The Vancouver Whitecaps face a tough test against the Philadelphia Union in their next match as they look to climb to the top of the Western Conference.
The Whitecaps are currently third in the West, seven points behind leaders San Diego FC, but have played two fewer matches than both teams above them.
This game could also prove to be crucial for the Supporters' Shield title. The Union are currently on 57 points, like San Diego, and are five points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference after their 1-0 win over second-place FC Cincinnati last time out.
Whitecaps defender Edier Ocampo believes the team are prepared to face the Union, while their confidence will be further boosted when players return from international duty.
"We are looking to perform in the best way possible," said Ocampo.
"We are working on our strengths and a couple of other things we can get better at.
"Of course, we want to win this game. It is a big game, we know that.
"We have been working here over the last couple of weeks, and now we are just waiting for international players to get back to give us that little extra grain of salt, and hopefully we can get a result on Saturday."
The Whitecaps recovered from 2-1 down to beat St. Louis City SC 3-2 in their last match.
Thomas Muller scored the winning goal for Vancouver in the 14th minute of second-half stoppage time, the latest match-winning goal in MLS history.
Ocampo praised Muller for the impact he has had on his team-mates, calling it a "blessing" to play alongside the 2014 World Cup winner.
"For everyone in the dressing room, and the fans, he's an idol," Ocampo added.
"He's an example to follow. I have watched him since I was a kid, and to share the training pitch every day with him is a blessing.
"It is amazing for me, and you can obviously learn so many things from him. He is such a professional, the way he trains, the way he carries himself.
"So I'm super happy to live this with him and have him as part of the team."
Philadelphia have lost just one of their last eight MLS matches, and have won their last two outings without conceding a goal.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White
The Whitecaps have been led from the front by Brian White this season, with the 29-year-old scoring 14 goals in 19 MLS matches.
White has scored in each of his last four games in all competitions, and has found the back of the net five times in his previous seven Whitecaps games.
Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo
Tai Baribo is the joint-fourth top scorer in MLS in 2025, scoring 16 times for the Union this season.
He also carried on his goal-scoring form during the international break, scoring in Israel's win over Moldova.