USL United Soccer League Championship

USL's Week Ahead: Cincinnati Hosts Tampa Bay in Midweek Clash on ESPN3 (April 18-23, 2017)

Published on April 18, 2017 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


USL's Week Ahead: April 18-23, 2017

FC Cincinnati hosts Rowdies in Wednesday clash on ESPN3

TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League, the world's largest Division II league, gears up for a 16-game slate in Week 5 that includes a highly-anticipated match between FC Cincinnati and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3 on Wednesday at Nippert Stadium (7 p.m. ET kickoff). Cincinnati, which drew a USL home-opener record crowd of 23,144 this past Saturday, will remain in the spotlight through the weekend as the club wraps up its home stand against Louisville City FC on Saturday in the River Cities Cup. Elsewhere, Ottawa Fury FC is set for its home opener Saturday in the Battle for Ontario against Toronto FC II, and the Swope Park Rangers will attempt to equal the USL record of eight straight regular-season wins when they visit Phoenix Rising FC on Sunday. Here are the USL essentials for the week ahead:

11 THINGS TO KNOW:

In the USL's 11 Things to Know, Nicholas Murray takes a look back at FC Cincinnati's banner night in the stands and on the field, a rousing environment during Louisville City FC's home opener and a Swope Park Rangers side that is inching closer to a USL record.

All 480 regular-season games, the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs and the 2017 USL Cup Final can be accessed via USLSoccer.com's Match Center: http://www.uslsoccer.com/match-center

Standings | Statistics | Videos

USL NEWS & FEATURES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

The Telegraph: Drogba Becomes Player-Owner at Phoenix Rising BBC (video): Drogba to Own and Play for U.S. Club USLSoccer.com: Drogba Signs with USL's Phoenix Rising FC USLSoccer.com: FCC Awed by Record Opener of 23,144 USLSoccer.com: OKC's Gonzalez No. 1 on SC Top 10 USLSoccer.com: Williams Dons Cape for Battery USLSoccer.com: San Antonio Hits High Notes at Home USLSoccer.com: Rangers on Brink of Record Stature USLSoccer.com: Illustrious Hoek Imparts Knowledge to OCSC SYLSoccer.com: 'First-Class' San Antonio FC Delivers Unique USLX

BUZZING ON SOCIAL:

FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati): Oh what a night... Record Setting Attendance; Four Goal Performance; Three Points #RiseTogether

OKC Energy FC (@EnergyFC): Mama, we made it! Number 1 on @SportsCenter #SCTop10!

Steevan Dos Santos (@SantosSteevan): Sorry @Guaje7Villa, my goal was better

USL WEEK 5 SCHEDULE | RAPID-FIRE PREVIEWS:

Games in order of kickoff times (ET); host team listed first

Tuesday, April 18:

Harrisburg City Islanders vs. Orlando City B (Match Center): At FNB Field in Harrisburg, Pa., the City Islanders (2-1-0, 6 points) will try to extend their winning streak when they host Orlando (1-3-1, 4 points). Harrisburg is looking to win three straight for the first time since May of 2015. The City Islanders' Cardel Benbow tallied in the closing minute to lead his side to a 3-2 win against Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday. Orlando's defense conceded three goals for the second time this year, falling 3-1 to the defending champion New York Red Bulls II on Friday. (#HARvORL)

Wednesday, April 19:

FC Cincinnati vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN3; Match Center): At Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, host FCC (2-2-0, 6 points) takes on the Rowdies (3-1-0, 9 points) in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3. Cincinnati, thanks to a four-goal performance from Djiby Fall, enjoyed a thrilling 4-0 win against Saint Louis FC in front of a crowd of 23,144. That attendance mark set a USL record for home openers, previously held by Sacramento Republic FC's mark of 20,231 in 2014. Tampa Bay looks to rebound from a 2-1 road loss to Louisville City FC on Saturday. (#CINvTBR)

Saturday, April 22:

Ottawa Fury FC vs. Toronto FC II, 2 p.m. ET (Match Center): At TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, USL newcomer Fury FC prepares for its home opener with its Battle for Ottawa matchup against Toronto (1-2-1, 4 points). Ottawa is coming off a thrilling first win as Steevan Dos Santos' strike from midfield propelled Fury FC to a 1-0 road win against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday. The Reds have been idle since their scoreless draw against the Rochester Rhinos on April 7. (#OTTvTOR) Richmond Kickers vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 5 p.m. ET (Match Center): At City Stadium in Richmond, Va., the Kickers (1-3-0, 3 points) will attempt to end a three-game skid when they host the Riverhounds (1-2-2, 5 points). Richmond has posted three straight 1-0 losses, the most recent against Ottawa. Pittsburgh secured one point in two matches in Week 4, falling 2-1 to Saint Louis FC last Wednesday and then drawing 1-1 on the road against the Charlotte Independence on Saturday. The Kickers won both matches against Pittsburgh in 2016. (#RICvPGH) Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 vs. San Antonio FC, 6 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, unbeaten SAFC (3-0-1, 10 points) begins a three-game road trip in the Pacific Northwest to face WFC2 (2-1-1, 7 points). San Antonio is coming off its best offensive performance of the season with a 4-0 win against Reno 1868 FC in Week 4. Cesar Elizondo recorded a brace and Billy Forbes tacked on a goal and assist during SAFC's most lopsided win in club history. Vancouver has earned back-to-back wins, recently earning a 1-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday. (#VANvSA) Rochester Rhinos vs. New York Red Bulls II, 6:05 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Capelli Sport Stadium in Rochester, N.Y., the Rhinos (1-1-1, 4 points) will try to quickly turn the page on their most lopsided defeat in years when they welcome in the defending champion NYRB II (2-2-1, 7 points). The last meeting was during the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs as the Red Bulls II earned a 5-4 penalty shootout victory against Rochester in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Rochester conceded five goals for the first time in four years, falling 5-0 on Saturday in Charleston, S.C. New York averted its two-game losing streak with a 3-1 win against Orlando City B last Friday. Vincent Bezecourt led the way with a goal and two assists. (#ROCvNY) FC Cincinnati vs. Louisville City FC, 7 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, the River Cities Cup makes its return as Cincinnati hosts Louisville (3-0-1, 10 points). Cincinnati wraps up its third home match in an eight-day stretch. FCC won the first edition of this regular-season competition in 2016. City FC is coming off a strong 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday. George Davis IV and Cameron Lancaster provided the scoring as 9,074 fans crowded into Slugger Field. (#CINvLOU) Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Charleston Battery, 7:30 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla., the Rowdies return from their two-game road trip to open a two-game home set starting with Charleston (3-1-0, 9 points). The Battery made some significant noise in Week 4 with a resounding 5-0 victory against the Rochester Rhinos. Romario Williams tallied three goals and assisted another as the Battery enjoyed their best single-game offensive performance since the 2013 season. The Rowdies have a quick turnaround after traveling to face Cincinnati on Wednesday in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3. (#TBRvCHS) Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC (Match Center): At H-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas, the Toros (2-2-0, 6 points) and Roughnecks (1-2-0, 3 points) meet each other for a second time this season. Tulsa took the first matchup, earning a 1-0 victory on April 1 on Joey Calistri's first-half score. RGV has responded well since that defeat, posting wins against OKC Energy FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Tulsa plays for the first time since a 2-1 home loss to Sacramento Republic FC on April 8. (#RGVvTUL) Saint Louis FC vs. Charlotte Independence, 8:30 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Toyota Stadium in Fenton, Mo., Saint Louis (3-1-1, 10 points) returns home after an up-and-down road trip in Week 4 to take on Charlotte (0-1-2, 2 points). STLFC is coming off a 4-0 loss at FC Cincinnati on Saturday, preceded by a 2-1 win against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds last Wednesday. Charlotte is the last remaining team in the Eastern Conference in search of a win this year. The Independence drew 1-1 with Pittsburgh on Saturday. (#STLvCLT) Reno 1868 FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 10 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Greater Nevada Field in Reno, Nev., expansion Reno (0-3-1, 1 point) returns from a two-game road trip in which the club conceded a combined nine goals during that stretch. The club faces the Switchbacks (2-1-2, 8 points) who are coming off a 2-1 win Saturday against Real Monarchs SLC - a side that had won its first three games heading in. Masta Kacher and Aaron King tallied for Colorado Springs in the first half of that match. (#RNOvCOS) Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. Real Monarchs SLC, 10 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Wash., the Sounders 2 (2-2-0, 6 points) host the Monarchs (3-1-0, 9 points) in Western Conference play. S2 is still trying to string together points in two straight games this season. Seattle is coming off a 2-1 road win against the LA Galaxy II on goals from Cameroonians Felix Chenkam and Nouhou Tolo. Real fell for the first time this year in Week 4, dropping a 2-1 decision to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. (#SEAvSLC) LA Galaxy II vs. Orange County SC, 10:30 p.m. ET (Match Center): At StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium in Carson, Calif., Los Dos (1-3-0, 3pts) hosts OCSC (2-1-0, 6 points) in the I-405 Derby. Orange County has not played since its 2-1 win against the Portland Timbers 2 on April 8. OCSC's back line includes a couple former Galaxy II tie-ins with Oscar Sorto and Joe Franco. The Galaxy II have dropped three matches straight heading in, matching the club's longest skid since joining the USL in 2014. LA fell 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Saturday. (#LAvOC) Sacramento Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2 (Match Center): At Papa Murphy's Park in Sacramento, Calif., Republic FC (3-2-0, 9 points) has dropped two straight and hopes to turn around its fortunes against Portland (0-5-0, 0 points). All five of T2's losses have been by one goal, most recently a 1-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. Sacramento preps for just its second home match of the season, the other resulting in a dominant 4-0 win against Orange County SC on April 1. (#SACvPOR)

Sunday, April 23

Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Orlando City B, 4 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pa., Steel FC (1-2-0, 3 points) takes on Orlando (1-3-1, 4 points), which plays for the second time in six days for Week 5. Bethlehem is coming off a 3-2 loss to the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday. Steel FC's offense has recorded two goals in every match this season. Orlando posted a 1-0-1 record against Bethlehem last year, posting a 2-0 victory in the regular-season finale to qualify for the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs. (#BSTvORL) Phoenix Rising FC vs. Swope Park Rangers, 10 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, the Rangers (3-0-0, 9 points), the USL's last remaining perfect side this season, looks to extend its seven-game regular-season winning streak dating back to last year. Swope Park is one win shy of matching Orlando City SC's league-record eight-game winning streak in 2014. Phoenix (1-2-0, 3 points) last played on April 8, earning a 2-1 victory against the LA Galaxy. The club has had plenty of headlines of late, though, with the addition of four-time Premier League champion Didier Drogba. (#PHXvSPR)

USL WEEK 4 RESULTS

Tuesday, April 11

OKC Energy FC 1, Sacramento Republic FC 0 Wednesday, April 12:

Rio Grande Valley FC 3, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 1 Saint Louis FC 2, Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1 Friday, April 14:

New York Red Bulls II 3, Orlando City B 1 Saturday, April 15:

Charleston Battery 5, Rochester Rhinos 0 Charlotte Independence 1, Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 2, Real Monarchs SLC 1 FC Cincinnati 4, Saint Louis FC 0 Harrisburg City Islanders 3, Bethlehem Steel FC 2 Louisville City FC 2, Tampa Bay Rowdies 1 Ottawa Fury FC 1, Richmond Kickers 0 San Antonio FC 4, Reno 1868 FC 0 Seattle Sounders FC 2 (2), LA Galaxy II 1 Swope Park Rangers 1, Sacramento Republic FC 0 Sunday, April 16:

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (1), Portland Timbers 2 (0)

2017 USL MEDIA RESOURCES:

Visit the 2017 USL Media Resources section on USLSoccer.com for the league media guide, media contacts and the league's press kit: http://www.uslsoccer.com/media-resources

About USL

The USL is the world's largest Division II professional soccer league, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.

In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions - which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL's Match Center and international markets.

A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Nashville SC is the first club set to join the league for 2018. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 18, 2017


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