USL Championship Western Playoff Picture | OneFootball

There were surprisingly similar scenarios between the playoff scenarios in the East and West Conferences.

In the West, FC Tulsa was the dominant side, sitting unchallenged in the top position since their August 6th 3 – 2 victory over Monterey Bay. Over that same timeframe, Sacramento Republic sat securely in the number two spot

Beneath them, ten teams jockeyed for the final six playoff berths, though by Decision Day, three had already been eliminated: Las Vegas Lights, Monterey Bay and Oakland Roots. New Mexico United’s 2 – 1 win over Rhode Island put them level on points with Republic, but the latter had an insurmountable +15 goal differential. Here’s how the 4th through 8th seeds played out.

New Mexico United 2 – 1 Rhode Island FC

Statistically, Rhode Island was slightly better than New Mexico, but we all know what they say about statistics…. This victory put the Albuquerque team level on points with Sac Republic, but the latter had an insurmountable +15 goal differential. They’ll settle for the #3 seed.

San Antonio FC 5 – 2 El Paso Locomotive

What stings more than the scoreline (which is pretty bad) is that manner in which it happened. El Paso had 62.9% possession and took four more shots than San Antonio. SAFC only put six on frame; five went in. That is terrible. The only upside is that El Paso’s 4th seed was locked in before the kickoff. They’ll get a chance for revenge, as San Antonio climbed from 6th to 5th with this win and the slimmest of goal differential margins over Phoenix. Bring on the grudge match!

Orange County 2 – 1 Indy Eleven

Seven draws in their final 17 games, coupled with three wins and four losses, put OCSC in the win-and-you’re-in driver’s seat. The sold-out crowd at The Champ went absolutely bonkers when Ousmane Sylla controlled a high ball off his chest, then dribbled through three Indy defenders before hammering the ball into the far corner. It was only the Senegalese midfielder’s second goal for the club; they do not come any bigger.

FC Tulsa 3 – 0 Colorado Springs Switchbacks

The defending champions travelled to Oklahoma, but put zero of their 16 shots on frame. The Switchbacks can thank goalkeeper Christian Herrera and his eight saves for keeping the scoreline respectable. They also need to send a thank you note to the Oakland Roots for keeping them in the playoffs and ensuring that Decision Day did not equal Disaster Day.

Oakland Roots 3 – 0 Lexington SC

There was no silver-lining or deus-ex-machina that could save the Roots. But they did the 12,000+ supporters proud by thoroughly thumping a Lexington SC team that needed a win to make the postseason. When he scored in the 19th minute, Peter Wilson snatched the Golden Boot from Charleston’s Cal Jennings. What a pity he won’t add to that total in the playoffs.

The Playoff Picture

The Western Conference playoff teams. Source: Sofascore

Eastern Conference Playoff Picture