STRENGTH VS. STRENGTH IN REPUBLIC FC VS. ROUGHIES, PLUS WHAT ELSE ARE WE WONDERING ABOUT BEFORE THE…

Wednesday night’s action in the USL Championship saw the balance of power shift ever so slightly back toward Louisville City FC after the Charleston Battery’s draw out west, but we’ve now got an 11-game slate of action to look forward to on Saturday and Sunday night including a marquee contest as Sacramento Republic FC plays host to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Here’s one question we have for every team in the league going into the weekend. Here’s where you can tune in to watch it.

Birmingham Legion FC – Can you turn defense into attack?

Our friend John Morrissey has a great look at the structural adjustments Birmingham Legion FC has made to tighten up its defense in recent weeks, including an excellent display against Sacramento Republic FC last weekend that saw it become the first team to hold Republic FC scoreless this season. The next progression for Legion – starting this Saturday night against El Paso Locomotive FC – needs to be turning that structure into more consistent attacking threat. Legion has scored only once in its last three games, and nine goals in 11 regular season games so far, and as far as a good defense can take you, the side is going to need to start finding the net consistently to keep up its streak of postseason appearances.

Charleston Battery – Time for a cookout?

There’s nothing that brings people together in the Lowcountry like a cookout. With the Battery off this weekend after their draw with Monterey Bay F.C. on Wednesday night, it might be time to get everyone together for some barbecue and Frogmore Stew to regroup before next weekend’s return to Patriots Point against longtime rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Picking up where we left off?

If you want to point to the turnaround point for the Switchbacks this season, it came in the side’s 2-0 victory against Oakland Roots SC on April 27 at Pioneer Stadium. Colorado Springs had the better chances that night, and eventually broke through in the final 20 minutes through goals from Juan Tejada and Aidan Rocha that saw Maalique Foster grab a pair of assists. The return fixture arrives this weekend as the Switchbacks come off their bye week aiming to continue the four-game winning streak that victory against Oakland began. A similar performance against an Oakland side that’s found a bit more backbone in the past two weeks would keep the Switchbacks moving in the right direction.

Detroit City FC – How short is your memory?

Look, maybe the best way for Detroit City FC to compartmentalize what happened on Wednesday night against Louisville City FC is to consider they’re not the first team that’s happened to this season, and probably won’t be the last. This has typically been a resilient group, and going on the road to face an Orange County SC side that is going through its own downturn in form is an opportunity for Le Rouge to get things back on track.

El Paso Locomotive FC – Can you give the fans what they want?

There aren’t many fanbases that deliver the combination of passion and knowledge that El Paso Locomotive FC fans possess. That latter part is particularly important. These aren’t fans you can fool with lucky results. They want performances that show a chance for sustainable success. El Paso’s victory against the Charleston Battery last Friday night was massive for the side in Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera’s debut but the challenges the side still faces were on display. Against a side that’s become as defensively disciplined as Birmingham Legion FC, earning a first home victory of the season would be a big achievement and offer a little more confidence this side can find a way back into the playoff picture.

Hartford Athletic – Are you ready to set the tone?

There is nothing like a rivalry game, and since Rhode Island FC landed on the scene with its official branding – and pinching a couple of well-liked Hartford Athletic players in Conor McGlynn and Prince Saysee while building its inaugural roster – the banter back and forth between supporters and the club’s official social media accounts has picked up serious steam. With Hartford coming off its first win in a while last Friday night, getting out to a fast start against its new rivals on home turf feels like it’s going to be important. Regardless, this should be a must-see start of a potentially big rivalry in the Championship.

Indy Eleven – Can Ben Ofeimu continue his upswing?

Given the way things were going at Miami FC this season, it feels certain Ben Ofeimu was delighted when Indy Eleven swooped in to acquire him a little under two months ago. In his four league starts for the Boys in Blue this month he’s been one of three players to play every minute of action alongside Adrian Diz Pe and Aedan Stanley and leads the side in clearances with 21. There are areas the former Philadelphia Union Academy product needs to tighten up a tad – he’s won only 2 of 6 tackles in those four games – but the groove Ofeimu has found has mirrored the defensive success Indy has achieved, allowing only five goals in the nine-game undefeated streak across all competitions it carries into Pittsburgh on Saturday night. At 23 years old, Ofeimu can be a key part of Indy’s challenge this season, and also be a valuable asset moving forward, which is exactly why Indy went out and acquired him.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Back home, can you get on a run?

In the Lights’ draws with San Antonio FC and Louisville City FC earlier in May, there were definite positives to take away. In the side’s defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Saturday night, there were less so. For the first time this season Las Vegas couldn’t capitalize on its big opportunities and is now on a six-game winless streak in league play. June offers an opportunity of an extended run at Cashman Field – five of the Lights’ six games this month are on home turf, starting with Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday – which could offer an opportunity to get into a groove. Finding another home surprise against Rising would be a great start to that endeavor.

Loudoun United FC – Can Tommy McCabe keep pulling the strings?

Compared to some of Loudoun United FC’s offseason’s acquisitions, midfielder Tommy McCabe hasn’t quite hit the heights that were hoped for so far, but United’s consecutive victories against  Monterey Bay F.C. and Orange County SC it feels like there’s been an uptick in influence that’s been important for the side. Against Monterey Bay, McCabe completed a season-high 68 of 74 passes and had a pair of chances created, while against Orange County he not only completed 43 of 49 passes but notched a season-high winning 3 of 3 tackles in the middle of the park. As he faces former side FC Tulsa and fellow midfield influencer Justin Portillo, McCabe could be a key figure as Loudoun looks for its first three-game winning streak since the end of the 2019 season.

Louisville City FC – Time to seize top spot?

On paper, it figures that Louisville City FC will be back on top of the Eastern Conference by the end of Saturday night. Coming off a dominant 5-1 victory against Detroit City FC on Wednesday night and headed to last-place Miami FC – which has lost four in a row – this Saturday might seem like a sure thing, but that’s exactly what LouCity’s got to avoid thinking. The last two trips Louisville has made to South Florida have resulted in defeats, including a dramatic 4-3 loss last September that saw the visitors take the lead with 16 minutes to go through Sean Totsch before conceding twice in the final 12 minutes. Louisville has two games in hand on the Charleston Battery to make up its two-point deficit, but it can’t afford to slip up like that again.

Memphis 901 FC – Can you find enough control?

One of the traits Memphis 901 FC has shown in its current five-game undefeated run is its explosiveness in transition and attack. Marlon Santos has led the way with five goals and five assists over the past five games, including a current four-game goalscoring streak, but as the side heads to face San Antonio FC it’s likely going to need to find a measure of control to get the result it’s looking for at Toyota Field. As shown in the opening half-hour against New Mexico United last weekend, SAFC can still go direct with the best of them despite its aim to be more possession dominant this season. If Memphis’ Emerson Hyndman and Zach Duncan can be effective in setting tempo and controlling possession, it could go a long way toward a good road outcome.

Miami FC – Who’s going to bring the attack back?

There are challenges for Miami FC all over the field right now, but one of the most pressing is the lack of attacking punch the side has shown during its four-game losing streak. Head Coach Antonio Nocerino shuffled the deck again against North Carolina FC last weekend and drew a blank again as the side recorded only five shots and two shots on target. Facing Louisville City FC this Saturday night, we’d expect to see Allen Gavilanes back in the starting lineup with the hope he can try to spark something with the side having scored only once in its last four games.

Monterey Bay F.C. – Can you build on Wednesday night’s second half?

There’s little question Monterey Bay rode its luck in the opening half on Wednesday night against the Charleston Battery. The hosts appeared to get away with a handball on the goal line that would not only have resulted in a penalty kick but a potential red card to Morey Doner to give the Battery a player advantage they would surely have benefitted from in the second half. But, having been fortunate before the break, you could argue Monterey Bay was the better side in the second half at Cardinale Stadium, producing more shots and higher-quality opportunities to grab a winner than the Eastern Conference leader. Building off that half and finding a way to close the gap to New Mexico United at the top of the Western Conference is essential on Sunday evening on home turf.

New Mexico United – Who’s this week’s star?

Maybe the most fascinating aspect of New Mexico United’s current five-game winning streak across all competitions is how collective it has been. Each game, someone new has found a way to stand up and make a difference in the result. Last week it was both forward Greg Hurst and midfielder Nanan Houssou, who had arguably his most impactful game since joining New Mexico this offseason, even if it wasn’t entirely flawless. The players featuring week-in and week-out might not have the same recognition as those at some of the other leaders in the Eastern and Western Conference, but that collectiveness is proving highly effective and should be on show again in Monterey Bay on Sunday evening.

North Carolina FC – What are you doing with the weekend off?

There’s a break in the schedule for North Carolina FC this weekend – and no Courage game to watch because of the women’s international break – so it’s time for rest and recreation before a bit showdown next weekend at Louisville City FC. Make the most of it, y’all.

Oakland Roots SC – We saw the grit, now can we get the style?

No two ways about it, Oakland’s victory against FC Tulsa last Friday night wasn’t particularly pretty. Miche-Naider Chery’s first-half goal was, certainly, but from there it was more a matter of making sure that lead stuck than adding to it. For a side in Roots’ position, it’s completely understandable – in the end, no-one asks how the wins appeared if it results in a playoff appearance – but it’s likely going to take more for Oakland to reverse the defeat it suffered to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC that ushered Gavin Glinton into the interim Head Coach position he now holds on Saturday night. We’re hopeful – Jeciel Cedeno, Trayvone Reid and Irakoze Donasiyano can certainly play – to see better this time around.

Orange County SC – Who’s filling out the back line?

Orange County SC has been stretched defensively so far this season, and last week’s red card to promising center back Ashton Miles isn’t going to help that as the side looks for a turnaround against Detroit City FC. According to the club’s availability report, Andrew Fox will be in the mix after not being on the bench to potentially join Markus Nakkim in the center of defense, but the continued absence of Kevin Partida and Dillon Powers continues to be a challenge for the side.

Phoenix Rising FC – Have you got your legs back under you?

Last week was maybe the travel-heaviest Phoenix Rising FC will face all season, first heading to the Pacific Northwest to face Seattle Sounders FC in the U.S. Open Cup before heading east for a regular season contest with Indy Eleven, so it was no surprise that while the side battled well, it ended up coming up short in both encounters. The short trip to Las Vegas shouldn’t be as arduous, but Rising will probably want to get out of the traps quickly and find a way to get back into the win column to keep touch with the clubs at the top of the West.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Who’s your goalkeeper?

It feels like a little bit of a writer’s curse – we had Pittsburgh’s Eric Dick pegged as a prospective Goalkeeper of the Year candidate a couple of weeks ago, and he immediately got benched in favor of Gabriel Perrotta for the Hounds. The Paraguayan has been in goal for Pittsburgh in each of its past three outings and has had bright moments. At the same time, getting beaten at your near post against Memphis last week wasn’t a good look, and with an Indy Eleven attack that has yet to be held scoreless this season it’s going to be interesting to see which shot-stopper Head Coach Bob Lilley opts for this Saturday night at Highmark Stadium.

Rhode Island FC – Is this your breakout moment?

As we alluded to above, there is nothing like the first game in a rivalry’s history, and as much fun Rhode Island FC and Hartford Athletic have had at each other’s expense over the last few months, this is where it all becomes real. As tough as things have been for RIFC this season – only one win in 11 league contests – if Khano Smith’s squad wins on Saturday on the road at Trinity Health Stadium with a healthy traveling support in attendance, it changes the whole narrative of the season.

Sacramento Republic FC – Can you find the right patterns?

The biggest storyline going into Sacramento Republic FC’s clash with the Tampa Bay Rowdies is the strength vs. strength angle – Republic FC has conceded the fewest goals of any team in the Championship so far, allowing only eight goals in 11 games, while Tampa Bay is averaging 1.90 Expected Goals per game, second only to Louisville City FC in the league. For Sacramento, however, finding a way to reconfigure an attack that lost its way last week at home against Birmingham Legion FC is also a pressing need. With no Russell Cicerone for up to three months and no Rodrigo Lopez for the rest of the season, how Sacramento goes about breaking down the Rowdies’ defense might decide this one.

San Antonio FC – How important is Jorge Hernandez, really?

When Jorge Hernandez was absent a week ago for San Antonio FC as he served a suspension against New Mexico United, his absence showed. Yes, SAFC took the lead on an assist Hernandez would have been proud of by Kevon Lambert to set up Luke Haakenson, but the side only ended the night with 10 shots, below its season average. With Hernandez back on Saturday night as SAFC hosts Memphis 901 FC, his influence is going to be important as he looks to add to his five assists this season while helping the side snap a four-game winless streak.

Tampa Bay Rowdies – Who are your attacking openers and closers?

If you want an idea the sort of attacking riches Tampa Bay has at its disposal, it was able to dip into its bench last Saturday night to bringing on 2022 USL Championship Player of the Year Leo Fernandes and 2023 Championship All-League First Team selection Charlie Dennis to help secure victory at home to Las Vegas Lights FC. Now the question for Robbie Neilson is how to best attack a Sacramento Republic FC defense that has been pretty airtight this season. Tampa Bay played a great first half against Republic FC when they met a season ago before the game tilted in Sacramento’s favor, resulting in a 1-1 draw in their inaugural meeting. The attacking shape and pieces the Rowdies start and finish this meeting will be fascinating.

FC Tulsa – Which old heads are ready to step up?

FC Tulsa’s current 11th-placed position in the Western Conference isn’t that pretty, and while we’d like to be able to say there’s reason for optimism the underlying numbers for the side don’t disagree much. Tulsa sits second in the Championship in Expected Goals Against at 20.25xGA through 10 games and over the course of the season you’re not going to win a ton if you’re giving up that many chances. This doesn’t all fall on the defense, though, with midfielders like Blaine Ferri (-0.20) Justin Portillo (-0.34), and Edwin Laszo (-0.77) all grading out below average so far in American Soccer Analysis’ metrics. Traveling to Loudoun United this weekend, if Tulsa can fix its midfield, it could solve a few ailments in one go.