MLS Multiplex
Fansided

USL MatchDay 4 Preview: Eyes Back On the Field

By Richard DeLaurell

Mar 12, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; General view of an Adidas soccer ball during a MLS soccer game between the Portland Timbers and the LA Galaxy at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; General view of an Adidas soccer ball during a MLS soccer game between the Portland Timbers and the LA Galaxy at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After A Week Full of Off-Field Developments USL Action Returns To the Pitch

USL Future Looking Bigger and Brighter

USL fans spent the past week with stars in their eyes.  Didier Drogba announced his move to the league’s Phoenix franchise.  And the league itself also turned the key on expanded broadcast coverage.

Both moves seem aimed at bringing the league closer to MLS in terms of fan base. An increasingly popular 2nd Division in the national Federation’s men’s pyramid, in turn, brings relegation closer to a reality for US club soccer.

But that’s a topic for another day (maybe tomorrow).  All of which also drew focus away from the actual matches.

Two of the most interesting of those for this week are highlighted below.

Charleston v. Rochester

Charleston is coming off a home loss to Pittsburgh.  The Battery fell victim to a hot striker in Pittsburgh’s Corey Hertzog.  He is among the league leaders in scoring.

Rochester boasts a very talented defender in Wal Fall.  The very tall Mr. Fall—who sounds like he was named by the Incredible Hulk—is a force at midfield.  He looks to break out offensively as well.  He certainly has the skills to do so.

Rhinos and Battery are both middle of the table in the Eastern Conference.  Mainly based on the number of matches played.  A victory this week could propel either side into an early conference lead.

Watch live on YouTube, Sat. April 15, 6 pm ET.

Galaxy II v. Seattle 2

LAG II and Seattle Sounders 2 meet later Saturday night in a Western Conference battle of MLS development teams.

Galaxy II (don’t buy, batteries are known to explode) boast one of the league’s best goalkeepers.  Jon Kempin has made a lot of saves already in the young season and yielded 0 goals.  But his side still has a negative GD and a losing record.  Seattle’s S2 is also sporting a negative in that category.

Watch live on YouTube, Sat., April 15, 9:30 pm ET.

…and ICYMI, NYRB II Down OC II 3-1 On Bezecourt’s 1-2

In Friday night action, USL Cup defenders New York Red Bulls II defeated Orlando City II, 3-1, at NY’s new home field in New Jersey.  This matchup of MLS development squads featured a 2 assist, 1 goal performance by NYRB2 star, Vincent Bezecourt.  The 23-year-old Frenchman scored the game winner in first half stoppage time from the tip of the ‘D’.

Next: Top USL Goals From Week 3

Late in the 2nd half, he lifted a clean cross to defenseman, David Abidor, off of a box-edge free kick to seal the victory.

Home/Previews