News Collector

St. Petersburg, FL (July 17, 2020) – North Carolina FC rallied for a 2-2 draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Friday night to restart the 2020 USL Championship season. Dre Fortune and Robert Kristo logged a goal apiece to earn the tie.

The Rowdies struck first, their attack beginning with forward Sebastian Guenzatti threading a ball across the face of NCFC’s goal. Leo Fernandes received the cross just inside the box and fed it back to Guenzatti, who scored to give the Rowdies an early 1-0 advantage in the 7th minute. 

Later, in the 22nd minute, Fernandes notched the Rowdies’ second goal of the night on a set piece taken just outside of the eighteen to extend the Rowdies’ lead to 2-0. 

NCFC continued to fight for a scoring chance in the 30th minute, with Ben Speas playing a ball into the eighteen and finding the head of Robert Kristo. Kristo’s header sailed past Rowdies goalkeeper Evan Louro and into the net, but the goal would be rendered offsides.

Early into the second half, NCFC won the ball back from the Rowdies’ defense deep into the attacking third, playing it to Ben Speas. With no hesitation, Speas fired a shot into the lower-left corner of the net, only to witness a diving save by Lauro. 

Five minutes later, NCFC was able to cut Tampa Bay’s lead in half when a drop pass by the Rowdies defense was intercepted by Fortune. Fortune turned on the ball, driving a shot into the net and past Lauro, who had abandoned the goal in an attempt to make the save. Fortune’s goal was NCFC’s first goal of the 2020 season.

As the half wore on, NCFC continued to maintain possession and press the Rowdies’ defense. Finally, they were rewarded for their efforts when DJ Taylor lofted a cross into the box, meeting the head of Kristo. Kristo recorded the equalizer, bringing the score to an even 2-2 to finish the match. 

Notes:

• Dre Fortune scored NCFC’s first goal of the 2020 season in the match.

• DJ Taylor recorded NCFC’s first assist of the season. 

• Conor Donovan, Pecka, and Akeem Ward made their NCFC debut in the match.

• Academy contract players Luke Hille, Trace Alphin, and Collin McCamy were all available substitutions during the match.

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will travel to face the Charlotte Independence on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. ET at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC. 

Box Score:

TBR (3-5-2): Evan Louro; Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso, Jordan Scarlett; Mustapha Dumbuya (Max Lachowecki, 90+1’), Leo Fernandes, Zach Steinberger (Sebastian Dalgaard, 83’), Lewis Hilton, Jordan Doherty; Sebastian Guenzatti © (Malik Johnson, 90+1’), Lucky Mkosana (Kyle Murphy, 57’)

Subs Not Used: Kevin Varela Mendoza, Juan Tejada, Macklin Robinson

NC: (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Caleb Duvernay (Akeem Ward, 70’), Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, DJ Taylor; Hadji Barry, Graham Smith, Dre Fortune, Pecka (Nazmi Albadawi, 67’), Ben Speas © (Steven Miller, 87’); Robert Kristo

Subs Not Used: Trace Alphin, Collin McCamy, Luke Hille, John Bradford

Score:

TBR: 2

NC: 2

Goals:

TBR: Sebastian Guenzatti (Leo Fernandes, 7’), Leo Fernandes (Unassisted, 22’)

NC: Dre Fortune (Unassisted, 55’), Robert Kristo (DJ Taylor, 83’)

Cautions:

TBR: Lucky Mkosana, 40’

NC:  —

Ejections:

TBR: —

NC: —

St. Petersburg, FL (July 17, 2020) – North Carolina FC rallied for a 2-2 draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Friday night to restart the 2020 USL Championship season. Dre Fortune and Robert Kristo logged a goal apiece to earn the tie.

The Rowdies struck first, their attack beginning with forward Sebastian Guenzatti threading a ball across the face of NCFC’s goal. Leo Fernandes received the cross just inside the box and fed it back to Guenzatti, who scored to give the Rowdies an early 1-0 advantage in the 7th minute. 

Later, in the 22nd minute, Fernandes notched the Rowdies’ second goal of the night on a set piece taken just outside of the eighteen to extend the Rowdies’ lead to 2-0. 

NCFC continued to fight for a scoring chance in the 30th minute, with Ben Speas playing a ball into the eighteen and finding the head of Robert Kristo. Kristo’s header sailed past Rowdies goalkeeper Evan Louro and into the net, but the goal would be rendered offsides.

Early into the second half, NCFC won the ball back from the Rowdies’ defense deep into the attacking third, playing it to Ben Speas. With no hesitation, Speas fired a shot into the lower-left corner of the net, only to witness a diving save by Lauro. 

Five minutes later, NCFC was able to cut Tampa Bay’s lead in half when a drop pass by the Rowdies defense was intercepted by Fortune. Fortune turned on the ball, driving a shot into the net and past Lauro, who had abandoned the goal in an attempt to make the save. Fortune’s goal was NCFC’s first goal of the 2020 season.

As the half wore on, NCFC continued to maintain possession and press the Rowdies’ defense. Finally, they were rewarded for their efforts when DJ Taylor lofted a cross into the box, meeting the head of Kristo. Kristo recorded the equalizer, bringing the score to an even 2-2 to finish the match. 

Notes:

• Dre Fortune scored NCFC’s first goal of the 2020 season in the match.

• DJ Taylor recorded NCFC’s first assist of the season. 

• Conor Donovan, Pecka, and Akeem Ward made their NCFC debut in the match.

• Academy contract players Luke Hille, Trace Alphin, and Collin McCamy were all available substitutions during the match.

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will travel to face the Charlotte Independence on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. ET at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC. 

Box Score:

TBR (3-5-2): Evan Louro; Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso, Jordan Scarlett; Mustapha Dumbuya (Max Lachowecki, 90+1’), Leo Fernandes, Zach Steinberger (Sebastian Dalgaard, 83’), Lewis Hilton, Jordan Doherty; Sebastian Guenzatti © (Malik Johnson, 90+1’), Lucky Mkosana (Kyle Murphy, 57’)

Subs Not Used: Kevin Varela Mendoza, Juan Tejada, Macklin Robinson

NC: (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Caleb Duvernay (Akeem Ward, 70’), Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, DJ Taylor; Hadji Barry, Graham Smith, Dre Fortune, Pecka (Nazmi Albadawi, 67’), Ben Speas © (Steven Miller, 87’); Robert Kristo

Subs Not Used: Trace Alphin, Collin McCamy, Luke Hille, John Bradford

Score:

TBR: 2

NC: 2

Goals:

TBR: Sebastian Guenzatti (Leo Fernandes, 7’), Leo Fernandes (Unassisted, 22’)

NC: Dre Fortune (Unassisted, 55’), Robert Kristo (DJ Taylor, 83’)

Cautions:

TBR: Lucky Mkosana, 40’

NC:  —

Ejections:

TBR: —

NC: —

Cary, NC (July 16, 2020)- Dave Sarachan and North Carolina FC have secured Collin McCamy to an academy contract the club announced Thursday. The NCFC Youth standout will be eligible to play in first-team matches, including Friday’s match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, while maintaining his college eligibility.

“Collin has been a player that has consistently improved over his time within the club and it’s great to see him join the professional team environment,” said NCFC assistant coach and NCFC Youth Boys Development Academy Director, John Bradford. “He is adapting well to the speed of play and providing versatility as he plays in various positions. This experience will definitely continue to help him in his personal development.”

The 17-year-old Wake Forest native plays defensive midfielder and center back and will be able to learn from experienced defenders in Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, and Conor Donovan. McCamy is the sixth player to sign an academy contract for the 2020 season.

As North Carolina FC’s youth-to-pro pipeline continues to new heights, NCFC Youth and academy contract player Adam Armour has signed with German club 1. FC Nürnberg.

“At North Carolina FC, our goal is to help players achieve their highest potential, whatever that pathway may be,” said Bradford. “Over the last several years, Adam has earned opportunities to be with our NCFC professional team and North Carolina 23’s (USL-2), while being successful at the Academy level and Youth National Team levels.  We’re pleased that we’ve been able to support him and provide valuable development opportunities over time.  We see a bright future ahead and are excited to see his progress overseas at Nurenberg FC.”

Cary, NC (July 16, 2020)- Dave Sarachan and North Carolina FC have secured Collin McCamy to an academy contract the club announced Thursday. The NCFC Youth standout will be eligible to play in first-team matches, including Friday’s match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, while maintaining his college eligibility.

“Collin has been a player that has consistently improved over his time within the club and it’s great to see him join the professional team environment,” said NCFC assistant coach and NCFC Youth Boys Development Academy Director, John Bradford. “He is adapting well to the speed of play and providing versatility as he plays in various positions. This experience will definitely continue to help him in his personal development.”

The 17-year-old Wake Forest native plays defensive midfielder and center back and will be able to learn from experienced defenders in Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, and Conor Donovan. McCamy is the sixth player to sign an academy contract for the 2020 season.

As North Carolina FC’s youth-to-pro pipeline continues to new heights, NCFC Youth and academy contract player Adam Armour has signed with German club 1. FC Nürnberg.

“At North Carolina FC, our goal is to help players achieve their highest potential, whatever that pathway may be,” said Bradford. “Over the last several years, Adam has earned opportunities to be with our NCFC professional team and North Carolina 23’s (USL-2), while being successful at the Academy level and Youth National Team levels.  We’re pleased that we’ve been able to support him and provide valuable development opportunities over time.  We see a bright future ahead and are excited to see his progress overseas at Nurenberg FC.”

Cary, NC (July 15, 2020)- North Carolina FC will take the field on Friday for their much-anticipated USL return against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The game will air on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. ET. North Carolina FC last played on March 7 against Louisville City FC before the pause in play due to COVID-19.

NCFC came up just short against Louisville City FC in the season opener at WakeMed Soccer Park. Louisville’s Cameron Lancaster scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute. NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis had four saves during the match.

“It’s been a long, long time since our game against Lousiville,” said NCFC captain Nazmi Albadawi. “Obviously it was a result that we weren’t happy with. That memory has been in our minds for quite some time now so we are eager to get the season going.”

Dave Sarachan’s team finally has the opportunity to compete for their first points of the season as they travel to Al Lang Stadium. The team will rely on veterans like Albadawi, Steven Miller, and Ben Speas as they get back into the swing of their season. Having played one game in March, NCFC has 15 games to play to finish out its 2020 regular season.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies resumed play on July 11 as they took on Atlanta United 2. With goals from Lucky Mkosana and Leo Fernandes, the Rowdies overcame an early deficit and earned three points.

Up Next: North Carolina FC hits the road again to play rival Charlotte Independence on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. ET.

Players to Watch:

North Carolina FC- #5 Sam Brotherton

Brotherton has one full season under his belt as North Carolina FC’s center back. Against Louisville City FC, he had the most touches during the match with 101. He will look to help goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earn a clean sheet.

Tampa Bay Rowdies- #11 Leo Fernandes

Fernandes has started his fourth season with the Rowdies by scoring two goals in two games. Last season Fernandes played in 29 games and had 10 assists.

Cary, NC (July 15, 2020)- North Carolina FC will take the field on Friday for their much-anticipated USL return against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The game will air on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. ET. North Carolina FC last played on March 7 against Louisville City FC before the pause in play due to COVID-19.

NCFC came up just short against Louisville City FC in the season opener at WakeMed Soccer Park. Louisville’s Cameron Lancaster scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute. NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis had four saves during the match.

“It’s been a long, long time since our game against Lousiville,” said NCFC captain Nazmi Albadawi. “Obviously it was a result that we weren’t happy with. That memory has been in our minds for quite some time now so we are eager to get the season going.”

Dave Sarachan’s team finally has the opportunity to compete for their first points of the season as they travel to Al Lang Stadium. The team will rely on veterans like Albadawi, Steven Miller, and Ben Speas as they get back into the swing of their season. Having played one game in March, NCFC has 15 games to play to finish out its 2020 regular season.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies resumed play on July 11 as they took on Atlanta United 2. With goals from Lucky Mkosana and Leo Fernandes, the Rowdies overcame an early deficit and earned three points.

Up Next: North Carolina FC hits the road again to play rival Charlotte Independence on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. ET.

Players to Watch:

North Carolina FC- #5 Sam Brotherton

Brotherton has one full season under his belt as North Carolina FC’s center back. Against Louisville City FC, he had the most touches during the match with 101. He will look to help goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earn a clean sheet.

Tampa Bay Rowdies- #11 Leo Fernandes

Fernandes has started his fourth season with the Rowdies by scoring two goals in two games. Last season Fernandes played in 29 games and had 10 assists.

Cary, NC (July 2, 2020)- The USL announced today the schedule for North Carolina FC as the team returns to play in Group G of the Eastern Conference. North Carolina FC is set to play 15 games between July 17 and October 4 to complete their 16 game season that began in March before coming to a halt due to COVID-19. Seven matches will be played at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The North Carolina Football Club is working with local and state officials to determine the feasibility of welcoming fans back to Sahlen’s Stadium. The Club will communicate further information as it is received and will provide options for season ticket holders, groups, and individuals who have purchased tickets to games that have been rescheduled for dates in the near future.

“We are very much looking forward to the resumption of our season,” said North Carolina FC head coach Dave Sarachan. “The 15 games that we have scheduled will give us a very good test of where we are as a team. Our focus is to compete and be successful as a group.”

North Carolina FC will take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 17 in their first game of the new schedule at Al Lang Stadium in Tampa. The game will broadcast on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET.

NCFC is scheduled to play four games against Birmingham Legion FC, Memphis 901, and the Charlotte Independence, all members of Group G. Their schedule also includes a match against the Charleston Battery and Loudon United FC. North Carolina FC’s season opener in March against Louisville City FC plus the 15 games current schedule will make up the 16 games in NCFC overall record for the 2020 season.

“It’s been a long long time since our last game against Lousiville,” said NCFC captain Nazmi Albadawi. “We’re eager to get the season going and get some positive results.”

Cary, NC (July 2, 2020)- The USL announced today the schedule for North Carolina FC as the team returns to play in Group G of the Eastern Conference. North Carolina FC is set to play 15 games between July 17 and October 4 to complete their 16 game season that began in March before coming to a halt due to COVID-19. Seven matches will be played at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The North Carolina Football Club is working with local and state officials to determine the feasibility of welcoming fans back to Sahlen’s Stadium. The Club will communicate further information as it is received and will provide options for season ticket holders, groups, and individuals who have purchased tickets to games that have been rescheduled for dates in the near future.

“We are very much looking forward to the resumption of our season,” said North Carolina FC head coach Dave Sarachan. “The 15 games that we have scheduled will give us a very good test of where we are as a team. Our focus is to compete and be successful as a group.”

North Carolina FC will take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 17 in their first game of the new schedule at Al Lang Stadium in Tampa. The game will broadcast on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET.

NCFC is scheduled to play four games against Birmingham Legion FC, Memphis 901, and the Charlotte Independence, all members of Group G. Their schedule also includes a match against the Charleston Battery and Loudon United FC. North Carolina FC’s season opener in March against Louisville City FC plus the 15 games current schedule will make up the 16 games in NCFC overall record for the 2020 season.

“It’s been a long long time since our last game against Lousiville,” said NCFC captain Nazmi Albadawi. “We’re eager to get the season going and get some positive results.”

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today the opening eight USL Championship games that will be aired live on ESPN2 in the month of July as the league resumes play on Saturday, July 11.

Featuring some of the league’s top rivalries, the schedule is set to feature teams and key games from seven of the eight groups unveiled in the Championship’s return to play structure.

A regional matchup between longtime rivals the Tampa Bay Rowdies and North Carolina FC at Al Lang Stadium will air on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. ET

USL on ESPN2 Schedule

Sunday, July 12 – Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 5 p.m. ET
Monday, July 13 – OKC Energy FC vs. FC Tulsa, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 15 – Birmingham Legion FC vs. Memphis 901 FC, 8 p.m. ET
Thursday, July 16 – Orange County SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, 9 p.m. ET
Friday, July 17 – Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. North Carolina FC, 7 p.m. ET
Sunday, July 19 – Sacramento Republic FC vs. Reno 1868 FC, 9 p.m. ET
Monday, July 20 – Hartford Athletic vs. Loudoun United FC, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 22 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Indy Eleven, 7 p.m. ET

* – Kickoff times subject to change

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today the opening eight USL Championship games that will be aired live on ESPN2 in the month of July as the league resumes play on Saturday, July 11.

Featuring some of the league’s top rivalries, the schedule is set to feature teams and key games from seven of the eight groups unveiled in the Championship’s return to play structure.

A regional matchup between longtime rivals the Tampa Bay Rowdies and North Carolina FC at Al Lang Stadium will air on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. ET

USL on ESPN2 Schedule

Sunday, July 12 – Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 5 p.m. ET
Monday, July 13 – OKC Energy FC vs. FC Tulsa, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 15 – Birmingham Legion FC vs. Memphis 901 FC, 8 p.m. ET
Thursday, July 16 – Orange County SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, 9 p.m. ET
Friday, July 17 – Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. North Carolina FC, 7 p.m. ET
Sunday, July 19 – Sacramento Republic FC vs. Reno 1868 FC, 9 p.m. ET
Monday, July 20 – Hartford Athletic vs. Loudoun United FC, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 22 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Indy Eleven, 7 p.m. ET

* – Kickoff times subject to change

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Friday the four groups made up of teams from the Eastern Conference that will battle for a place in the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs when the league returns to play on Saturday, July 11.

Group E: Indy Eleven, Louisville City FC, Saint Louis FC, Sporting Kansas City II
Group F: Hartford Athletic, Loudoun United FC, New York Red Bulls II, Philadelphia Union II, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Group G: Birmingham Legion FC, Charlotte Independence, Memphis 901 FC, North Carolina FC
Group H: Atlanta United 2, Charleston Battery, Miami FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies

As detailed in the Championship’s announcement of the updated season structure, each team in Group E, Group G and Group H will play its fellow group members four times during the regular season. Meanwhile, each team in Group F will play its fellow group members three times. The remaining games will be played against teams that fall within a similar geographic region.

Group G
Two intriguing rivalries – one between the Charlotte Independence and North Carolina FC, the other between Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC – make for what looks like on paper a group that’s going to be hard to pick a winner from before the action begins. The Independence are the lone side with points to their name as the season resumes, with Legion FC having yet to see action, and they’ll be hopeful of not only gaining the upper hand on their in-state rivals, but reaching the postseason for the first time since 2017.  

CLICK HERE FOR GROUP G TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Friday the four groups made up of teams from the Eastern Conference that will battle for a place in the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs when the league returns to play on Saturday, July 11.

Group E: Indy Eleven, Louisville City FC, Saint Louis FC, Sporting Kansas City II
Group F: Hartford Athletic, Loudoun United FC, New York Red Bulls II, Philadelphia Union II, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Group G: Birmingham Legion FC, Charlotte Independence, Memphis 901 FC, North Carolina FC
Group H: Atlanta United 2, Charleston Battery, Miami FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies

As detailed in the Championship’s announcement of the updated season structure, each team in Group E, Group G and Group H will play its fellow group members four times during the regular season. Meanwhile, each team in Group F will play its fellow group members three times. The remaining games will be played against teams that fall within a similar geographic region.

Group G
Two intriguing rivalries – one between the Charlotte Independence and North Carolina FC, the other between Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC – make for what looks like on paper a group that’s going to be hard to pick a winner from before the action begins. The Independence are the lone side with points to their name as the season resumes, with Legion FC having yet to see action, and they’ll be hopeful of not only gaining the upper hand on their in-state rivals, but reaching the postseason for the first time since 2017.  

CLICK HERE FOR GROUP G TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Wednesday an updated format for the remainder of the 2020 season that will see clubs divided into eight groups to complete a 16-game regular season followed by a single-elimination playoff.

Regular Season Structure

In order to limit travel, the regular season will see the Championship’s clubs divided into eight regionalized groups, and each team will complete a 16-game regular season. There will be five groups made up of four teams, and three groups made up of five teams to cover the 35 member clubs of the Championship.

The regular season games will be played over 13 weeks, concluding on the weekend of October 2-4. Games completed prior to the season suspension in March will be counted and included in the schedule, with teams that were active on the opening weekend of the season having 15 games remaining in their schedule.

Both San Diego Loyal SC and the Tacoma Defiance – who completed two games prior to the season suspension – will have 14 games remaining in their respective schedules. The three clubs that did not play prior to the season suspension – Birmingham Legion FC, Hartford Athletic and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – will play their full 16 games upon the resumption of play.

Balance of Schedule

Each team’s schedule will be made up of 12 games from within its own group, with the remaining four games to be played against teams that fall within a similar geographic region. Through this, each team placed in a four-team group will play its three fellow group members four times, while each team placed in a five-team group will play its four fellow group members three times.

Games played prior to the suspension of the season will count toward the allotment of 16 overall games, either as in-group contests or as one of the additional four contests that will complete the schedule.

Teams will be initially scheduled to play a balanced schedule of eight games home and away in the regular season. However, the Board of Governors has also approved the ability for clubs to play an unbalanced amount of home and away matches, if necessary. For example, if a club is experiencing difficulties with venue availability due to the impact of COVID-19 in their community.

Five Substitution Rule

As was previously announced, the Championship will allow five substitutes to be used for the remainder of the 2020 season, with each team having three opportunities to make its substitutions during regular play. Substitutions may also be made at halftime without counting against a club’s three in-game opportunities.

2020 USL Championship Playoffs Structure

The top two teams from each group in the regular season will advance to the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, producing a field of 16 teams overall in a regionalized single-elimination bracket. Group winners will be paired with Group runners-up in the Round of 16, with home advantage being determined by record for the remainder of the bracket.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Wednesday an updated format for the remainder of the 2020 season that will see clubs divided into eight groups to complete a 16-game regular season followed by a single-elimination playoff.

Regular Season Structure

In order to limit travel, the regular season will see the Championship’s clubs divided into eight regionalized groups, and each team will complete a 16-game regular season. There will be five groups made up of four teams, and three groups made up of five teams to cover the 35 member clubs of the Championship.

The regular season games will be played over 13 weeks, concluding on the weekend of October 2-4. Games completed prior to the season suspension in March will be counted and included in the schedule, with teams that were active on the opening weekend of the season having 15 games remaining in their schedule.

Both San Diego Loyal SC and the Tacoma Defiance – who completed two games prior to the season suspension – will have 14 games remaining in their respective schedules. The three clubs that did not play prior to the season suspension – Birmingham Legion FC, Hartford Athletic and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – will play their full 16 games upon the resumption of play.

Balance of Schedule

Each team’s schedule will be made up of 12 games from within its own group, with the remaining four games to be played against teams that fall within a similar geographic region. Through this, each team placed in a four-team group will play its three fellow group members four times, while each team placed in a five-team group will play its four fellow group members three times.

Games played prior to the suspension of the season will count toward the allotment of 16 overall games, either as in-group contests or as one of the additional four contests that will complete the schedule.

Teams will be initially scheduled to play a balanced schedule of eight games home and away in the regular season. However, the Board of Governors has also approved the ability for clubs to play an unbalanced amount of home and away matches, if necessary. For example, if a club is experiencing difficulties with venue availability due to the impact of COVID-19 in their community.

Five Substitution Rule

As was previously announced, the Championship will allow five substitutes to be used for the remainder of the 2020 season, with each team having three opportunities to make its substitutions during regular play. Substitutions may also be made at halftime without counting against a club’s three in-game opportunities.

2020 USL Championship Playoffs Structure

The top two teams from each group in the regular season will advance to the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, producing a field of 16 teams overall in a regionalized single-elimination bracket. Group winners will be paired with Group runners-up in the Round of 16, with home advantage being determined by record for the remainder of the bracket.