The first round of the USSF D-2 Pro League playoffs enters the decisive stage this weekend, as all eight clubs looking to reach the semifinals.
Three of the four first-round playoff series conclude on Saturday, while
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
and
Portland Timbers
wrap up their Pacific Northwest derby clash on Sunday night.
In Upstate New York,
Rochester Rhinos
have their work cut out for them, as they need to overcome a two-goal deficit versus
Puerto Rico Islanders
at Marina Auto Stadium. Bob Lilley's side were the top club at the end of the regular season, but a second straight playoff exit to their Caribbean foes will be seen as a big disappointment in The Flower City.
Down in Cary, North Carolina,
NSC Minnesota Stars
and
Carolina RailHawks
have it all to play for in the second leg at WakeMed Soccer Park after both clubs drew 0-0 in the first leg. The Stars may be away from home, but they will be confident of upsetting the NASL Conference winners after beating the RailHawks in both regular season encounters.
In the Texas state capital,
Austin Aztex
face a big task to overcome a two-goal deficit versus an experienced
Montreal Impact
side. Though the Aztex had a less than stellar end to their regular season, their 10W-2L-3D record at home this season should be a source of strength for Adrian Heath's side.
In the semifinals, the winner of the Rochester/Puerto Rico series will face the winner of the Portland/Vancouver series, while the winner of the Austin/Montreal series take on the winner of the Carolina/Minnesota series. The semifinals will take place between Wednesday, October 13, and Sunday, October 17. The USSF D-2 championship final series will be played over two weekends. The first leg of the final is set for the weekend of October 23 & 24, while the second leg will take place during the weekend of October 30 & 31.
