Welcome to the Classic Championship Game of the Day, where today we revisit one of the biggest games in the race for first place in the Western Conference during the 2018 regular season, where Phoenix Rising FC and Orange County SC squared off for a top-three clash at Casino Arizona Field.

Two-thirds of the way through the season, both clubs were closing in on clinching postseason berths, but the race to try and catch Western leader Real Monarchs SLC was on, with six points separating the Monarchs from both Phoenix and Orange County going into this contest.

Phoenix was in the process of putting together its best season in club history, but had found some inconsistency in recent weeks, alternating losses and wins over its previous five games. It had, however, earned a 1-0 win on home turf when it last faced Orange County as a goal by Chris Cortez proved the difference on June 29.

Orange County, on the other hand, had ramped up its performance since that defeat and had won three games as part of a five-game undefeated run as it return to Arizona for the rematch. Darwin Jones had struck twice in a 2-1 win against Sporting Kansas City II in OCSC’s last outing, and it had the twin threat of Aodhan Quinn and Thomas Enevoldsen leading the way in attack with both in superb form.

The scene is set, so sit back, relax and enjoy a classic clash from the Championship’s history.