The Colorado Springs Switchbacks can take a big step toward the Western Conference championship with a victory at second-place Oklahoma City at 6 p.m. MT on Saturday.

Even if it may cause some awkwardness over the holidays for one player.

Colorado Springs forward Miguel Gonzalez hopes to continue a breakout rookie season at the expense of his younger brother Daniel, a midfielder for the OKC Energy (12-7-7).

“Our family’s really close and not cheering for any of us, saying that the best team will win,” Daniel said on USL.com. “That’s how it should be.”

 “I talked to her [his mother], and she said that since he won the first game, it’s only fair that I win this game,” Miguel said in the same article. “The whole family is excited for both of us. It’s been fun.”

The playoff-bound Switchbacks (14-9-3), now in first place after Wednesday’s home win over Austin, realize the importance of the game.

The winner will likely clinch a top-two finish and a first-round bye in the United Soccer League playoffs.

“We are looking at this as a playoff match,” Switchbacks coach Steve Trittschuh said in a press release. “We are sitting at the top of the conference and we would like to be there at the end of the regular season. The players are looking to keep the momentum we have from the last two matches (wins) and getting a (positive) result in Oklahoma City.”

The game can be viewed live on gazette.com. Colorado Springs hosts the LA Galaxy II next Saturday.