The New York Red Bulls II had already solidified themselves as the team to beat in the USL’s Eastern Conference entering the playoffs as they tallied a league-record 69 points in 30 games. A top team in the Western Conference — Sacramento Republic FC, on a 10-game unbeaten streak — also emerged recently to take over the No. 2 spot in the USL’s Week 27 Power Rankings.
And then it’s Louisville City FC in third on an undefeated run of its own. The club made it five straight games with Saturday’s 1-1 draw against the Charlotte Independence.
“Saturday’s game didn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things for Louisville, but the side will be happy to have earned a draw against Charlotte to end the regular season in a relatively positive fashion,” wrote the USL’s Nicholas Murray, who assembles the power rankings. “A visit from the Richmond Kickers to open the postseason arrives next, with the hosts hopeful of a repeat performance of their recent 2-0 win at Slugger Field.”
As with Sacramento, Rio Grande Valley FC used a victory in its finale to advance in the Power Rankings, moving to No. 4 this week. In 5th is FC Cincinnati, a possible opponent for LouCity on Oct. 8 at Slugger Field should both clubs advance. Cincinnati opens the playoffs against the Charleston Battery.
The Rochester Rhinos (6th) and Charlotte (10th) were also listed in the Week 27 Power Rankings. Richmond — LouCity’s opponent Sunday in a must-win, 7 p.m. Sunday game at Slugger Field — appeared in the “Best of the Rest.”