It’s a classic, if somewhat unorthodox, David vs. Goliath.

In a single season sample, the profile is all too familiar. Seacoast United Phantoms played in one of the most difficult divisions in the country, dominated it, and only dropped points once, when they got jumped on the road by a feisty AC Connecticut squad on a hot streak.

Peoria City waited until the very last day to technically qualify for the playoffs, and some absolutely critical results paved the way to the bid – a pair of draws with Des Moines Menace, a double-penalty save finish against River Light FC, and an extremely dramatic playoffs led them to where they are today.

It’s unorthodox, though, because while these two clubs have completely different stories, this is still the first trip to the Final for both clubs. This is uncharted territory for everyone.

However, for 90 minutes (or 120), none of it matters. Records and accolades won’t decide the 2024 League Two Final, the players on the pitch will. Here’s what you can look for in Saturday’s Final:

Seeing Ghosts

The Seacoast United Phantoms press is terrifying. It’s something you’d hesitate to wish on your worst enemy. At times, it feels like the Phantoms must have found a way to sneak a couple extra players onto the pitch, because even simple passes somehow become ground duels. It’s a high-effort style, but if Seacoast smells blood, the Carp won’t get a moment to breathe before Taig Healy or Ibrahim Conde are right on top of them.

It's how they’ve managed to turn marquee matchups into training exercises. Against Vermont Green FC, the Green essentially ceded midfield about half an hour into the match. They stuck to attempting long passes and going after the second ball because they couldn’t build out normally. They lost 3-0. The Phantoms’ forward-first defense is demoralizing and intense.

The Man from Clarke

The first name on every scouting report, and usually, the first name on the score sheet. Luke Persenico is a nightmare for opposing defenses, able to float out wide to allow DJ Koulai space to run centrally, or power his way into the center of the box to get on the end of crosses.

He’s not one to care much about pedigree or stature – he’s played his college soccer at NAIA school Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. None of that matters when opposing keepers from Division I schools are picking his shots out of their nets.

The Carp will go as he goes – they’ve welcomed immense performances from Koulai, Justin Wilson, Samy Slimi, Jonas Lyshoj, but make no mistake. Persenico will be the one everyone defers to when the going gets tough, and with seven goals these playoffs, he’s absolutely earned the responsibility.

The 309

Whether you’re attending in person or watching on SportsEngine Play, the 309 will have a profound impact on your viewing experience. The Peoria City supporters group is loud and consistent, and has been a major driving force as the Carp have hosted every round of the playoffs they’ve played in to this point. However, the other side of that coin also bodes well for the Phantoms – they’ve played in some incredibly hostile environments this season. They’ve won away games at Ocean City, Vermont and Lionsbridge, and won’t be daunted by the prospect of facing more energetic home support.

Pace and Space

Neither of these clubs live to muck up the game (which is a perfectly valid way of winning contests!). You won’t see low blocks before the 80th minute. Both of these teams play forward, play with intensity, and play to score a lot. The two teams have been held scoreless a combined ZERO times this season. It’s not necessarily risk-averse, as they’re both prone to being caught on the counter-attack at times, but these teams both play with the genuine belief that they will score first, and score often. Shea Stadium will be home to some fireworks on Saturday night.

You can watch the Final on SportsEngine Play from just about anywhere in the world, and watch history be made as tomorrow’s professionals do battle in Peoria.