USL League Two Power Rankings: Week 8

1

Chicago City SC

1

Last week: 2

8-0-0
@ Des Moines threat
July 1 / 7pm Central Time

The first team to qualify for the playoffs in Ligue 2 was a team many did not expect at the beginning of the season. Chicago City SC have been unscathed all season, but now face the toughest test. The most successful team of the last three seasons, the Des Moines Menaces, await them at the feared Valley Stadium. Chicago City SC go in with an advantage because there are not that many teams out there. A win on July 1 will put the Windy City team in sight of the divisional finish line.

2

Des Moines Threat

1

Last week: 3

8-1-0
v. Chicago City SC
July 1 / 7pm Central Time

It’s not often that Des Moines find themselves lagging behind in an important match of the season. Usually they are just trying to get a separation. If Chicago City SC score a goal against Menace, it will be Des Moines’ first loss since Chicago City SC on May 28.

3

flint city bucks

1

Last week: 4

7-0-1
v. South Bend Lions
July 1 / 7pm ET

A late volley from Hugo Bacharach was needed to secure another three points against a nine-man Oakland County FC, but the Bucks continued their form, with a draw away to AFC Ann Arbor still to come. It is the only spot on record. Although the scoring differential is not as extreme as other teams, the Bucks continue to perform well.

Four

Fort Wayne FC

9

Last week: 13

7-0-2
v. Dayton Dutch Lions FC
June 28 / 7pm ET

The biggest gap between first and second place in terms of ability and form is very likely to be decided between Fort Wayne FC and the rest of the Valley. They have not conceded a goal since 27 May and have scored 14 goals in their last four games. They became the second team to qualify for the playoffs this season.

Five

long island rough riders

2

Last week: 7

9-1-1
@ Cedar Stars
July 1 / 7pm ET

The Rough Riders hit back hard after setbacks against Cedar Stars and Manhattan SC with a 6-0 victory over Ironbound SC and a 3-1 victory over Westchester Flames. The Hudson Valley Hammers are still on the hunt and can’t afford to lose again.

6

texas united

1

Last week: 5

7-0-2
v. LA Diocese AC
July 1 / 7pm Central Time

A draw with LA Crew was disappointing for Texas United, but they have still scored 23 goals and conceded just two in their last four games. They’re going at a breakneck pace, and there’s no reason to think they won’t rise to the top of the Mid-South division.

7

San Francisco Glens

Out of rank

6-2-1
@Marin FC Legend
June 28 / 6:30 p.m. PT

• Beat Monterey Bay FC 2 and score 12 out of 15 points in their last five games to jump straight to 7 points. However, a decisive loss to Marin FC Legend put the division title in jeopardy. They would have been in the top 5 if they hadn’t lost.

8

Ballard FC

7

Last week: 1

7-1-1
v. Capital FC Atlético
June 30th / 7pm PT

It’s been a nightmare weekend for the previously spotless Seattle club. A last-minute concession to a one-man down Ollie Town FC and an away draw with United PDX ruined what could have been a play-off qualification weekend for Ballard. But now they have to face Capital FC Atlético twice and will need to rebuild their ship quickly to finish the season as well as it started. Lesotho international Lesia Tetsane has been ruled out after receiving a red card against United PDX.

9

Ventura County Fusion

3

Last week: 6

7-1-1
v. Capo FC
June 22nd / 7pm PT

A 90th-minute goal race between Logan Farrington and FC Tucson’s Meunier Huessen marked the Ventura County Fusion’s first draw of the season, but they’re still knocking on the door for playoff qualification. A win over Capo FC will secure a place in the playoffs.

Ten

AHFC Royals

1

Last week: 11

8-1-1
v. Round Rock SC
July 1 / 7pm Central Time

The Royals certainly like to slow down games and that’s why they haven’t moved up in the standings. Three of their last four games have come after the 85th minute, all of which have been decided by Royals goals. These kinds of steals are useful during playoff times, but ideally don’t leave them too late. With his three games left, the Twin Cities Toucan is closer than it looks.

11

Monterey Bay FC 2

3

Last week: 8

6-1-1
@Academica SC
June 30th / 6pm PT

The only reason Monterey Bay FC 2 hasn’t dropped down the rankings is because they’ve racked up some great performances over the past few weeks. But a 3-0 crushing loss to SF Glens in their first-place showdown was a poor week for the Monterey Bay. It’s now a goal difference race between MBFC 2 and SF Glens, and the Aqua boys have an even tougher schedule to close out the season.

12

Thunder Bay Chill

Out of rank

5-1-1
@ Minneapolis City SC, @ Rochester FC
June 28th / 7pm Central Time / June 29th / 7pm Central Time

They started the season with two losses, so it was easy to catch up. But if you blink, you’ll miss the Thunder Bay Chill’s five-game win streak, conceding just two goals in that time. Away dates with Minneapolis City and Rochester will likely determine the trajectory of their run-in, especially since the Loons beat them early in the season.

13

Northern Virginia FC

Out of rank

5-1-1
@Patuxent FA
July 1 / 8:30 p.m. ET

The half-field goal specialist currently dominates the Chesapeake Division. The club have scored four goals from near or just before the half-field line this season, which has helped them to a four-game winning streak. They’ve only kept one clean sheet this season, against the Patuxent FA at home, and probably won’t be able to sustain that unless they strengthen their defense. But big wins against Christos FC and Lionsbridge FC have taken NoVa away.

14

South Carolina United FC

Out of rank

6-1-1
v. East Atlanta Dutch Lions
July 1 / 7:30 p.m. ET

A big win over Asheville City SC put a huge cap on SC United’s four-game streak of 12 of 12 goals, 13 and just one conceded. They are currently level with the Blues at the top of the division, but have not faced each other this season and will have to hunt them down on goal difference.

15

Park City Red Wolves

Out of rank

4-0-2
v. Boulder County United
June 29 / 7:30 p.m. ET

First mountain entry of the season! It’s not their own fault. The game started later on the calendar than the rest of the league. The Red Wolves opened the season with back-to-back draws, but have won all of their last four games, and a win over Boulder County United on Thursday would extend their lead to six points.