PHOENIX – In a blockbuster matchup between two of the top teams in the USL Western Conference Phoenix Rising FC and Sacramento Republic FC meet on Saturday (10:30p.m. ET | Match Center) in a match eager to test each other’s credentials in what is sure to be a thriller.

“We’re looking forward to playing Phoenix because it’s another opportunity,” said Sacramento Republic FC Head Coach Simon Elliot “We obviously did well for parts of the game last week, but we didn’t get it done and Reno did so we need to make sure we’re fully focused on Phoenix for 90 minutes. They’re a good side playing at home that is on a run of good results and we need to be up for the challenge.”

Phoenix comes into this match with impressive offensive form, having scored eight goals in two matches in Oklahoma last week. That came with different combinations up front, highlighting the depth that Rising FC has in its final third.

“I’m happy that we’ve been playing two games with two different attacks and the first game we scored three goals, and the second game five,” said Phoenix Head Coach Patrice Carteron. That means that no matter which offensive players we put in, we are always very dangerous because we have a lot of quality offensively.”

With eight goals last week it’s easy to look at Phoenix’s offense as the strongest part of the team, but with Carteron’s playing experience as a defender, he has created a strong defensive unit as well.

“I think that we found a way for the team to be more competitive and stronger defensively, which gave us the opportunity to feel more confident also offensively,” said Carteron. “I was also very happy about the spirit, game after game we are playing better, and the spirit is still fantastic in the team. I’m happy because we knew we were playing against three teams that we knew we could beat, and we did it.”

That spirit will be tested on Saturday night in the top of the table battle, but as always a strong home crowd will be on hand at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, boosting the team to what Carteron hopes will be a win.

“It will be a fantastic game for us against Sacramento, I’m sure the stadium will be sold out and all the fans will come to help us to a fantastic result,” said Carteron. “They’re one of the big teams of the league so we have to be strong for this game, and we’re going to work hard to have a good spirit, to organize, and to win.”

VEGAS ATMOSPHERE DIFFERENT FOR TEAMS: The 2017 Regular Season Champions, Real Monarchs SLC, face a new test on Saturday as it heads to Cashman Field to take on Las Vegas Lights FC for the first time (11 p.m. ET | Match Center). With a new venue and a vibrant atmosphere, the Monarchs aren’t taking anything for granted, determined to show why they are top of the conference.

“They’re a dangerous team with dangerous players,” said Monarchs Head Coach Mark Briggs. “They’ve got players who have played at the international level and they’re obviously a new franchise but they’re really dangerous at home. Their crowd is very hostile and it’ll be a very good atmosphere for our boys to play in.”

The respect works both ways, with Real’s reputation preceding them anywhere they go, Las Vegas Head Coach Isidro Sanchez knows that anything short of the absolute best from his team will not be good enough. Having played the Monarchs to a scoreless draw just 19 days ago, Lights FC know what to expect, with the homework done, the players are ready to go.

"We know where they are dangerous, we know where they give opportunities,” said Sanchez. “They have great quality players. IF you're not right on time, against them, you're going to miss (your opportunities). They only need one play, one second to solve a game. We need to be very aware of that, defensively and offensively."

After such a strong start to the season, Las Vegas’ form has slipped slightly, now five matches winless, Lights FC is trying to take positives from recent matches into this big match.

"I liked the seriousness and how humble we were, facing [Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC] in that environment. Their field, their city, everything, it was a lot to take on. Our players faced it well and played in a competitive way,” said Sanchez. “We competed strongly for about 85 minutes at 2,000 meters above sea level. In the last 10 minutes, it was difficult. But it shows how good our fitness is. Also, the 70 minutes played for Freddy Adu, that was the first time he accomplished that amount of minutes this season with that kind of intensity. I think those were the most positive things."

Conversely, the Monarchs come into this match in form, a four-match unbeaten run, but in this match will face a different challenge with all those matches coming at home, making this trip to Vegas a big test of that record.

“We just need to treat every game the same. Whether it is home or away it doesn’t really matter. We’ve set them up tactically how we think they’ll be successful against any opponent,” said Briggs. “We need to keep doing the things that helped us get to the top of the table. Making sure everyone understands their role and what is expected of them when we visit Cashman Field will really help us.”

WINNING ENCOURAGES SWITCHBACKS: After ending a brief four-match winless run with a 1-0 win over Las Vegas Lights FC last weekend, confidence is growing for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Despite that confidence beginning to flow, there is no time for sitting on the win, with a road trip to OKC Energy FC on Saturday (8 p.m. ET | Match Center)  giving the Switchbacks a chance to start a winning streak

“Winning is a good thing and we just need to keep getting better every game,” said Colorado Springs Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “We keep playing well defensively and we keep creating numerous chances in the attack. So if we sharpen up we can keep getting positive results.”

After winning at home, the Switchbacks will now have to go to the road to try and continue that form but that does not worry Trittschuh, who is looking to take momentum and keep things as similar as possible.

“Every away game teams have to deal with a lot of things, weather, travel or different playing surfaces. It is not easy to win on the road so we need to be focused on away games and concentrate on getting results,” said Trittshuh. “Every match is important to get points especially this time of year. We want to win every game so our approach will be no different.”