Last week, I used this space to argue that Louisville, Charleston, and Loudoun formed an untouchable top three above the rest of the USL Championship. All three clubs proceeded to lose their next game. Maybe there’s a Backheeled curse brewing, but the likelier explanation is that any team in this league can beat another so long as they play with confidence.
Each of the “big three” lost when they came up against an opponent that dared to press up and attack with numbers. That’s no coincidence. In a league as tight as the USL in 2025, you’re going to reap the reward for pushing onto the front foot and taking risks. That theme manifested itself all across the Championship in Week 16.
Who took the biggest leap forward, and who’s failing to break out of their shell? Let’s dig in.
1. Charleston Battery
Trending: +1
Result: 1-0 loss at Miami, 4-1 win v. Phoenix
Soccer is a game of manipulation. If you can bend an opposing defense out of shape, you’re far likelier to score. If you can avoid bending in your own right, that’s even better. Blame a dense schedule if you want, but this week showed the upper limit of the Battery’s dominance.
