FC Cincinnati was disappointed last Wednesday to not get 3 points and secure their spot in the USL Eastern Conference Playoffs. They did earn a point however. The team has been solid this entire season, currently sitting in third in the standings. This complete body of work which earned them a 12-4-7 record and 43 points so far was enough to clinch the playoff spot even though the Orange and Blue didn’t even take the pitch tonight.
This evening the Rochester Rhinos traveled to Legion Stadium to take on Wilmington Hammerheads FC. Wilmington could earn a maximum of 43 points (equal to FCC’s current record) if they would won all of their remaining games. The result tonight did not go their way. Wilmington and Rochester tied 2-2 in a very physical match up with both teams scoring in the final minutes. Rochester tied up the game with a goal in the final seconds off a corner kick. This means Wilmington’s best potential record is now only 41 points and they can no longer catch Cincinnati.
Also, this evening, Bethlehem Steel FC traveled to Louisville Slugger Field to play Louisville City FC. Bethlehem could earn a maximum of 44 points if they won all of their remaining games. The result tonight also did not go their way. Bethlehem started strong and looked threatening, but Louisville got their feet under themselves and took control of the game. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Louisville. This means that Bethlehem’s best potential record would be 41 points and they are no longer able to catch the Orange and Blue.
With these two teams dropping points tonight, there are no teams currently sitting outside of a playoff spot that could pass Cincinnati and knock them out.
As a side note, Richmond picks up a win against Orlando which also puts them at 43 points and secures their spot in the playoffs.