TULSA, Okla. – The highest remaining seed plays host to one of two remaining former title-winners in the postseason field when No. 1 seed FC Tulsa faces No. 5 seed Phoenix Rising FC in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix on Saturday night as the Scissortails look to build on their first win in the postseason at ONEOK Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

FC Tulsa (16-5-9, 57pts) – The Scissortails continued their best season in club history with a first playoff win last Saturday night as they took a 1-0 victory against defending USL Championship title-holder Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC after extra time at ONEOK Field. Stefan Lukić scored 80 seconds into the first period of extra time – his fifth goal after coming on as a substitute across the regular season and playoffs this year – and it proved enough for the hosts with goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda recording a three-save shutout. Tulsa is now undefeated in 12 consecutive games at ONEOK Field, and has won four consecutive outings, with its last defeat at home coming on April 12 against Oakland Roots SC. The side has also posted four consecutive clean sheets at home, with its home shutout streak sitting at 393 minutes.

Phoenix Rising FC (9-8-13, 40pts) – The 2023 title-winners returned to the Western Conference Semifinals after taking a 1-0 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday night as Charlie Dennis’ penalty kick proved the difference at Southwest University Park. Phoenix controlled much of the game, limiting El Paso to its season-low with three shots in the contest as the side’s recent defensive improvement continued. Rising has posted shutouts in four consecutive games – more than doubling its total for the season to seven overall – having last conceded on October 4 in second-half stoppage time against New Mexico United. Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah’s side will now try to earn a second road victory and maintain its bid for a second league crown.

All-Time Series

Phoenix Rising holds a 6-5-4 record against FC Tulsa all-time in the regular season, with the Scissortails earning a 1-0-1 record in the series this year after winning on the opening day of the season in Phoenix. Saturday’s game will mark their first postseason contest.

Opta Says

23 – FC Tulsa has recorded 23 goals from set pieces across the regular season and playoffs, tied for the most in the USL Championship, accounting for 45 percent of the club’s goals.

20.9 – Phoenix Rising FC has posted a 20.9 percent shot conversion rate across the regular season and playoffs, the highest mark in the USL Championship.

Players to Watch

FC Tulsa – Jamie Webber: The midseason addition recorded the game-winning assist on Stefan Lukic’s goal against the Switchbacks and has proven an influential piece in the final third since his arrival. Webber is now tied for the club lead with four assists and has notched 30 chances created overall in 1,369 minutes, an average of 1.97 per 90 minutes.

Phoenix Rising FC – Jean Eric Moursou: The 20-year-old midfielder has made a positive impact since arriving on loan from Valenciennes and completed 51 of 59 passes while making nine recoveries and two interceptions in his side’s victory against El Paso, helping Rising control the midfield and flow of the game.

Uniforms

Discipline Report

FC Tulsa – No suspensions

Phoenix Rising FC – No suspensions

Officials
REF: Brandon Stevis
AR1: Matt Trotter
AR2: Noah Kenyawani
4TH: Corbyn May