TAMPA ? United Soccer Leagues announced Monday the?complete schedule for the USL Second Division?s Championship Playoffs.
The postseason kicks off Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00 pm when the Charlotte Eagles host Real Maryland at Charlotte Christian Stadium.
In their two previous meetings this season, the Eagles hold a slight advantage, having defeated the Monarchs 3-0 in Maryland on July 24, following a 1-1 draw between the sides at home on July 18.
Making things more difficult for Real Maryland, Charlotte comes into the match riding a seven game unbeaten streak, having not lost at home since May 8.
Conversely, the Monarchs have only picked up seven of their 26 points on the road this season.
The winner of the midweek match is rewarded with the unenviable task of taking on the Wilmington Hammerheads in one of two league semifinals on Saturday, August 22. Though level with Richmond on 39 points, Wilmington won their first regular season championship by virtue of having more wins.
In Saturday?s other semifinal, the Harrisburg City Islanders travel to Richmond in a rematch of the 2007 USL Second Division final, which the Pennsylvania side won 8-7 on penalties after finishing regulation knotted at 1-1.
Harrisburg looked early favorites to win the regular season title, going 7-2-1 in the first half of the 2009 campaign, but the City Islanders fell off in the second half and had to settle for third place after finishing with a 2-5-3 record.
The match will be the fourth meeting between the sides this season, with Richmond holding a 2-0-1 edge. With their first two meetings coming at UR Stadium, the Kickers drew 2-2 on April 25, before routing Harrisburg 5-0 on June 6. The clubs finished their regular season series on July 29 on City Island with Richmond coming away 1-0 winners.
The winners of Saturday?s match up with play in the USL Second Division Final on Saturday August 29, with the game being broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel.
USL Second Division Championship Playoff Schedule
Game #1 Wednesday, August 19
#5 Real Maryland at #4 Charlotte Eagles ? 7:00 pm ET
Game #2 Saturday, August 22
#3 Harrisburg City Islanders at #2 Richmond Kickers ? 7:00 pm ET
Game #3 Saturday, August 22
Game 1 winner at #1 Wilmington Hammerheads
Game #4 Saturday, August 29
Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner ? Time and Site TBD
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