Phoenix Rising FC have been an absolute thrill ride on their three-game tour of California in the USL playoffs. A 4-3 heartstopper at San Diego, 2-1 victory in extras at Orange County, and a 92' winner against Sacramento after a Donovan OG. Let's look at what makes the Rising tick on the road. 

Matchday Starts on Monday. 

Coach Juan Guerra has mirrored his friend across the pitch Ben Pirmann's success at Phoenix Rising this year with a positive attitude that would have you run through a brick wall. 

For the Rising, the match starts when they start practice. No distractions or misaligned priorities. This attitude has served them well as they've had to overcome in-game adversity in hostile road environments. Forward Daniel Trejo has been the season-long standout (17 goals), but the entire team has risen up to the occasion especially late in games. 

They are going to have to dig deep against the Battery who have gotten out to quality starts in their playoff matches and have stayed focused against second-half challenges from Birmingham and Louisville. 

 Friendly Competition 

Much has been said about the United State's ability to grow soccer at the lower levels, but you can feel the passion for the sport when talking to Coach Juan and Ben. Both have been friends for the past few years, but will be bitter rivals for 90' this Sunday. 

"I can promise you that I want to beat him on Sunday, and then I'll give him a hug and then we'll have a beer after the game." said Guerra. 

There will be "no surprises" on Sunday as both coaches have worked together to share knowledge all in the name of improving the sport at their various stops in the USL. 

Both have done an incredible job with their clubs and I can imagine all USL fans are thrilled to see the USL final this Sunday on ESPN2 at 7pm EST.