MLS Multiplex
Fansided

USL: Previewing the Key Matchups For Week 5

By Richard DeLaurell

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; (Editors note: a tilt-shift lens was used to create this image) An overall view of the field before the 2016 MLS Cup between the Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; (Editors note: a tilt-shift lens was used to create this image) An overall view of the field before the 2016 MLS Cup between the Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

A quick look at a few of the derby matches set for the 5th weekend of USL play, including St. Louis vs. Charlotte, and Toronto FC II vs. Ottawa Fury FC.

Southern Ontario Derby: Ottawa Fury FC (H) v. Toronto FC II…eh

Last time out, Ottawa Fury traveled to Richmond and came away with a 1-0 victory.  Despite that win the club is near the bottom of the Eastern Conference table with just three points from three games played and one loss. This match will be Ottawa’s first home game so far this USL season, and they will be hoping the favorable location can produce their second win.

If you take all that to mean Ottawa doesn’t score much, it’s true. So far the club only seems to be able to accumulate yellow card, the league leaders heading into the weekend.

Toronto FC II started the season with an away win over MLS-hopefuls Phoenix Rising FC.  After taking last week off, that early season match remains Toronto’s lone victory.  They held Rochester to a no goal stalemate at home two weeks ago.  Toronto also sport a conference-worst -5 goal differential.

Something has to give, right?

Derby Angle: Two cities, one Great Lake. The capital vs. the major metro. There’s an old joke. “I went to a fight last night and a hockey game broke out.”  This could be that fight.

How to watch: YouTube, Live, Saturday April 22, 2p ET

MLS Coming and Going Derby: Saint Louis FC (H) v. Charlotte Independence

Saint Louis FC is one of the early Eastern Conference leaders on 10 points.  Charlotte is very much in last place with just two points from three matches and no wins yet this season.

But SL FC stumbled last time out, conceding four goals to FC Cincinnati’s offense and a clean-sheet to the opposition’s keeper as well.

However when they do score, the home side scores in bunches.  Look for that to happen again this week.  Charlotte’s -2 season long goal differential seems destined to deepen.

Derby Angle: When it comes to North Carolina geography, Charlotte is not the Triangle. The Triangle is home to North Carolina FC (formerly the RailHawks) of NASL.  That club has already announced its intent to join MLS soon, along with the city of Charlotte.

With the failure of a stadium funding referendum earlier this month, St. Louis’ bid for a new MLS franchise looks to have been put on hold indefinitely. Take your revenge Gateway Archers!

How to watch: YouTube, Live, Saturday April 22, 630p ET

…and ICYMI Yellow Cards Wild Wed. Night as FC Cincy Draw With Tampa Bay, 1-1

Next: Best USL Goals From Last Week

Looking ahead for both teams: FC Cincinnati takes on Louisville City FC at home — the River Cities Derby — while the Tampa Bay Rowdies move on to face Charleston Battery, the “Cruise Ship City Derby”. (OK, that a bit of a stretch.)  Both games can be seen on Saturday on YouTube at 6:00 pm & 6:30 pm ET, respectively.

Home/NASL