The top two teams in the Ranger Division meet Monday night as McKinney Chupacabras FC visits Denton Diablos in a matchup that could go a long way toward deciding the division title.

McKinney enters the match unbeaten at 6-0-1 with 19 points, sitting atop the Ranger Division standings. Denton sits close behind in second, keeping pressure on the Chupacabras.

The Chupacabras have scored 17 goals while conceding a division-best six, giving them a plus-11 goal differential that is tied with Texoma FC for the best mark in the Ranger Division. Denton has also been strong defensively, allowing only seven goals while posting a plus-5 goal differential.

McKinney is coming off a 2-1 victory over West Texas FC on Saturday, avenging a 2-2 draw from the previous week. The win improved the club to 4-0 at home and marked the fifth time this season the Chupacabras have won by a single goal.

The two clubs have already met once this season. In McKinney’s season opener on May 16, the Chupacabras earned a 2-1 home victory, marking their first-ever win over Denton. Tucker Eason opened the scoring before Parker Bowman equalized for the Diablos, with Keane Cobuzio later scoring the winner to secure all three points.

Monday’s rematch figures to be just as competitive, with both teams entering the match among the hottest clubs in the Ranger Division.

Denton enters Monday riding a three-match winning streak, with each victory coming by a 2-1 scoreline. Most recently, the Diablos rallied past Lubbock Matadors SC on Saturday night behind a 90th-minute winner from Carlos Diaz.

The Diablos have featured a balanced attack this season. Joshua Rodriguez leads the club with three goals, while Bryan Miralrio and Parker Bowman have each added two. In all, eight different players have scored Denton’s 12 goals.

McKinney has also relied on balance and depth throughout the season. The Chupacabras have had 11 different players find the back of the net, accounting for their 17 goals.

Denton has proven to be one of the division’s most consistent clubs, especially at home, where it owns a perfect 3-0 record.

With just five matches left, there is little margin for error.

Monday’s match represents a six-point swing in the standings. A McKinney victory would strengthen its hold on first place, while a Denton win would tighten the race considerably. Texoma FC also remains in the mix near the top of the table, meaning the result could have major implications in a tightly contested three-team race.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday at Mean Green Soccer Stadium.

Written by Grayson Pitts

Edited by Elliott Stockdale