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2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs – USL Alumni to Watch

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 10/26/16, 11:06AM EDT

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As the Knockout Round kicks off, here are five players who could play a key role for their sides

The 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs kick off on Wednesday and Thursday night as the four lower seeds in the MLS Eastern and Western Conferences meet for a place in the Conference Semifinals this weekend. Ahead of tonight’s opening game between Toronto FC and the Philadelphia Union (7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2), here are five former USL players who could play a key role for their club in the postseason.

Lamar Neagle
D.C. United (Charleston Battery)

The 2010 USL Second Division Most Valuable Player for the Charleston Battery has had a good first season for D.C. United, leading the team with nine goals and sitting tied for third on the team with six assists. Neagle has been effective both as a starter and as an offensive spark off the bench during D.C.’s 6-2-5 conclusion to the season, scoring six goals in his past nine appearances, and will aim to continue that run of form as United looks to carry its strong form into the postseason.

Alex Muyl
New York Red Bulls
(New York Red Bulls II)

After scoring his first professional goal for the New York Red Bulls II back in April against Bethlehem Steel FC, the rookie Homegrown signing has gone from strength-to-strength for Coach Jesse Marsch’s side. Muyl finished his first regular season with two goals and six assists, earning a consistent place in the Red Bulls’ starting lineup as the side put together a 16-game undefeated streak to finish top of the Eastern Conference. As he enters his first postseason, Muyl’s creativity and work rate as part of the Red Bulls’ pressing system will make him one to watch.

Dominique Badji
Colorado Rapids
(Charlotte Independence)

After spending time on loan with the Charlotte Independence last season, Dominique Badji has started to come into his own for the Rapids this year with six goals and four assists in his 27 appearances during the regular season. In a remarkable turnaround season for Colorado, Badji and fellow Independence loanee Marlon Hairston (team-high six assists) have played a key role, and will be looked to for more of the same as the Rapids enter as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference this weekend.

Richie Marquez
Philadelphia Union
(Harrisburg City Islanders)

The former Harrisburg City Islanders loanee has become a fixture at center back for the Union over the past two seasons, but will need to raise his game as the Union visit Toronto FC in the Knockout Round on Wednesday night. The Union have been winless in their past seven games going into the postseason, with the defense conceding 14 goals in that span. Marquez and fellow City Islanders alum Ken Tribbett will have a big test with the duo of Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco likely waiting for them at BMO Field.

Osvaldo Alonso
Seattle Sounders FC
(Charleston Battery)

The USL First Division Rookie of the Year in 2008 for the Charleston Battery, Alonso has had a renaissance season in helping drive the Sounders’ second-half surge into the playoffs. The Cuban holding midfielder had three goals and four assists – equaling his regular-season high in goals and setting a new mark in assists – as he finished with the third-most minutes of action for Seattle. With the Sounders having gone 8-2-4 since July 31, the side has positive momentum going into the postseason, as Alonso and the side pursue their first MLS Cup.

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