With just two weeks remaining in the USL season, the postseason picture is halfway set. Nine clubs have clinched a playoff berth, including six teams out of an eventual eight in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, three bottom-feeders have been mathematically eliminated.
That still leaves 12 clubs for which there’s all to play for, and Week 32 helped to clarify their standing. After a jam-packed matchweek, which clubs impressed, which fell flat, and how did that affect the USL’s power rankings? Let’s dig in.
1. Louisville City
Trending: No change
Result: 1-0 win v. Miami
At his peak, Brian Ownby put up 34 goal contributions between 2021 and 2023. Few other wingers in the USL could match Ownby’s elite spark. While a major ACL injury sidelined him thereafter, the 35-year-old is finally back to being a difference-maker for Louisville City in his ninth season in purple.
This was a weekend where Louisville needed that extra punch, though the eye test and numbers didn’t necessarily match up. Louisville only posted a meager 1.0 xG, but it was a matter of final balls gone wanting rather than a lack of dominance. Jansen Wilson and Adrien Perez swarmed with energy across the front line, yet their team went just four-for-17 on cross attempts in open play. Phillip Goodrum probed to great effect but earned only one box touch.
Is that Brian Ownby's music? It is Brian Ownby's music. His first goal in the #USL-C since Oct. 29, 2023 to wrap up the Players' Shield for @loucity.com.
— Nicholas Murray (@njemurray.bsky.social) 2025-10-12T01:28:17.365Z
