USL United Soccer League Championship

USL's Week Ahead: U.S. Open Cup, Ottawa's Canadian Championship Run Take Center Stage Before Week 11

Published on May 30, 2017 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League, one of the most prominent Division II leagues in the world, is now a third of the way through the regular season, which resumes Friday for the start of a 13-game slate. Before Week 11 play, the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup takes place Tuesday and Wednesday with a league-record 16 teams still competing in the 104th edition of the tournament. The round includes four all-USL matchups. Also on Wednesday, Ottawa Fury FC prepares for the second leg of its Canadian Championship semifinal against Major League Soccer's Toronto FC. Ottawa visits BMO Field after posting a 2-1 victory in the first leg last Tuesday. Here are the USL essentials for the week ahead:

11 THINGS TO KNOW:

In the USL's 11 Things to Know, Nicholas Murray looks back on another banner week for the Western Conference's top two teams as San Antonio FC earned its fifth consecutive road win and Real Monarchs SLC posted a sixth consecutive victory to inch closer to the eight-game record held by Orlando City SC.

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

BUZZING ON SOCIAL:

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (@SwitchbacksFC): On this Memorial Day, we take time to thank the brave heroes and their families for the sacrifice they have made to protect our nation.

FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati): Thanks to the first responders & military members who joined us for Hometown Heroes Night. Happy Memorial Day!

Tampa Bay Rowdies (@TampaBayRowdies): Today we honor all the men & women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect this nation. Thank you for your service! #MemorialDay2017

2017 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP | USL SCHEDULE AND RESULTS:

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

THIRD ROUND SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, May 30:

Michigan Bucks (PDL) vs. Saint Louis FC (USL), 8 p.m. ET, Ultimate Soccer Arenas; Pontiac, Mich. Wednesday, May 31:

Rochester Rhinos (USL) vs. GPS Omens (Mass.), 7 p.m. ET, Capelli Sport Stadium; Rochester, N.Y. Jacksonville Armada (NASL) vs. Charleston Battery (USL), 7 p.m. ET, Southern Oak Stadium; Jacksonville, Fla. FC Cincinnati (USL) vs. Louisville City FC (USL), 7 p.m. ET, Nippert Stadium; Cincinnati, Ohio Reading United AC (PDL) vs. Harrisburg City Islanders (USL), 7:30 p.m. ET, Exeter Township; Reading, Pa. North Carolina FC (NASL) vs. Charlotte Independence (USL), 7:30 p.m. ET, Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. Miami FC (NASL) vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL), 7:30 p.m. ET, FIU Stadium; Miami, Fla. Chicago FC United (PDL) vs. Christos FC (Md.), 8 p.m. ET, Hoyne Field, Chicago, Ill. Tulsa Roughnecks FC (USL) vs. San Antonio FC (USL), 8 p.m. ET, Hurricane Soccer & Track Stadium; Tulsa, Okla. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL) vs. OKC Energy FC (USL), 9 p.m. ET, Weidner Field; Colorado Springs, Colo. Phoenix Rising FC (USL) vs. San Francisco Deltas (NASL), 10:30 ET, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex; Scottsdale, Ariz. L.A. Wolves FC (Calif.) vs. Orange County SC (USL), 10:30 p.m. ET, Azusa Pacific University Soccer Field; Azusa, Calif. Sacramento Republic FC (USL) vs. Reno 1868 FC (USL), 10:30 p.m. ET, Papa Murphy's Park; Sacramento, Calif.

FOURTH ROUND POTENTIAL MATCHUPS:

Tuesday, June 13:

D.C. United (MLS) vs. Chicago FC United (PDL)/Christos FC (Md.) winner, 7:30 p.m. ET, Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, Md.

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) vs. Portland Timbers (MLS), 10:30 p.m. ET, Starfire Stadium; Tukwila, Wash.

Wednesday, June 14:

FC Cincinnati (USL) vs. Columbus Crew SC (MLS), 7 p.m. ET, Nippert Stadium; Cincinnati, Ohio

-or- Louisville City FC (USL) vs. Columbus Crew SC (MLS), time and venue TBD

Charlotte Independence (USL) vs. Houston Dynamo (MLS), 7 p.m. ET, Eagle Field; Rock Hill, S.C.

-or- North Carolina FC (NASL) vs. Houston Dynamo (MLS), 7:30 p.m. ET, Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.

New England Revolution (MLS) vs. Rochester Rhinos (USL)/GPS Omens (Mass.) winner, 7:30 p.m. ET, Venue TBD

New York Red Bulls (MLS) vs. New York City FC (MLS), 7:30 p.m. ET, Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J.

Philadelphia Union (MLS) vs. Reading United AC (PDL)/Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) winner, 7:30 p.m. ET, Talen Energy Stadium; Chester, Pa.

Atlanta United FC (MLS) vs. Jacksonville Armada (NASL)/Charleston Battery (USL) winner, 7:30 p.m. ET, Fifth Third Bank Stadium; Kennesaw, Ga.

Orlando City SC (MLS) vs. Miami FC (NASL)/Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) winner, 7:30 p.m. ET, Orlando City Stadium; Orlando, Fla.

Michigan Bucks (PDL) vs. Chicago Fire (MLS), 7:30 p.m. ET, Ultimate Soccer Arenas; Pontiac, Mich.

-or- Saint Louis FC (USL) vs. Chicago Fire (MLS), 8 p.m. ET, Toyota Stadium - Saint Louis; Fenton, Mo.

FC Dallas (MLS) vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC (USL), 8 p.m. ET, Westcott Field; Dallas, Texas

-or- San Antonio FC (USL) vs. FC Dallas (MLS), 8:30 p.m. ET, Toyota Field; San Antonio, Texas

Sporting Kansas City (MLS) vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS), 8:30 p.m. ET, Children's Mercy Park; Kansas City, Kan.

Sacramento Republic FC (USL) vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS), 10:30 p.m. ET, Papa Murphy's Park; Sacramento, Calif.

-or- Reno 1868 FC (USL) vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS), 10:30 p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field; Reno, Nev.

LA Galaxy vs. L.A. Wolves FC (Calif.)/Orange County SC (USL) winner, 10:30 p.m. ET, StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium; Carson, Calif.

USL WEEK 11 SCHEDULE | RAPID-FIRE PREVIEWS:

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

Friday, June 2:

Saint Louis FC vs. Toronto FC II, 8:30 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Toyota Stadium - Saint Louis in Fenton, Mo., two sides hopes to put an end to their extensive winless streaks when STLFC (3-3-3, 12 points) hosts TFC II (1-6-4). Saint Louis is winless in five straight (0-3-2) while Toronto is winless in 10 straight (0-6-4) after opening the year with a road victory against Phoenix Rising FC. Toronto is coming off a 1-0 loss at FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Saint Louis was in position for a road win with a Jose Angulo goal, but STLFC conceded late and drew 1-1 with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday. (#STLvTOR) Saturday, June 3:

Rochester Rhinos vs. FC Cincinnati, 6:05 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Capelli Sport Stadium in Rochester, N.Y., the Rhinos (3-1-3, 12 points) will try and break into the upper half of the Eastern Conference table when they host FCC (4-4-3, 15 points). Rochester wraps up its five-game home stand, having posted a 2-0-2 record during this stretch, most recently earning a 1-0 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Wednesday on a Wal Fall goal. Cincinnati has won back-to-back games for the first time this year, with newcomer Danni Kî=B6nig leading the way with three goals during this stretch. He had the lone tally during last Saturday's 1-0 win against Toronto FC II. (#ROCvCIN) Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC, 7 p.m. ET (Match Center): At MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston, S.C., the Eastern Conference-leading Battery (7-2-2, 23 points) face Louisville (4-1-3, 15 points) for the first time since the 2016 USL Eastern Conference Semifinals. Louisville posted a 1-0 win against Charleston in the USL Cup Playoffs to advance to last year's conference final against the New York Red Bulls II. City FC hasn't played since its 1-0 road win against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on May 20. The Battery, despite a first-half lead on a Justin Portillo free-kick goal, saw an end to their seven-game unbeaten streak (5-0-2) when they fell 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls II on Saturday. (#CHSvLOU) Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Orlando City B, 7 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., the Riverhounds (4-4-3, 15 points) meet OCB (3-4-3, 12 points) for the first time this season. Pittsburgh is coming off a scoreless draw last Wednesday while Orlando is looking to rebound from a 3-1 home loss to the Charlotte Independence last Saturday that started off with an Albert Dikwa goal for OCB. (#PGHvORL) Richmond Kickers vs. New York Red Bulls II, 7 p.m. ET (Match Center): At City Stadium in Richmond, Va., the Kickers (2-5-4, 10 points) will try to end their six-game winless streak (0-2-4) when they host the defending champion Red Bulls II (4-5-2, 14 points). Richmond did find its offense through Alhaji Kamara's hat trick, but also conceded a season-high five goals during a 5-3 loss to Ottawa Fury FC on Saturday. NYRB II ended a three-game losing streak with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery on Sunday. Junior Flemmings and Derrick Etienne Jr. scored second-half goals for the Red Bulls II. (#RICvNY) Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. OKC Energy FC, 8 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Switchbacks (3-4-5, 14 points) and Energy FC (3-4-1, 10 points) meet for the second time this week, following up Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play in the Third Round on Wednesday. The last regular-season meeting ended in a 1-1 draw on April 1 as the Switchbacks' Masta Kacher and OKC's Alex Dixon traded first-half goals. In Week 10 play, Colorado Springs is coming off a 3-3 draw against Reno 1868 FC as Jordan Burt scored twice in the second half to rally his side on a pair of occasions. Energy FC earned a 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 last Wednesday as Daniel Gonzalez and Mickey Daly scored their first goals of the season. (#COSvOKC) Orange County SC vs. Real Monarchs SLC, 8 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif., OCSC (3-3-1, 10 points) prepares for just its second home match of the season when it hosts the red-hot Monarchs (9-1-0, 27 points). The Monarchs have won six straight, coming off a 2-1 road win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Sunday. Orange County heads in with back-to-back losses, most recently a 1-0 defeat at OKC Energy FC on May 20. OCSC won its home opener 4-0 on May 6 against the LA Galaxy II. (#OCvSLC) San Antonio FC vs. Swope Park Rangers, 8:30 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Toyota Field in San Antonio, the home-and-home series heads to the grounds of SAFC (9-0-2, 29 points), which hosts the Rangers (4-4-0, 12 points). San Antonio defeated Swope Park 1-0 last Friday at Children's Mercy Victory Field. Mark O'Ojong provided the lone goal for San Antonio to extend its unbeaten start to 11 games while also handing Swope Park its first home defeat of the season. (#SAvSPR) Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. LA Galaxy II, 10 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Wash., S2 (4-5-2, 14 points) and Los Dos (2-6-2, 8 points) prepare for their second bout of the season. Seattle won the first meeting on April 15 as Felix Chenkam and Nouhou Tolo scored within the opening 12 minutes en route to a 2-1 victory. S2 is in the midst of a three-game winless streak but coming off a respectable 2-2 draw against Sacramento Republic FC this past Sunday. Brian Nana-Sinkam and David Olsen put S2 in position for the win, but the host side conceded an equalizer in stoppage time. LA is coming off a 2-1 loss to Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday in which Ariel Lassiter gave the host Galaxy II an early lead. (#SEAvLA) Sacramento Republic FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC, 11 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Papa Murphy's Park in Sacramento, Calif., Republic FC (4-5-2, 14 points) hosts RGV (4-3-1, 13 points) for the first time this season. Sacramento rallied for a 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Sunday, with Tyler Blackwood's stoppage-time equalizer. Republic FC has found its offense with five goals in its past two games after going scoreless in six consecutive matches. The Toros are unbeaten in three straight, most recently playing the LA Galaxy II to a 1-1 draw on May 20. (#SACvRGV) Sunday, June 4:

Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Ottawa Fury FC, 5 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pa., Steel FC (4-6-0, 12 points) prepares for its first meeting with Ottawa (3-3-3, 12 points). Bethlehem is coming off a 3-1 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Sunday to end a two-game skid. Fury FC put together its strongest offensive performance of the season, an action-packed 5-3 victory against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday that included a brace from Sito Seoane. Fury FC had had a busy stretch with the Canadian Championship, with the second leg of the semifinals taking place this Wednesday against Major League Soccer's Toronto FC. (#BSTvOTT) Portland Timbers 2 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, 5 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Providence Park in Portland, Ore., T2 (1-9-1, 4 points) and WFC2 (3-5-2, 11 points) get set for their second Cascadia matchup of the season. Vancouver won the first time around as Thomas Sanner's late second-half goal was the difference in a 1-0 victory on April 16 at Providence Park. Portland has posted back-to-back losses, most recently a 3-1 defeat to Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday at ONEOK Field. WFC2 gave Real Monarchs SLC a bit of a run with 18-year-old Terran Campbell's first professional goal, but Vancouver fell 2-1 on Saturday at McLeod Athletic Park. (#PORvVAN) Charlotte Independence vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, 7 p.m. ET (Match Center): At Eagle Field in Rock Hill, S.C., the Independence (3-2-2, 11 points) face the Rowdies (6-3-3, 21 points) for the first time. Charlotte has won three of its past four games, earning a 3-1 victory against Orlando City B this past Saturday as Jorge Herrera moved into second place on the USL's all-time goal scoring list with his 43rd career tally. Tampa Bay salvaged a 1-1 draw against Saint Louis FC as defender Neill Collins netted an 87th-minute equalizer. (#CLTvTBR)

USL WEEK 10 RESULTS:

Wednesday, May 24:

Harrisburg City Islanders 0, Pittsburgh Riverhounds 0 OKC Energy FC 2, Portland Timbers 2 (1) Reno 1868 FC 4, Tulsa Roughnecks FC 0 Rochester Rhinos 1, Tampa Bay Rowdies 0 Toronto FC II 0, Richmond Kickers 0 Thursday, May 25:

Charleston Battery 1, Bethlehem Steel FC 0 Friday, May 26:

San Antonio FC 1, Swope Park Rangers 0 Saturday, May 27:

Charlotte Independence 3, Orlando City B 1 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 3, Reno 1868 FC 3 FC Cincinnati 1, Toronto FC II 0 Ottawa Fury FC 5, Richmond Kickers 3 Phoenix Rising FC 2, LA Galaxy II 1 Tampa Bay Rowdies 1, Saint Louis FC 1 Tulsa Roughnecks FC 3, Portland Timbers 2 (1) Sunday, May 28:

Bethlehem Steel FC 3, Harrisburg City Islanders 1 New York Red Bulls II 2, Charleston Battery 1 Real Monarchs SLC 2, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (1) Seattle Sounders FC 2 (2), Sacramento Republic FC 2

2017 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP | USL RESULTS:

SECOND ROUND

Tuesday, May 16

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) 3, Jacksonville Armada U23 (NPSL) 0 Wednesday, May 17

Charleston Battery (USL) 2, Atlanta Silverbacks (NPSL) 1 Charlotte Independence (USL) 3, Charlotte Eagles (PDL) 2 Chicago FC United (PDL) 3, Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) 1 Christos FC (Md.) 1, Richmond Kickers (USL) 0 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL) 2, FC Tucson (PDL) 0 FC Cincinnati (USL) 1, AFC Cleveland (NPSL) 0 (OT) Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) 0, Ocean City Nor'easters (PDL) 0 (7-6 PKs) Louisville City FC (USL) 9, Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (Pa.) 0 OKC Energy FC (USL) 5, Moreno Valley Futbol Club (Calif.) 1 Orange County SC (USL) 5, FC Golden State Force (PDL) 2 Phoenix Rising FC (USL) 3, Fresno Fuego (PDL) 1 Reno 1868 FC (USL) 1, OSA FC (NPSL) 1 (4-3 PKs) Rochester Rhinos (USL) 3, FC Motown (N.J.) 0 Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 4, Anahuac FC (Nev.) 0 Saint Louis FC (USL) 4, FC Wichita (NPSL) 3 San Antonio FC (USL) 2, Dutch Lions FC (NPSL) 1 Tulsa Roughnecks FC (USL) 5, OKC Energy FC U23 (PDL) 3

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 one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, 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 more than 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 May 30, 2017


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