Match Preview: Monterey Bay FC Hosts Phoenix Rising FC
SEASIDE, California (Saturday, September 5, 2026) – Monterey Bay FC returns to Cardinale Stadium this Saturday, September 5, for a USL Championship Western Conference matchup against Phoenix Rising FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT as the Crisp-and-Kelp look to return to winning ways in front of their home supporters.
Monterey Bay enters the contest following a 1-1 draw against NorCal rival Sacramento Republic FC at Cardinale Stadium. The Crisp-and-Kelp earned a point against one of the Western Conference’s playoff contenders and will now look to build on that performance as they continue through the final stretch of the regular season.
Phoenix Rising FC makes the trip to Seaside in search of another important result in the Western Conference playoff race. Rising enters Saturday’s matchup unbeaten in its last three matches after earning a 2-1 victory over Indy Eleven in its most recent contest. Phoenix has collected seven points from its last three matches and will look to carry that momentum into Saturday night’s meeting
with Monterey Bay.
Saturday’s matchup presents another important challenge for the Crisp-and-Kelp as they look to close the gap in the Western Conference standings. Monterey Bay will look to take advantage of home-field support, remain organised defensively and create opportunities against a Phoenix side that has found its form at an important point of the season.
The match also provides Monterey Bay with an opportunity to respond after Phoenix claimed a 3-2 victory in the first meeting between the clubs this season. The Crisp-and-Kelp will look to even the season series and give the Cardinale Stadium faithful a result to celebrate.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s contest marks the second meeting between Monterey Bay FC and Phoenix Rising FC during the 2026 USL Championship season. Phoenix earned a 3-2 victory in the first matchup on July 18 at Phoenix Rising Stadium.
Monterey Bay will now look to even the season series on home soil and earn its first victory over Phoenix in 2026.
