It seems a pretty long time ago, now, the Charlotte Independence’s 1-2-2 start to the USL regular season. Since a 5-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II on May 11 that saw the side more than double its attacking output in the first five games of the season, the Independence have gone 9-1-4 in the league, propelling Head Coach Mike Jeffries’ side into second place in the USL’s Eastern Conference.

Second place is also now the Independence’s place in the USLSoccer.com Power Rankings – shared with San Antonio FC on 39 points – after Saturday’s 4-0 victory on the road against Bethlehem Steel FC extended their undefeated streak to 10 games, only two fewer than a club record set two seasons ago. With eight home games remaining, and only five on the road, over the remainder of the season, it’s looking good for Charlotte to host its first USL Cup Playoffs game when the postseason arrives.

The visitor to the Sportsplex at Matthews this weekend, however, is the only side to have beaten the Independence over its past 13 games and brings with it its own ambition for top spot in the Eastern Conference. Louisville City FC – which held at No. 4 this week – has certainly been there and done that over the past two seasons, reaching the Eastern Conference Final in back-to-back seasons.

Given the talent and approach both sides bring to the game, Saturday’s clash is going to be a must-see – not just for potential entertainment value but also because it could be a decisive moment in the race for first place at the end of the season.

The five-person USLSoccer.com voting panel tabulates 10 points for first-place team votes, nine points to the second-place team and so forth to one point for 10th place. The accrued points among the group determines the final ranking.

Here’s your new Top 10.

1. Real Monarchs SLC (50pts)

Last Week: W 2-1 at Rio Grande Valley FC

The Monarchs maintained the gap at the top of the Western Conference with their victory against Rio Grande Valley FC last Wednesday night and enter Monday night’s game against Tulsa Roughnecks FC looking to extend their home winning streak to 11 games. Tulsa is one of two teams to have defeated Real this season, though, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the rematch.