USL Championship Matches to Watch This Weekend While Republic FC Rests
With Sacramento Republic FC on a bye this weekend, fans should keep an eye on these key USL Championship matchups. Every result has the potential to impact the Western Conference standings, making this an important weekend even without Republic FC on the pitch.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Detroit City FC
Date & Time: March 15, 2025 at 3:00PM PST
Where to Watch: ESPN+
The defending USL Championship winners, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, host Detroit City FC in their home opener. Colorado Springs is one of the toughest home teams in the West and has already proven they can compete this season after a 2-2 draw on the road against El Paso.
Republic FC fans will remember the Switchbacks well—on the final day of the 2024 regular season, they defeated Sacramento, dropping Republic FC from 2nd to 5th place in the Western Conference. Now, Sacramento will be watching closely as the Switchbacks prepare to visit Heart Health Park next week. Their performance against Detroit City will offer insights into what Republic FC can expect when the two sides meet in Sacramento.
Monterey Bay FC vs. Oakland Roots SC
Date & Time: March 15, 2025 at 7:00PM PST
Where to Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network, Paramount+
Northern California bragging rights are on the line as Monterey Bay FC hosts Oakland Roots SC in an early-season rivalry match. These two clubs have built a strong regional competition with Republic FC, and their games are filled with intensity.
Both teams have aspirations of being playoff contenders this season, and early-season points are crucial. Monterey Bay will want to defend their home turf, while Oakland looks to bounce back after conceding four goals in a tough loss to Orange County last weekend. For Republic FC, this is a key matchup to watch, as both clubs will be fighting for positioning in the West all season long.
Las Vegas Lights FC vs. New Mexico United
Date & Time: March 15, 2025 at 7:30PM PST
Where to Watch: ESPN+
This game features two teams expected to be among the Western Conference’s top competitors. New Mexico United finished last season as the No. 1 seed but fell 2-1 to Republic FC in Sacramento’s season opener last weekend. Meanwhile, Las Vegas Lights FC is the team that ended Republic FC’s playoff run in 2024, defeating them on penalties in the first round.
Both clubs have high expectations this season, and this matchup will be a test of where they stand early in the campaign. Can New Mexico bounce back after their loss to Sacramento, or will Las Vegas continue to build momentum and prove they are a serious contender once again?
Orange County SC vs. Lexington SC
Date & Time: March 15, 2025 at 7:30PM PST
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Orange County SC looked dominant in their 4-2 victory over Oakland Roots last weekend and could be a team to watch in the Western Conference this season. Their high-energy attack controlled the game, and they will look to build on that performance at home against league newcomers Lexington SC.
Lexington is an interesting addition to the USL Championship this year, placed in the Western Conference despite being based in Kentucky. They started their inaugural season with a solid 2-0 win over Hartford Athletic and are expected to be competitive, but this match against a strong Orange County squad will be their biggest test so far.
With Republic FC off this weekend, these matches will provide key insights into their upcoming opponents and an early look at the Western Conference playoff race.