Squad depth and tactical versatility are the tie that binds the USL’s top contenders in 2026. Across Week 5, clubs like Tampa Bay, Charleston, and Sacramento that maintained their core identity while introducing fresh faces and fresh ideas fared the best. Finding that balance between matchup-specific changes and an overarching philosophy isn’t always easy, but it’s a differentiator in the Championship.
Player demonstrations at the center circle persisted over the weekend, continuing along with the USL’s as-of-yet unresolved collective bargaining negotiations. Meanwhile, the action on the pitch continued unabated. With Week 5 in the rearview mirror, which teams made the most noise in the power rankings? Let’s dig in.
1. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Trending: +1
Result: 1-0 win at Jacksonville
Tampa Bay is remarkably versatile across the pitch, and that allows them to adapt against whatever comes their way. The Rowdies knew they’d be facing off against an aggressive, vertical Jacksonville team this weekend, but they didn’t necessarily expect their hosts to change formations and commit to doctrinal directness. It’s a testament to Dom Casciato and his players that they met that challenge in stride.
Casciato hasn’t been afraid to tinker with his lineup while maintaining a 4-4-2 shape, and that held true in Week 5. Sebastian Cruz, who started on the right wing last week, shifted to left back. In his place, forward Marco Micaletto moved to the flank. The changes let the Rowdies attack in a four-forward look where any member of that quartet could drop in with their back to goal.
Cicerone with the drop, MD Myers connects play, and there's movement all around them. You can feel Tampa Bay knocking.
— John Morrissey (@usltactics.com) 2026-04-05T00:17:50.315Z
Here, you see Russell Cicerone doing that job off the left wing. Behind him, MD Myers (ostensibly the primary No. 9) is ready to receive, whilst Micaletto and Pedro Dolabella stay alert for an opportunity to slice into the box. These kinds of sequences were Tampa Bay’s lifeblood, though they innately came with a slim margin for error.
