Week 31 across the USL Championship was consequential for two reasons: every single result broke to make the playoff races more interesting, and the USL Cup ended with a bang on Sunday afternoon. Four points separate ninth from fifth in the East; the same gap exists between seventh and 10th out West. With a trophy having been handed out and just three weeks yet to pay in the regular season, we’re officially in the business end of the campaign.
How’d Louisville win the cup, how did the playoff race keep growing thornier, and which clubs looked the most prepared for postseason soccer? I’m ranking every team in the Championship to help find out.
1. Lexington SC
Trending: +3
Result: 3-1 win v. El Paso
Coming into Week 31, Lexington had scored 3.75 goals per game over their last four matches. There’s “hot,” and then there’s the level this club is hitting. In that sense, Saturday’s match against conference-topping El Paso was the ultimate test of Lexington’s competitive mettle and the replicable nature of their newfound offensive formula.
From the jump, LSC had tight reins on the tempo of the match. The Locomotive came out buzzing in the press, but fullbacks Xavier Zengue and Jacob Greene kept deep positions to steady what often became a 2-4-4ish build shape. That formation wasn’t universal; as soon as a line was broken or possession settled around halfway, Lexington could flow back into a more forward-oriented look.
There he goes! 🥶
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) October 4, 2026
Phillip Goodrum retakes the lead for @LexSporting! pic.twitter.com/eF6buu3gyj
Phillip Goodrum’s recent form has rightly won leaguewide praise, but it’s everything else that his presence opens up that’s fueled Lexington’s rise. Against El Paso, his clever movement in the box and leadership through the central lane on the break looked large. Whether they were exiting their zone after a defensive stop or playing over the press, LSC could always rely on Goodrum to occupy bodies and free room for Zengue, Malcolm Fry, and Marcus Epps in the wide areas.
A slick cutback between Fry and a box-crashing Zengue gave Lexington a lead against their 10-man guests in the 32nd minute, and while LSC quickly handed back a goal, the ultimate result was never in doubt. Possession was glued to the Locomotive’s defensive zone, and continued brightness of players like Goodrum and dynamo midfielder Blaine Ferri meant that it was only a matter of time before the payoff arrived. Ferri assisted Goodrum to reclaim the lead, and another goal driven by the press followed in short order.
You know you’re playing good soccer when three goals can lower your average output. Lexington is simply undeniable, living up to the high expectations that were placed on them in the preseason. Now, the job is to keep that energy going when it counts the very most.
2. El Paso Locomotive
Trending: -1
Result: 3-1 loss at Lexington
