The first round of the League One postseason is in the books, and the weekend’s action was a showcase for the diversity of styles across the division. From Chattanooga’s anti-possession game to Charlotte and Madison’s rip-roaring transition styles and the sheer poise of Boise, the four clubs that advanced to the semifinal all did so thanks to a distinct sense of identity.
How did we get down to a final four, and what stood out from the first round? Let’s dig in.
Boise’s bid for “true” promotion
When North Carolina FC won the USL League One title in 2023 ahead of their return to the USL Championship, it felt like a proper pro-rel moment where a title-winning club was allowed to climb up the pyramid. Boise will be joining the Championship next spring, and they entered their first round playoff matchup against One Knox looking to start a title run of their own. In front of more than 7,500 fans, manager Nate Miller trusted his system to get the job done in a 2-0 win.
Notably, Boise was able to start Blake Bodily, Charlie Adams, and Nick Moon – three core pieces with shared San Diego Loyal lineage – in the same lineup for the first time since late August. Bodily and Moon brought spark from wingback; Adams’ ability to hit final balls from the edge of the final third was his chief contribution. Boise’s biggest challenge was to build a coherent structure to support and platform those players…