It’s that time of year again, and Omaha is back in the playoffs for the fifth time in a row and have never missed qualification for the USL League One postseason. Los Buhos will be looking to get their first postseason win since 2021 after falling short in the semifinals last year against Charlotte. However this year there are now eight teams compared to the previous six, meaning no one gets a bye to the semifinals and everyone has a matchup heading into the first weekend of action.
Credit: USL League One
I’ll be making some predictions based on first round match ups and looking at the path to the final for teams starting with yours truly Union Omaha and Richmond Kickers on Sunday November 3rd. Richmond really made a bounce back after last season’s failure to defend their 2022 Players Shield. After finishing eleventh they have made the playoffs once again and face defending and current shield winners Omaha away. I hate to be the one to be the bearer of bad news for Richmond but this matchup is definitely in the Owl’s favor. While Omaha has never won at City Stadium their fortress of a home ground is not in play this year with Richmond the final team to clinch meaning they won’t be at home throughout the playoffs. Based on Omaha’s form and home field advantage the Owls will most likely advance to the semifinals this year and for the third time in club history.
Next we have Spokane Velocity and Hailstorm for a true western match up. The Jager Cup? Plate? Champions leapfrogged Madison on the final match day against the mingos with a one goal win to lock up second spot as they march to a possible league double this season along with a playoff game with Spokane who has the worst form of all the playoff contenders. Five loses in the last seven matches make it look cloudy in Eastern Washington with them arguably having the toughest path to the final and I don’t see them making it past Northern Colorado. In fact I’d be surprised if Spokane score a goal against the well drilled Hailstorm given their form away from home, but if they play compact there might be a chance, but it is Hailstorm’s game to lose.
Next is Charlotte Independence against Forward Madison. Madison hosts their first playoff match in club history after the two previous appearances ending with a Ricardo Pepi brace in 2019 and a Trevor Amann hat-trick in 2023. The Mingos have gotten the better of Charlotte this year though. After winning 4 – 2 last match up it seems that Madison could get their first postseason win but don’t expect it to be a cake walk. Charlotte can win on any given match day and they know it with Juan Obregon coming second in the golden boot race this year and Austin Pack in goal, Charlotte could very well spoil the party at Breese Stevens. Only 90 minutes and maybe extra time will tell but I feel Madison will advance this year.
And finally we have Knoxville and Greenville. Knoxville will be crossing the Appalachians to meet familiar foe Greenville with golden boot winner Liam MacKinnon. Both clubs have met three times this year including an Open Cup match and two of them ended level at 90 minutes. While Greenville’s form looks good on paper they are vulnerable on defense and can be stopped on offense. Don’t let the 5 – 1 Tormenta win last weekend fool you, Knoxville in my opinion are the best equipped team this round to win away from home and possibly make a run to the finals. Defense wins championships is the mantra and they live and breath it. Their only loss in the last 17 matches in all comps came to Omaha away, and with Sean Lewis in goal keeping the net clear Knoxville seems to have the formula to just not lose in regular time. Greenville could also do it but their form against better sides may be the undoing of their hopes to lift the league title again. They will have to dig deep to break down this Knoxville side but I feel Knox has them beat this round despite their previous match ups. Knoxville in penalties.
Round winner predictions recap
Omaha > Richmond in 90
Northern Colorado > Spokane in 90
Madison > Charlotte in 90
Knoxville > Greenville in pens
Find out this weekend for yourself and call me out on my bad predictions on Twitter or BlueSky @braejohn30 for both.
And on a final note I want to congratulate Steevan Dos Santos on behalf of the pod for his announced retirement after the post season ends. Steevan you leave a legacy beyond compared for not just USL but lower league soccer in the U.S. as a whole. What ever you do after we wish you good luck on your post soccer life and plans.
Credit: Omaha Parliament
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