The USL Championship 2025 begins this weekend, and if anything it's not lacking in expectations. Last season held great figures and great performances to be remembered. This season, however, is different. With teams making moves, a fresh batch of talent, and veterans looking for their spot in the sun, the Eastern Conference has become battleground land.
Who's entering big? Who is on the brink of collapse? Who can potentially pull off the upset? Let's dive into this analysis and find out what to watch for in some of the conference's top teams.
Birmingham Legion FC has more than enough offense to counter the weaknesses?
Birmingham Legion FC have experienced a season to remember, not for all the wrong reasons. The club had never previously missed out on the playoffs, and their defending was horribly poor. There was a root-and-branch clearout that the management undertook quickly enough, and in it, they went all-in on the offense.
The signing of Ronaldo Damus on loan and Danny Trejo on staff might be just the breath of fresh air this team needed. Damus is a natural goalscorer, and Trejo has a proven track record of creating quality offense. But is that enough?
The biggest worry is the defense. The club conceded more than 50 goals a year in the last two years. Without an extreme shift in this area, Birmingham will have a great offense but will be poor and could not stand ground among the elite.
The second best is Charleston Battery and covets the first
Charleston Battery were so close last year. With a phenomenal regular season, the team ended up in the Eastern Conference Final but failed to capture the title. Now head coach Ben Pirmann will try to rebuild this team as a contender and make it a straight-up champ.
The departure of Nick Markanich to Spanish soccer was a bitter pill to swallow, but the management acted fast and signed Cal Jennings. And here's one to keep an eye on: Jennings has scored more goals than any other player in the USL Championship since 2020. If he can repeat that, he might be the league's top scorer.
Other than that, the defense is tight with Graham Smith and Leland Archer guarding the rear. Battery is not only a title hopeful, but conference dominant if everything falls into place.
What is missing for Detroit City FC to take the next step?
Detroit City FC had a decent season, but something was missing. They made the playoffs, but folded early, and now need to prove they can make it past that point.
Their defense was one of the best in the league, having conceded a combined total of just 32 goals in 34 games. The catch? Their offense didn't match. To try to rectify that, they brought in Darren Smith, a South African striker who was one of the best players in Finnish soccer.
The actual question is will Smith be sufficient to change the team's offense. If he gets going, Detroit might see itself jumping up and making the favorites nervous. If not, it might be another year of good defensive games but no legitimate title threat.
Hartford Athletic is moving in the right direction, but far from the class of the pack
Hartford Athletic did better in 2024. The team tripled its number of wins but still missed the playoffs. In brief, improvement was seen, but there's plenty of work left to be done.
The biggest bet on this season is Adrián Diz Pe, one of the best defenders in the USL Championship in recent years. The catch? The team needs more than a good defense to actually compete.
Midfielder Michee Ngalina is also someone to watch. He played a great year last year but squandered valuable opportunities. If he works on getting his finishing touch, he could be one of the reasons why Hartford is finally going to make the leap.
Louisville City FC could be the team to beat
Louisville City FC wasn't only better last season, but they set records as well. They won 16 of 17 at home, a remarkable feat.
In spite of a few key defections, including Wilson Harris and Elijah Wynder, the team remains the highest favorite in the Eastern Conference. Signings Kevon Lambert and Zach Duncan bring experience to midfield and ensure that the team will not sacrifice its winning style.
Should top last year scorer Manuel Arteaga perform up to par, LouCity has all the ammunition to win another championship.
Miami FC rebuilding season
With a forgettable year, Miami FC overhauled drastically. The fact that the team partnered with Sports Performance Hub and brought in Argentinians Sebastián Blanco and Lucas Melano indicates a new direction.
The twist? The team conceded 60 second-half goals in total throughout 2024, more than any other side conceded. Head coach Gastón Maddoni needs to sort out the defense stat. Otherwise, it could as well be another gruesome season, irrespective of the influx of newcomers.
North Carolina FC set to continue expanding even more?
North Carolina FC surprised many supporters by going back to the USL Championship and already on the cusp of a playoff position. But now the question becomes how to maintain that level.
The acquisition of Brazilian Pedro Dolabella, who impressed in USL League One, could be a game-changer. But the splash name remains Oalex Anderson, an ultra-speedy forward who bugs opposing defenses.
If they find more consistency, NCFC could be a force in the East.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is solidly defended but not with more
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC had the best defense in the league last year, conceding just 28. But. What about their offense?
The arrival of Augustine Williams, potentially the league's best goalscorer, may right all the wrongs. The strikers' record is impressive, and if he clicks, the Riverhounds may be one of the most well-rounded teams in the USL.
Who will surprise, and who might stumble?
USL Championship 2025 will be one of the most evenly balanced in recent times. Louisville City FC remains the team to beat but Charleston Battery and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC are up with them. Detroit City FC and North Carolina FC may emerge as dark horses, while Birmingham Legion FC and Miami FC have to prove they are going in the right direction. The Eastern Conference will be a war zone for real, and no one is exempt.