A busy slated weekend headlines matchday seven of the United Soccer League (USL) season, with a “double handful” of Saturday fixtures to spice up your soccer mode. The weekend's highlights include a top-notch clash between two Major League Soccer hopefuls as San Antonio FC hosts the Sacramento Republic, while New York Red Bulls II welcome Harrisburg City Islanders. Elsewhere, an “upper echelon” encounter between Phoenix Rising FC against Reno 1868 FC will conclude Saturday's USL slated games. Here's a complete look at the Saturday USL fixtures.
New York Red Bulls II versus Harrisburg City Islanders
The USL reigning champions, the Red Bulls II, have struggled much so far this season, posting a 2-2-2 mark through six games but they will have a brighter chance to climb above the log with a victory over the Islanders on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Islanders can only “leapfrog” their rivals in the league table with a vital road win and could probably bounce into the playoffs spot this term.
Orange County versus LA Galaxy II
This encounter is an all Californian derby affair which kicks-off on Saturday evening as Orange County (with a 2-1-1 record through four games) face local archrival LA Galaxy 2. Galaxy II have apparently endured a slow start this term posting a 1-3-1 record in their first five games, but can get hold of their “in-state rival” by snatching the maximum away points on Saturday evening.
San Antonio versus Sacramento Republic
Undoubtedly, the star match of the week comes out on the Western derby as San Antonio, currently unbeaten at the summit of the USL Western Conference standings earning a 6-0-1 mark, takes on the Sacramento, who lie just two places behind them in the 3rd spot. Each side has well-known Major League Soccer aspirations and will certainly aim to test themselves against their “expansion competition” as well as to propel their standings in the log.
Phoenix Rising versus Reno 1868
Another Major League Soccer hopeful, Phoenix Rising FC welcomes the league's only remaining “winless” club Reno 1868. Didier Drogba's Phoenix Rising will hope to add to their mixed bag of results, with two losses and two victories in their first four games this season, while proving themselves to be true title contenders. Meanwhile, the Reno 1868 FC hope to cast off their bottom dweller status and pick up their first-ever franchise victory when they face a resilient Phoenix Rising side.
