With the 2-2 draw against Austin Bold FC on Wednesday, the Monarchs increased their lead over Orange County FC to two points and El Paso Locomotive to three points with but a single match remaining for all three teams. A full three points against the Republic on Saturday afternoon will be enough to ensure a home quarterfinal match next weekend, but any other result leaves an opening for the two other sides.
A draw with Sacramento during the afternoon will leave Orange County with something to play for against 2nd place Fresno tomorrow evening, but it will require them to outscore the Monarchs by 6 goals to overcome the goal differential and host the Monarchs.