USL Championship Week 4 was highlighted by a dominant 5-0 win by Louisville City FC who remain undefeated with a 3-0 record. Their win over Birmingham Legion continue to show just how strong the second division club has been in cultivating a winning mentality. Out west it’s Orange County, Sacramento and San Antonio who remain undefeated and look to position themselves as favorites this season.
5 GOALS SHOW LOUISVILLE IS A CUT ABOVE
Louisville City FC has started their 2024 campaign 3-0-0 but their dominant 5-0 performance over Birmingham Legion was the biggest statement thus far. Goals from five different players marked just how diverse their offense has become while also putting a lens on how stout they have been defensively. The goal-scoring started in the 13th minute and didn’t let up as the two-time USL champions pushed around their regional rivals to become only one of two perfect teams in 2024.
The other perfect team is Detroit City who dispatched Indy Eleven on the road 2-1. That game, featured on the Golazo Network, saw late dramatics for Detroit to keep their winning ways going. A Detroit equalizer nullified Sebastian Guenzatti’s first half goal in the 55th minute and an 88th minute strike from Maximiliano Rodriguez made sure the team escaped with all three points.
NEW MEXICO IS KING OF THE SOUTH WEST
New Mexico United handed Phoenix Rising FC their third loss of the year this past week with a 1-0 win at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Dayonn Harris’ 16th minute goal was all it took for New Mexico to get the win, although they had a second half opportunity to double the lead but couldn’t convert on the penalty chance.
The win moves United into fourth place, just one point back of the top spot being held by the likes of San Antonio, Sacramento and Orange County. For Phoenix, the defending champions have not recovered from their championship hangover. Still looking to establish themselves, they’ll have to wait another week to show their fans that they mean business in 2024.
VEGAS SHOWS LIFE
Las Vegas Lights FC have been a team in transition for more years than most can remember. However, their 3-0 win on the road against Oakland Roots may be the first indicator that the corner has been turned. Last season the team finished dead last in the Western Conference with three wins all season. Now, only four weeks into the campaign, they have won their second and are showing signs of being a potential playoff contender.
All three goals came in the second half. First it was Coleman Gannon scoring just one minute into the restart and Gaoussou Samake doubling the lead just minutes later. The Roots were never able to recover after that, leaving the northern California club stunned and handing them their second consecutive loss.
WEEK 4 RESULTS:
Northa Carolina FC: 2
Hartford Athletic: 1
Louisville City FC: 5
Birmingham Legion: 0
Indy Eleven: 1
Detroit City: 2
Miami FC: 1
Charleston Battery: 2
Tampa Bay Rowdies: 4
Rhode Island FC: 1
San Antonio FC: 2
Monterey Bay FC: 1
Oakland Roots FC: 0
Las Vegas Lights FC: 3
Orange County SC: 1
FC Tulsa: 0
Sacramento Republic: 1
Memphis 901 FC: 0
Phoenix Rising: 0
New Mexico United: 1
photo from Louisville City FC