An Added Bonus

Typical Packed Blackbaud Stadium for A USL2 Game

Amid all of this world Cup hoopla, there is still domestic soccer going on. MLS is shutting down for 2 weeks, but the USL continues. We're approaching the midway point of the USL2 season, so I wanted to take a minute to touch on that.

Charleston leads the way with 21 points, but has 2 games in hand over Richmond, who have 15 points and battered the Battery (ha ha!) 3-1 in their first meeting this past Saturday in Virginia's capital. The teams play again this week with a return bout at Blackbaud Stadium. Like this past weekend, this is essentially a 6-point game. A draw or win helps Richmond tremendously, while a Charleston win gives them an 9-point advantage in the standings and the inside track to the regular season title, a bye to the Championship game, and home-field advantage for it.

"It's the key game in the season, I think," said Kickers Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "If we can get 3 points, it becomes very interesting."

Charlotte is 1-point behind Richmond with 14 points and have done well after a sluggish start to the season, and Real Maryland has 11 points through 10 games, half of which have resulted in ties. Pittsburgh and Harrisburg are bringing up the rear with 7 and 6 points, respectively, but according to USL2 Director of Operations Amanda Duffy, "I think the Pennsylvania teams are starting to hit their strides."

USL President Tim Holt said "I was in Harrisburg recently, and they have a ton of talent but are somehow at the bottom of the table...but I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see them get into the top 3 by the end of the year."

As for the players, many are in agreement.

"To be honest, it's more competitive than some of us thought," said Richmond's Ronnie Pascale. "The level of play is really high and you have to be ready to go every game."

He's right. Before beating Charleston last week, the Kickers suffered a 3-1 home shellacking at the hands of then last-place Pittsburgh.

So the teams are fairly even on the field. But does this competition work in the bigger picture against a higher level of talent, such as the U.S. Open Cup tournament which starts for USL2 teams next week?

Says Duffy, "The true testament of these teams will be once that [Open Cup] gets underway...the matchups are challenging but I can see several of the teams advancing pretty deep into the competition."

We'll find out next week as a couple of USL2 teams play teams from the 1st Division NASL. Richmond hosts Crystal Palace Baltimore while Charlotte hits the road to take on the Carolina Railhawks.

We'll be back late Thursday evening for a final look at our World Cup preview. Look out for some additional picks and things to look out for from Pat and I. Better yet, we've been talking to a bunch of players, coaches, and league executives to get their thoughts on whole is going to win the whole thing. So check back tomorrow.

Thanks!