If the goal of the USL’s new media deals was to expand visibility, this week illustrated the success of that aim.
Between ESPN2, CBS Sports Network, Golazo, and proper CBS (Joe Biden pressers notwithstanding), a majority of the 11-game slate aired on national television. Sunday’s rivalry game between the Oakland Roots and the Sacramento Republic was the icing on the cake, but it’s the breadth that stands out.
What could’ve been a dull midweek game between Birmingham and Rhode Island was eventized because of the CBS cameras. A Pittsburgh organization that’s packed Highmark Stadium on the riverfront for two years running got their just props on ESPN2. The league needs to do more to sell its storylines to a broader audience, and they increasingly have a broadcasting megaphone to project those narratives.
The USL’s position on CBS, with whom the league just began a four-year deal, seems increasingly fortuitous. The network announced a wide-ranging contract with the English Football League (yes, that means Wrexham) and re-upped with Serie A this week. If you’re tuning into Juventus or watching lower league soccer from across the pond, you’re going to see USL advertising – and you may just be enticed to tune in.
How did those nationally broadcast games turn out, and who’s on the rise in the power rankings after matchweek 20? Let’s dig in.
1. Louisville (+1)
Result: 2-1 win v. Colorado Springs
After inking Amadou Dia to an extension past 2024 and signing Aiden McFadden on a permanent deal from Atlanta United - two forward-thinking moves typical of the USL's best-run club - LouCity hosted Colorado Springs this weekend for their first match in nearly two weeks. With Dia unexpectedly shunted into the back three instead of in his usual wing back role, the start was a slow one.
Transitional weakness in the channels and inconsistent patterns and possessions made it far too easy for the Switchbacks to gain a foothold.
What changed to get the win? Two substitutions did the job, the first of which saw Arturo Ordonez spell Dia in the back line. Ordonez is the reigning USL Defender of the Year for a reason; he covers space tremendously well, and he’s an uncommonly precise passer at his position. The former Riverhound seemed to level things out at the back, and Colorado Springs’ noticeably fatigued attacking line didn’t hurt the cause either.
Up top, Sam Gleadle was the difference maker. Though he only put up one shot and created two chances, the sharpness of his movement was paramount to the changing dynamic in the game. Gleadle gave Louisville a player with back line-stretching pace, one who opened windows for teammates and let things flow more naturally. His energy also allowed the wing back on his side to sit a bit deeper and stem those lethal counters.
By the time Sean Totsch struck in extra time, paying off the eighth corner in the second half alone in the process, Louisville had more than earned their win. It’s the sort of comeback victory that ought to instill confidence anew for a team that’s taken their lumps in recent weeks.
2. New Mexico (-1)
Result: 1-1 draw v. Birmingham
