Rising Travels To Oakland For Second To Last California Trip Of 2026
After coming off of a 3-1 loss to El Paso last weekend, Rising travels to California for the second-to-last time this season to face Oakland Roots SC. The two sides are no strangers, with Saturday’s matchup marking the third meeting between the clubs this season.
The first meeting ended in a 2-2 draw, while the most recent matchup saw Rising fall just short in a high-scoring 4-3 contest. Across all competitions, Rising holds the advantage in the all-time series at 5-3-6.
“To win on the road is always difficult. It’s a very good team but we know what to do,” Czichos said. “We have a good game plan and at the end of the day, it’s just who wants it more.”
GAMEDAY INFORMATION –
WHAT: Phoenix Rising vs Oakland Roots SC
WHEN: Saturday, September 26 (7:00 p.m. PT)
WHERE: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (Oakland, CA)
HOW TO WATCH: AZFS (3TV), ESPN+, Rising Radio (English)
CREATING CHANCES
Rising’s attack has continued to showcase its depth throughout the season, with 35 goals coming from 11 different scorers. Ihsan Sacko remains the team’s leading scorer with 12 goals, while Gunnar Studenhofft follows with five. Sacko has also been a key contributor in the final third, sharing the team lead in assists with Diego Gomez at four apiece.
That balance has helped Rising find the back of the net 11 times over its last six matches, with contributions continuing to come from different areas of the attack. Notably, Rafael Czichos joined the goal scoring club last weekend with his first Rising goal coming against the top team, El Paso Locomotive.
“It’s a great moment not only for me as a coach, but for [Rafa] and his family and the team. He’s an important piece that has been missing for three quarters of the season,” Kah said. “To have him back and see what he can do when it comes to the leadership, but also playing, he brings a lot to our team. So for him to score his first goal, I’m very happy for him.”
THE FINAL FIVE
With five matches remaining in the regular season, Rising currently sits just one spot outside the playoff picture, setting up a crucial stretch run. The final five matches include three road contests against Oakland Roots SC, New Mexico United and Orange County SC, along with home matches against Las Vegas Lights FC and Lexington SC.
The playoff race remains tight as a win would put Rising within four points of fourth place, keeping the possibility of hosting a playoff match within reach. Tampa Bay and Charleston are currently the only teams to have clinched playoff spots, while Monterey Bay has been eliminated from contention. With five matches still to play, Rising will look to make the most of every opportunity as it pushes toward the postseason.
“We analyzed the game and now we know what we did wrong, and we know what we have to do better in Oakland,” Czichos said. “Now, we prepare for the next game. Five games left. We know what to do. We know that we have to win a lot of the five games to make the playoffs and, to maybe have the chance for home playoffs.”
ROAD TO ROOTS
Oakland Roots SC enters the matchup with a 7-9-9 overall record and a 3-5-5 mark at home. The Roots have picked up points in four of their last five matches, going 2-1-2 during that stretch, and are coming off a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven. Oakland currently sits 11th in the standings with 30 points, just three points behind Rising. Peter Wilson has been the team’s leading attacking threat this season, scoring 13 goals.
“It’s always been a great game when we play against them, even dating from last year,” Kah said. “The biggest thing we can do is focus on us and be ready. Everything is in our hands and to play for us, so we got to go there and take it.”
