Cedar Stars Rush face Long Island Rough Riders on Friday, Jul 3 at 1:00 AM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the USL League Two, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Cedar Stars Rush come into this fixture in mixed form (2W 1D 2L). Long Island Rough Riders, meanwhile, arrive in mixed form (2W 2D 1L) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Cedar Stars Rush head into this on the back of a defeat, while Long Island Rough Riders arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Despite playing at home, Cedar Stars Rush face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Long Island Rough Riders have won 5 of 6 encounters. Their last encounter ended in Long Island Rough Riders won 2–1. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 4.0 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Cedar Stars Rush a slight edge, but Long Island Rough Riders are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.