In relation to expectations so far this season, it was fair to say each of Sacramento Republic FC, Phoenix Rising FC and defending title-holders Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC hadn’t hit the levels we’d been anticipating.

On Saturday night, each came away with victories to boost their positions in the Western Conference but did so in differing manners. Here’s what we learned from each performance.

1. Sacramento Republic FC was clinical in front of net

Going into its contest against Las Vegas Lights FC at Heart Health Park, Republic FC ranked second in the league in Expected Goals (13.78xG) and was tied for third in the league with 113 shots, only to have just 10 goals to show for its efforts.

On Saturday, it all came together. The hosts weathered some early counterattack opportunities for the Lights before putting together a run of three goals in 14 minutes to break the game open before the halftime break. Republic FC ended the game with a 5-0 win on five shots on target with each being scored by a different player.

“I think we've created the most chances in the league,” said Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins. “We’ve had the most shots, but tonight we put them in the net, which is a big part of football, keeping them out on one end, and putting them in at the other. And we got goals at important times.”

Sacramento has looked like a contender this season. Against Las Vegas it put all the pieces together for just the seventh five-goal performance in league play in its history.

2. Phoenix Rising is figuring it out defensively

One of the key elements to Phoenix Rising’s victory in Week 10 was the manner in which it forced New Mexico United to the flanks and controlled the midfield, offering little opportunity for creativity from central positions.

Against Monterey Bay FC on Saturday night, Rising accomplished the same feat in a 2-0 victory that moved the side above the playoff line and avenged its loss at Cardinale Stadium earlier in the campaign. Monterey Bay was held without a shot on target, and to only eight touches in the Phoenix penalty area, but it’s the real lack of touches outside the top of the Rising penalty area that defined Phoenix’s defensive display.

“Overall, a great 90 minutes of performance,” said Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah. “But also, it’s wonderful to have the confidence that you’re not giving shots away, which in the beginning of the season we were doing a lot. It takes time to form a team to play the way that you want to play, but the biggest thing is always to have the belief and confidence in them.”

Scoring goals hasn’t typically been a problem for Rising this season – they’ve found the net in all nine league games – but keeping them out had been. This was another big step forward to that end.

3. Colorado Springs Switchbacks showed their resilience

As we noted on Thursday morning, Colorado Springs Switchbacks hasn’t been as airtight at the back as it was on its way to winning the Championship title a season ago.

Against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday night, however, the Switchbacks were able to lock down after Matt Mahoney’s early tally to come away with a 1-0 victory that gave the side just its second league win of the campaign before a sellout crowd of 8,023 fans at Weidner Field.

The Switchbacks allowed only six shots to the Hounds in the game, three of which came inside the final 10 minutes as the visitors pushed for an equalizer. After posting a shutout on the road against Las Vegas Lights FC in Week 10, Colorado Springs isn’t quite there in terms of complete performances yet, but it’s starting to show it can grind out results to keep it in touch of the playoff positions.

“Just happy that we were able to keep a clean sheet,” said Mahoney. “You know, that’s also been our biggest problem this year, up until these last two games. So, to win 1-0 at home is honestly one of the sweetest feelings.”