One of the league’s best rivalries in the South Texas Derby highlights Sunday’s action in the USL Championship, with the three-game slate set to close out Week 3 also featuring an intriguing interconference matchup on the West Coast.

Here's a rundown of the action across the league.

Sacramento Republic FC vs. FC Tulsa

Venue: Heart Health Park
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: SAC 53%, TUL 22%, Draw 26%

The Lowdown: Sacramento Republic FC and FC Tulsa meet for the first time in just over two years – and for the first time as interconference foes – with the visitors riding a two-game winning streak after victory in midweek. Tulsa defeated San Diego Loyal SC 1-0 on Wednesday night thanks to a 77th-minute winner by Dario Suarez at ONEOK Field and will be hoping to make history with a first win against Sacramento in club history as they head back to Heart Health Park. A goal by Rodrigo da Costa earned Tulsa a 1-1 draw when they last visited Sacramento, but Republic FC holds an 8-0-2 record overall in the series and the side will be hoping to get back on a winning track after falling 2-0 to SD Loyal last Saturday night at Torero Stadium despite outshooting their hosts 18-11, putting six shots on target.

Spotlight Players
Sacramento Republic FC – Rodrigo Lopez: The veteran midfielder is on the verge of passing 10,000 regular season minutes in the Championship and could have a key role to play in the attacking third.

FC Tulsa – Gabriel Torres: The offseason acquisition notched the assist on Suarez’s goal on Wednesday and has been solid defensively so far, recording seven interceptions in three appearances.

Atlanta United 2 vs. Charleston Battery

Venue: Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: ATL 38%, CHS 35%, Draw 27%

The Lowdown: Atlanta United 2 will try to earn its first points of the season as it plays host to a Charleston Battery side looking to rebound from defeat last time out at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Atlanta suffered a third consecutive defeat to start the campaign on Wednesday night and was unable to register a shot on goal in a 3-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, leaving the side as only one of two yet to find the net going into the weekend’s action. Charleston was also held off the scoresheet in a 1-0 defeat to Detroit City FC last Saturday night to even its record at one win and one defeat in the early season. Contests between these two sides at Fifth Third Bank Stadium have been evenly matched previously with each team taking victory twice in six prior contests and the Battery holding a narrow edge in goals. The visitors will be without center back Leland Archer on Sunday, however, following his call-up to the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team.

Players to Watch
Atlanta United 2 – Noah Cobb: Recently signed to his first professional contract, Cobb and his defensive teammates will need to be sharper with the side having allowed a league-high 25 shots on target so far this season.

Charleston Battery – Preston Kilwien: An offseason arrival, Kilwien has recorded seven interceptions and six clearances over his first two outings and will be aiming to keep Atlanta’s attack under wraps.

Rio Grande Valley FC vs. San Antonio FC

Venue: H-E-B Park
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: RGV 32%, SA 41%, Draw 27%

The Lowdown: The South Texas Derby resumes on Sunday night with San Antonio FC hoping to continue its perfect start to the season against a Rio Grande Valley FC side aiming to rebound after a tough two-game trip on the West Coast. The Toros suffered a 1-0 defeat on Wednesday night to the LA Galaxy II, their second consecutive loss, as the visitors recorded only a pair of shots on target in the contest. San Antonio, on the other hand, took a 2-1 win against Los Dos in its most recent outing as Mitchell Taintor recorded the winning goal early in the second half. SAFC will be hoping to maintain its edge in the all-time series between the clubs where it currently holds an 8-6-7 record after defeating the Toros in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs. RGVFC put in an impressive display on home turf in taking victory in its season opener, however, and will be hoping for a return to that form in one of the best rivalries the Championship has to offer.

Players to Watch
Rio Grande Valley FC – Ricky Ruiz: The playmaker hit the post against the Galaxy II, narrowly missing out on opening his scoring account for his new club, and would quickly ingratiate himself with Toros fans with a big performance.

San Antonio FC – Shannon Gomez: The Trinidad and Tobago native has been solid in SAFC’s opening two contests on the right side, recording one assist and four key passes while also winning 4 of 6 tackles.