The Samba attack from all angles at all times, which makes this match against the league's highest scoring team (42 goals) a treat for fans of offensive firepower.  Sacramento features a balanced ball control offense, led by the skilled passing of Anthony Chimienti and Jimmy Frazelle. Both are threats to eschew the pass and attack the nets. Chimienti in particualr has given the Samba fits with his deceptive speed and deft touch. The Knights have been the NPSL's hottest team in the second half, winning the top seed in the brutally tough Western division.

The Samba, no strangers to lighting up the scoreboard in coach Artie Cairel's brilliant attacking system, counter with a relentless offense and punishing defense. Salinas forward Ismael Ibarra has finished 14 scoring attempts this season, often off of perfect feeds from controlling midfielders Mark Hogenhout and Joel Sanchez. Samba netminder Christian Matterazzi is protected by a physical and talented back line led by stopper Tommy Hernandez.

The winner of this game advances to the Western division finals to face the winner of Saturday's contest between Chico and Sonoma. That game would decide who will host the undefeated Detroit Arsenal, in a battle for the National Championship.

 In a season that has already featured a magical run for the USASA Region IV Championships (lost 5-4 in PK's in the Championship game) and also wild upset wins in the prestigious U.S. Open Cup, this has truly been the "Summer of Samba."