When you tell people the race to the postseason delivers drama, the late twists that proved the theme in this weekend’s action in USL League One was a brilliant example of what that looks like. Left early? You probably missed out.

Here’s more on that big storyline we took away from Week 23’s action, our picks for who’s up and who’s down coming out of the weekend, and thoughts on everything else we saw around the league.

ONE BIG THING – IT AIN’T OVER ‘TIL IT’S OVER

If you’re like me, there is never a correct time to leave early and beat the traffic.

The past weekend in USL League One showed why.

Across all five games, there was a stoppage-time finish. Three of them were game-winners – including those that raised and then dashed Union Omaha’s hopes of claiming the Players’ Shield this weekend – while another was a crucial game-tying goal.

Even the finish which didn’t change the outcome of the game at least gave Spokane Velocity FC’s fans a late sweat their side could earn a result, even if it ultimately fell 3-2 to Greenville Triumph SC.

• THE SHOWSTOPPER: Arguably the most important of the weekend’s stoppage time goals came on Friday night. Simon Fitch’s diving header after he snuck in to get on the end of Nil Vinyal’s beautiful cross gave the Richmond Kickers a 2-2 draw with South Georgia Tormenta FC and kept the Kickers in control of their playoff path.

• THE MOOD ELEVATOR: Luca Mastrantonio’s header for Union Omaha in the fifth minute of stoppage time wasn’t quite as spectacular as Fitch’s, but it lifted Los Buhos to a 2-1 victory against Lexington SC that opened the door to claiming the Players’ Shield.

• THE BUZZKILL: Omaha then had the scenario it needed late when Forward Madison FC was level with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC going into stoppage time, only for Madison’s Garrett McLaughlin to be upended in the penalty area. Christian Chaney was clinical from the penalty spot, keeping Union to wait another week to claim its silverware and leaving the Flamingos in solid control of second place with two games to play.

Every season sees its fair share of late drama over the course of the campaign, but it’s hard to recall a weekend where so much changed thanks to decisive stoppage-time moments. For Lexington and Chattanooga, it could end up proving key as they cling to hope of making the playoffs.

If this is the sort of drama we’re getting set up for in the postseason, count us in, and don’t leave early.

Three Up

Northern Colorado Hailstorm’s Late-Game Attack: The Hailstorm’s 2-1 win against the Charlotte Independence came on their 10th goal after the 75th minute this season. That’s tied for the league-lead, while the side has scored 22 of its 32 regular season goals in the second half this season.

Forward Madison’s Penalty Form: Christian Chaney’s penalty kick to give the Flamingos a 2-1 win against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC was the third conversion in a row for the side, the longest streak in club history. The Flamingos are 7 of 11 from the spot in their history.

Lyam MacKinnon’s Golden Boot Pursuit: The Swiss forward’s double against Spokane Velocity FC jumped him back into the Golden Boot lead ahead of Charlotte’s J.C. Obregon Jr. with 14 goals this season and two games to play.

Three Down

Tormenta’s Defensive Resilience: South Georgia Tormenta’s 2-2 draw was the fifth time this season the side has scored at least twice and dropped points from a winning position. The 12 points Tormenta has let slide is third-most in the league.

Charlotte’s Top-Four Chances: The Independence’s late loss to Northern Colorado extended their winless run to six games across all competitions, and facing a four-point gap to the top four with two games remaining.

Lexington’s Great Divide: The 17-point margin between Lexington SC’s points dropped from winning positions (18) to points gained from losing positions (1) is the second-highest total in a League One season, trailing only Forward Madison’s 18-point differential (20-2) last year.

THE REST OF THE ACTION

#TRMvRIC: The Kickers left it late, but ultimately it felt fair they earned a point from this outing. Onto the next six-pointer at home to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC next Saturday.

#OMAvLEX: In hindsight, Omaha’s late winner probably felt inevitable. You’ve got to wonder if Lexington’s inability to hold onto leads consistently has seeped into its collective psyche, which is a tough spot when the playoffs are still within reach.

#MADvCHA: Where the Flamingos find ways to keep their momentum going, which is crucial with games against One Knoxville SC and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC to end the season, the Red Wolves find ways to let potential results slip away. This weekend’s game in Richmond is likely the season for Chattanooga.

#CLTvNCO: Pretty good moment for Patrick Langlois to score his first goal for the Hailstorm, hey? The Australian’s winner put NoCo into great position to host a Quarterfinal to open the postseason.

#SPKvGVL: Big road win for Greenville in Spokane to ensure it’ll be in the top four regardless of One Knoxville’s result on Tuesday against Central Valley Fuego. The Triumph have also now extended their streak of winning 10 games in the League One regular season in every campaign of the league’s history.