July 2, 2021 – Bradenton, FL –
The USL League Two unveiled a new playoff format on June 29th. For the first time in the league’s existence, it will have 26 clubs. This will all take place during the third week of July, and the Southern, Eastern, and Central Conferences will each have eight slots, with the Western Conference having two.
Each team in each conference will qualify as follows.
Southern Conference:
- The top two teams in the South East Division will progress; The Villages SC currently has a 7-1 overall record, which guarantees them a berth; the second position is still up for grabs. The difference between Florida Elite SC and Tampa Bay United is only one point, thus a lot may happen in the closing weeks.
- The top three teams in the Deep South division will progress, thus SC United Bantams and South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 currently are the top two, but the last position is still up for grabs, with Charlotte Eagles holding a point over Charlotte Independence 2.
- The top three from the South Atlantic region advance. North Carolina Fusion U23 are now in first place, but the remaining slots are all up for grabs, with Lionsbridge FC and West Virginia United tied for second place with 23 points and the Tri-Sitti otters in third place.
Eastern Conference:
- Only two teams may progress in the Mid-Atlantic Division; currently, Wes Chester United SC stands easily at the top with 29 points; the fight for second place is tight, with Ocean City Nor’easters and Northern Virginia FC separated by a point.
- Three teams can progress from the Metropolitan Division. Long Island Rough Riders currently lead the Division with 26 points. The other slots are still up for grabs, with Manhattan SC and Cedar Stars Rush tied for second place with 20 points, with FC Motown not far behind with 19 points.
- Only two clubs can advance from the Northeast Division. The Western Mass Pioneers now lead the division with 26 points, while the Boston Bolts are second with 24 points.
*Wild card is awarded to the best 3rd place team amongst the Mid Atlantic and Northeast Division*
Central Conference:
- Only three teams can advance from the Great Lake Division. Kalamazoo FC leads with 28 points, followed by Kings Hammer and Flint City Buck, with only one point separating the two teams.
- Two teams can progress in the Heart Land Division. Des Moines Menace leads the way with 27 points, followed by Chicago FC United with 26 points.
- Three teams will progress from the Mid-South Division. Mississippi Brilla FC currently leads the division with 23 points, followed by Corpus Christi FC with 19 points and Little Rock Rangers with 15 points.
Western Conference:
- The leading team in the Mountain Division is presently Odgen City SC with 9 points, although Pork City Red Wolves and Colorado Rush are not far behind with & points.
- The top team in the Northwestern Division progresses; currently, the Portland Timbers U23 is in first place with 19 points.
The playoffs follow the same structure as March Madness, with the 1 seed in the central conference facing the 8th seed and the 2 seed facing the 7th seed.
It is currently unknown who will host the Eastern, Central, and Southern Conference Quarterfinals and Semifinals on July 16th and 18th. The Conference Final and National Semifinal Rounds have been set for July 23rd to 25th, while the National Finals will be held on July 31st, hosted by the highest remaining seed.
