory in the previous two meetings, and a win for the City Islanders would book a place in the playoffs, but the Battery will look to send off veteran defender John Wilson in style as he makes what will likely be his final bow at Blackbaud Stadium before his retirement at the end of the season.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Arizona United SC, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET

The Riverhounds' run of seven wins in their past 11 games has kept them alive in the playoff race into their final game of the season, but they will need victory against United and help if they are to reach the postseason. Arizona, while eliminated from playoff contention, will hope to end its inaugural season on a high note, and did earn a 3-1 win in the first meeting between the teams last month at Peoria Sports Complex. Pittsburgh will aim to extend it five-game winning streak at Highmark Stadium, and then watch as other results come in to determine its playoff fate.

Charlotte Eagles vs. Harrisburg City Islanders, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET

The City Islanders might have already clinched a place in the playoffs with victory in Charleston on Friday, but should the Battery have taken victory the door would remain open for Charlotte to earn a return to the postseason. As with the Riverhounds, Charlotte would need help to get into the playoffs, but a loss by Harrisburg in Charleston and an Eagles win at the Queens Sports Complex would pull it level with the City Islanders on points. Charlotte would also own the head-to-head tiebreaker after their draw in the first meeting of the season. Then, the Eagles would have to wait for the result to come in from Pittsburgh to determine their playoff fate.

Orlando City SC vs. Richmond Kickers, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET

While the Lions were crowned USL PRO Regular Season champions on Wednesday following their draw with Wilmington, they will be looking to complete an undefeated home regular season as they pay tribute to recently retired standout Yordany Alvarez, the 2011 USL PRO Most Valuable Player. The Kickers do have something to play for, however, as they need a point to maintain third position in the final standings. Should Richmond fall, the opportunity for the LA Galaxy II to edge into third later in the evening would open up.

Orange County Blues FC vs. OKC Energy FC, Saturday, 10 p.m. ET

The Blues and Energy FC meet with nothing but pride on the line as they conclude their seasons at Anteater Stadium. Energy FC was eliminated from playoff contention with their loss in Sacramento on Thursday night, but will be looking to end the season on a high note as they visit the Blues. OKC defeated Orange County 2-0 at Anteater Stadium in its inaugural contest, and would claim its third win against the Blues in four meetings with victory on Saturday night.

Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II, Saturday, 11 p.m. ET

Republic FC locked up the No. 2 seed in the USL PRO Playoffs with its victory against OKC Energy FC on Thursday night, but will be looking to maintain its undefeated record at Bonney Field as the LA Galaxy II come to visit. Los Dos will have an eye on Orlando, as they could still slip into third place with a victory should Richmond fall against the Lions, but the chance to claim their first win against Republic FC and break their home undefeated streak should provide strong motivation regardless of the situation in the standings.

Rochester Rhinos vs. Wilmington Hammerheads FC, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETThe Rhinos and Hammerheads will know where they stand and what they need to reach the playoffs in the final game of the regular season as they meet at Sahlen's Stadium. The Hammerheads could have clinched a place in the postseason with a positive result against Dayton, but a loss to the Dutch Lions would leave both teams needing a positive result should Pittsburgh take victory against Arizona. The Hammerheads took a 1-0 win earlier this season in Rochester, and depending on their situation could be aiming for the No. 5 seed if results fall their way. The Rhinos, though, will be keen to secure a victory and a return to the postseason after missing out for the first time last season.

All of the weekend's action can be watched live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO). For news, match previews and reports from throughout the league, fans can also follow USL PRO on Facebook, Google+ and Instagram.

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