USL2 South Central Division check-in - June 3

Standings and observations for the Group of Death

Image credit: Asheville City. This sums up how things are going so far…

League play is in full swing for USL League Two, and so far the South Central Divsion is as advertised. There's an unexpected early leader, but the team to beat was fashionably late to the party and has made quite an entrance.

Birmingham Legion 2 - undefeated so far

In 2024, Legion 2 finished dead last in the division, with just one win (a spoiler over Dothan United) and 8 total points. After just four matches this season, Legion is leading in total points with 10 and are undefeated. Looming ahead is a three game stretch over eight days where they'll face Columbus United (1-1 draw in their first tilt), Asheville City, and Dothan United.

Dothan United - on a run

Dothan lost their opening match against Montgomery United, and then won three in a row, earning 9 points from four matches and sitting in second place. The Dragons were expected to be tough, and they're riding high.

Tennessee SC - also undefeated

Tennessee finished 2024 in second place, just ahead of Dothan. They're currently in third place on 8 points, from two wins and two draws. Their most recent game was a narrow escape where they scored two goals after 90 minutes to draw Montgomery United 3-3. Their next match is against a winless East Atlanta team that is going to be dangerous.

Asheville City SC - Dominance

Asheville joined the party late, and have only played two matches, winning both for 6 points. For the entirety of the season so far all of the other teams in the division, the biggest margin of victory for any team has been two goals. In their only two games, Asheville has outscored their opponents 15-0; 10-0 against Apotheos, and 5-0 against East Atlanta. Asheville has an incredibly talented team and a ton of depth. They are still the team to beat.

Montgomery United - a tough slate to start

Montgomery United has played Dothan Twice (splitting the series), Birmingham once (a 1-3 loss), and their recent 3-3 draw against Tennessee. All games have been tough and competitive, but they find themselves in fifth place with 4 points so far.

Southern Soccer Academy - very competitive

SSA has just one win (2-0 over East Atlanta) so far for 3 total points, and three losses. They've been competitive (GD is -2) in every match, facing Legion 2, Tennessee, and Dothan. They're going to get some results against the teams above them.

Columbus United - don't relax against CU

Columbus has played three matches so far, drawing Birmingham and Tennessee, and losing 0-1 to Dothan. They've got 2 points, and find themselves seventh in the table early on. There's no way they'll stay down here until the end, but for now they're the poster children for how tough this division is.

Apotheos and East Atlanta - looking to recover

Both of these teams have had a tough start, and are looking for their first points. Apotheos is new to this league, and was expected to be a contender. They've lost two close games, and were crushed by Asheville in the other. I watched most of the game against Asheville, and they looked much better than the score would indicate; they'll make some noise. East Atlanta has only played twice, and have yet to score, while conceding 7 goals. Much like Apotheos, they have talent and experience, and will be a factor. Nobody should take either team lightly.

The next two weeks are crucial

The teams that have played four matches have completed a third of their season. Among the current leaders, Birmingham, Dothan, and Tennessee have points in hand, while Asheville has two games in hand. I've watched several games, and have seen almost everyone play at some point. There will definitely be shake-ups in the standings, and the only thing I would consider an upset is if someone manages to beat Asheville City. Can they make it through ten more games with a giant target on their backs? Only two teams will be guaranteed to make it into the playoffs. The current top three have put themselves into a great position, and the teams below them will have a lot to say about it. The next two weeks will be crammed full of action, and there will likely be some separation in the table. If you haven't been to a match or watched one the games online, you've missed some great soccer, and I guarantee there's more to come.