SAN DIEGO – San Diego Loyal SC will kick off its final run at glory in the USL Championship Playoffs as it plays host to two-time Western Conference title winner Phoenix Rising FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals on Sunday night before a sellout crowd at Torero Stadium. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

San Diego Loyal SC (16-9-9, 57pts) – SD Loyal rode a balanced attack to reach the USL Championship Playoffs for a third consecutive season, and while its defense had some ups and downs along the way the club earned a top-three finish for the second straight campaign. Led by Ronaldo Damus’ 12 goals, San Diego’s attack was just one of two that featured three players with double-digit goals, and the only one to have four players score at least eight time. That resulted in 61 goals in the regular season, second-most in the league, while Blake Bodily tied for second in the league with nine assists. Entering the playoffs on a six-game undefeated streak, the club will look to bow out in its final season with some silverware.

Phoenix Rising FC (12-10-12, 48pts) – Rising FC put together a strong campaign for much of Head Coach Juan Guarra’s first full season at the helm but fell off late in the campaign to drop to sixth place when a home playoff game appeared within sight. Two newcomers led Rising FC’s attack with Danny Trejo (17 goals) and Manuel Arteaga (16 goals) both recording career highs to sit as the best scoring tandem in the league, while midseason arrival Panos Armenakas also produced attacking creativity in the form of three goals and six assists. The side had some issues defensively, facing 153 shots on target – the most of any playoff team – and with a five-game winless streak to end the season the visitors will be hoping for a reset ahead of another postseason run.

All-Time Series

SD Loyal holds a 5-4-2 record over Rising FC in their histories, including going 1-0-1 earlier this season with a 3-0 victory on home turf.

DraftKings Odds

San Diego Loyal SC -120, Phoenix Rising FC +240, Draw +285

Opta Says

14 – SD Loyal has recorded 14 headed goals this season, the most of any team in the Championship, with Evan Conway, Adrien Perez and Blake Bodily each having recorded three apiece.

102 – Rising FC’s Rocco Rios Novo recorded 102 saves in the regular season, second-most in the league, and posted a goals prevented mark of -6.74.

Players to Watch

San Diego Loyal SC – Ronaldo Damus: The 2021 Championship Final MVP broke out in the second half of the season to lead SD Loyal with 12 goals overall and will look to add to his four postseason goals from two years ago.

Phoenix Rising FC – Danny Trejo: The standout forward bagged 17 goals and seven assist in the regular season but was held to only two assists in Rising FC’s final five games of the campaign.

Discipline Report

San Diego Loyal SC – No suspensions

Phoenix Rising FC – No suspensions