Matches to Watch This Week While Republic FC Rests
With Sacramento Republic FC off this week, attention shifts to a packed USL Championship schedule that could have major implications for the Western Conference standings. Republic currently sits mid-table but holds games in hand over nearly every team around them. While there are no points to be earned on the pitch, what happens this week could shape the next few months of the season. Here are four key matchups to watch and why they matter for Sacramento:
Monterey Bay vs. Louisville City
When: Saturday, May 24 | 7:00 PM PT
Watch: ESPN+
Monterey Bay has been one of the more consistent teams in the West early this season, sitting in 5th place with 15 points. But they’ve also played 11 matches — two more than Sacramento. This weekend, they welcome Louisville City, one of the most respected clubs in the Eastern Conference and a perennial contender.
For Sacramento, this is an opportunity to root for the East. A Louisville win or even a draw could prevent Monterey from extending their gap, keeping them within touching distance once Republic resumes play. Given Sacramento’s superior goal differential and games in hand, even a single dropped point by Monterey could prove valuable in the long run.
Oakland Roots vs. New Mexico United
When: Saturday, May 24 | 7:00 PM PT
Watch: ESPN+
A rivalry match with big Western Conference implications. New Mexico United leads the West with 18 points and has shown they can grind out results. Meanwhile, Oakland Roots — who trail Sacramento by just three points — are hungry for a statement win. They’ll be playing at home and will view this as a chance to not only close the gap on Sacramento, but also prove they belong in the top tier of the conference.
For Sacramento, a draw would be the ideal outcome. A New Mexico loss could also tighten the race for the top spot, but an Oakland win would give the Republic’s regional rivals an opportunity to leapfrog them in the table, depending on upcoming fixtures. This is the kind of six-pointer that can tilt momentum for weeks.
San Antonio FC vs. FC Tulsa
When: Wednesday, May 28 | 5:00 PM PT
Watch: CBS Sports Network & TUDN
This midweek clash pits two teams tied on 16 points — just three ahead of Sacramento — in what could be a defining moment in the top half of the West. San Antonio, a perennial playoff threat, and Tulsa, who are pushing to prove their legitimacy, both know the stakes: three points here could mean top-of-the-table positioning, especially if New Mexico falters over the weekend.
For Sacramento, this is another game where a draw is likely the best outcome. A win for either team could increase the distance from the chasing pack and complicate Republic’s route up the table. That said, Sacramento still holds a game in hand over both clubs, so the result here is less about immediate panic and more about keeping pace in a rapidly evolving race.
Las Vegas Lights vs. Phoenix Rising
When: Wednesday, May 28 | 7:30 PM PT
Watch: CBS Sports Network & TUDN
Fresh off a 5–0 drubbing at the hands of Sacramento, Las Vegas Lights will be looking to bounce back quickly at home. They face Phoenix Rising, a team tied with Sacramento on points but trailing on goal differential. Both teams sit in the thick of the playoff hunt, with Phoenix in 7th and Las Vegas in 8th.
This is a must-watch for Sacramento fans. A win for Phoenix would put them ahead of Republic in the standings, while a Las Vegas victory could signal a dangerous rebound from their recent loss. If both teams drop points — or even better, split them — it gives Sacramento a shot to climb without even taking the field. After such a strong performance last weekend, Republic’s place in the table is secure — for now — but this match could shuffle the order fast.
With no match of their own, Sacramento Republic FC enters this week as silent observers in a chaotic Western Conference. Whether it’s rivals closing the gap, league leaders dropping points, or playoff hopefuls battling for momentum, every result matters. When Sacramento returns to the field, the table could look very different — and this week’s matches will be a big reason why.