Oakland Roots welcome Phoenix Rising FC on Sunday, Sep 27 at 4:00 AM in a USL Championship fixture that's tighter on paper than the positions suggest — just 2 points split them in the table.

Oakland Roots come into this fixture drawing too many games (3D in last 5). Phoenix Rising FC, meanwhile, arrive in mixed form (2W 2D 1L) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks.

Despite playing at home, Oakland Roots face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Phoenix Rising FC have won 4 of 10 encounters, with 5 draws. Their last encounter ended in a 2–2 draw. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 3.0 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: Phoenix Rising FC's quality should tell even on the road. Oakland Roots will push, but the visitors have too much class. Phoenix Rising FC to win.