Wednesday, June 29
Greenville Triumph 3-1 North Carolina FC
The only numbers in this game that would suggest Greenville had such an easy time with North Carolina is the final score. Greenville was incredibly efficient in this game, and North Carolina was anything but. Allen Gavilanes scored on the team’s very first shot, set up by a Conor Doyle-esque pass from Noah Pilato, and they cruised from that point on. North Carolina didn’t register a shot on goal until the second half, their threats were very few and far between. But, both keepers and defensive lines allowed howlers in the second half that probably made Phil Breno blush. Greenville continues to take advantage of its schedule to pad their lead.
FC Tucson 0-1 Richmond Kickers
A spirited at times Tucson squad weren’t able to capitalize on any of its three best chances in this game, and a rip on the bounce by Jonathan Bolanos gave Richmond a vengeance-away win to help separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Tucson looked as creative as a team with only one shot on target could look, but it’s clear their early season problems haven’t been quite fixed yet.
Thursday, June 30
Northern Colorado Hailstorm 2-1 Chattanooga Red Wolves
A lively first half left Chattanooga looking lost, and Northern Colorado looking like they could turn any opportunity into a goal-scoring one. Two first half goals for Hailstorm could have easily been four, and Chattanooga head coach Jimmy Obleda’s anger on the sideline was so evident it could even be seen by a viewer off camera. Chattanooga got one back in the second half, but they didn’t put up near as much of a fight as one would expect a trailing team to do.
Saturday, July 2
Richmond Kickers 4-1 North Carolina FC
Whatever was being used by North Carolina to curse Richmond has apparently worn off, as Richmond were finally able to defeat North Carolina for the first time in six league matchups dating back to last season. Poor passing by Richmond in their defensive-third allowed North Carolina to hold the lead until almost the hour mark, Richmond quickly unleashed a flurry of goals, all either coming from poor efforts to clear by North Carolina’s defense or quick counters from Richmond’s own half. Richmond has lost only one of their last seven (5-1-1) and has emerged as a clear long-term threat for the top of the table over the course of the season.
Central Valley Fuego 0-1 South Georgia Tormenta
Tormenta’s efforts on the road this season continue to keep them within striking distance of a playoff spot nearing the half-pole of the season, and they remain the only team without an away loss. Fuego’s non-stop barrage of shots in the first half proved fruitless, and when they started the second half slow, Tormenta took advantage to sneak in a goal that was akin to a “playoff hockey” goal. Fuego once again found their urgency after conceding, but it’s clear that Tormenta continues to thrive away from the Land of Future Publix.
Sunday, July 3
FC Tucson 1-1 Greenville Triumph
This was about as fair as draws get, because neither goalkeeper deserved to take the loss in this one. Even in their run of really good form, Greenville may still feel a little relieved to go home with a draw, even if a top of the table team is expected to take three points away to the worst team in the league (which Richmond did earlier in the week).
Tuesday, July 5
Northern Colorado Hailstorm 1-2 Forward Madison
This is a game Northern Colorado probably wishes they had to play again. Madison took three shots in the first half and found the net twice, including an Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu goal that was likely a cross, but one he now can’t admit to. Parker Smith started in place of Phil Breno at goal, something to watch for in the coming weeks. Madison bounced back well with the extra rest, and they will once again wait more than a week before their next game.
USL League One Table: Week 15 (and a little extra)
| Team | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Richmond Kickers | 7 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 24 |
| Greenville Triumph | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 24 |
| Forward Madison | 5 | 5 | 4 | -3 | 20 |
| Charlotte Independence | 5 | 3 | 6 | -8 | 18 |
| Chattanooga Red Wolves | 5 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 17 |
| North Carolina FC | 5 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 17 |
| Union Omaha | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 17 |
| Central Valley Fuego | 4 | 5 | 4 | -1 | 17 |
| South Georgia Tormenta | 4 | 5 | 4 | -1 | 17 |
| Northern Colorado Hailstorm | 4 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 16 |
| FC Tucson | 3 | 3 | 7 | -8 | 12 |
Richmond’s rise to the top of the table is likely the most notable update to the table, along with Madison looking like they can pull away from the middle pack of teams that have played 14 games. Omaha can still make a move from their current position, but draws will need to become wins sooner or later
Week 15 Matches (less one)
Friday, July 8
Charlotte Independence v. Richmond Kickers
This will already be the third and final matchup of these two teams, and Richmond have won the first two by an aggregate of 6-1. Since May 21 Charlotte have only played one match at home, so they’ll be hoping to find comfort in a stadium where they’ve won more than half of the games they’ve played so far this year.
Saturday, July 9
Greenville Triumph v. Central Valley Fuego
After their hot start, Fuego blinked and suddenly fell in a funk. Netting five points in their last six games (five of which were at home) Fuego have to admit they let an opportunity to accumulate points at home slip away and move on. It will be difficult, but not impossible, against a Greenville team that hasn’t lost at home in two and a half months. A draw might be the most they can ask for, but they need to start picking up points soon.
North Carolina FC v. Union Omaha
Both teams can use the win here: North Carolina lost three in a row on a two-week road trip, while Omaha were left with a draw in their second game of a four-game stretch with plenty of opportunities to pick up wins. Look for Rich’s preview at the week’s end.
South Georgia Tormenta v. Chattanooga Red Wolves
It has to happen at home for Tormenta at some point, who have managed a paltry three points in seven games at home, scoring only four goals. A loser in this game will be in trouble, especially if it’s Chattanooga. They seem to be a team whose players have not been in unison with one another these past few weeks.
FC Tucson v. Northern Colorado Hailstorm
This isn’t exactly a matchup of league minnows, but a loss to Tucson will likely insert Hailstorm in the Wooden Spoon race. Tucson will be the last team to play its first game against Hailstorm, and they’ll do so after a string of not-horrible results.
Who Gives A Hoot? 