The busy USL weekend action was headlined by both conference leaders remaining atop of their respective tables. With a goalless-draw against Seattle Sounders FC 2, San Antonio FC continues their unbeaten run nine games into the season to remain atop of the Western Conference table. In the East, Charleston Battery remained locked at the top of the table with their 2-0 victory over Saint Louis FC.
The thriller of the weekend was Phoenix Rising FC’s victory OKC Energy FC. The game delivered two stoppage-time goals, with one being Rising’s game-winner.
Here’s a quick look this past weekend’s USL action:
CHARLESTON BATTERY 1, SAINT LOUIS FC 0
Despite Saint Louis controlling possession, Charleston dominated in opportunities at goal. Forrest Lasso’s 62nd minute header inside the box was enough to propel the home side to the three points. Charleston remains atop the Eastern Conference table with 19 points.
TAMPA BAY ROWDIES 2, LOUISVILLE CITY FC 0
With second half goals by DeShorn Brown and substitute Georgi Hristov, the Tampa Bay Rowdies were able to were able to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches. The Rowdies defensive efforts held Louisville to only one shot on frame.
TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC 4, ORANGE COUNTY SC 0
The Roughnecks’ rampant four-goal victory over Orange County was the highest scoring affair of the weekend. Ian Svantesson’s brace led the way for the Roughnecks, who recorded two victories in the span of three days.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC 1, SWOPE PARK RANGERS 0
The Toros rode Todd Wharton’s top-bin strike early in the 18th minute for the remainder of the game. There would be some back and forth action from both Western Conference sides, but each failed to another ball in the back of the net.
SAN ANTONIO FC 0, SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2 0
Over 8,000 souls made it to Toyota Field to witness a goalless-draw with little attacking action. Sounders 2 was limited to only five shots with none at frame, while San Antonio was denied twice by Tyler Miller. Despite splitting points, San Antonio FC atop of the Western Conference.
REAL MONARCHS SLC 2, SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC 0
Daniel Haber opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a tap-in after a couple defensive blunders inside the box. A counterattack-goal 13 minutes into the second half by Sebastian Velasquez would seal the deal for Real Monarchs.
PHOENIX RISING FC 2, OKC ENERGY FC 1
Kyle Hyland’s stoppage-time goal from the spot was not enough for OKC Energy. Ex-Manchester City star Shaun Wright-Phillips, played the hero role with his strike five minutes into stoppage-time to seal all three points for Phoenix.
FC CINCINNATI 0, ORLANDO CITY B 2
The Lions spoiled the massive party at Nippert Stadium with two goals coming in the last 15 minutes of the game. Cincinnati’s last victory stretches back all the way to mid-April.
TORONTO FC II 0, BETHLEHEM STEEL FC 1
Cory Burke’s penalty goal early in the eighth minute was enough to give Bethlehem three points despite Toronto’s dominance throughout the game.
OTTAWA FURY 0, PITSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS 1
Corey Hertzog’s 52nd minute goal was enough for the visiting Riverhounds. The Riverhounds comfortably sit third in the Eastern Conference.
RICHMOND KICKERS 0, HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS 0
The goalless-draw was even all across the board. Both the Kickers and City Islanders saw limited opportunities to open the score.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2 3, COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC 1
Whitecaps 2 showcased distribution with all three goals coming from different players. The Switchbacks ‘late goal would not be enough as the Whitecaps’ shot effectiveness would lead them all the way to three points.
NEW YORK RED BULLS II 1, LOS ANGELES GALAXY II 2
With two goals coming one minute apart from each other, LA Galaxy II were able to edge out the Red Bulls. Brandon Allen’s finish three minutes into the match via a team build up was not enough for the home side.