Through two matches, Roots have begun to build an identity and momentum under new head coach Ryan Martin. On Saturday, they’ll find out if their strong start can travel beyond state lines. Heading into the match, here are my three questions that stand out:
Question 1: How much will Phoenix rotate its squad?
Saturday’s match against will mark Phoenix Rising FC’s third in a week. How Phoenix manages its squad on short rest could play a major role in the match’s outcome. Last Saturday, Phoenix played Orange County SC to a 1-1 draw. On Tuesday, Phoenix opened the US Open Cup with a 4-0 victory against San Ramon.
Midfielders Hope Avayevu and Jean Moursou, along with defender Adrian Pelayo, started and featured heavily in all three of their matches. Forward Juan Carvajal also logged significant minutes in both matches this week.
Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah’s decision on roster rotation will shape how competitive Phoenix looks on Saturday. This will also be Phoenix’s third home match in a row, so travel will not be a factor. On one hand, Kah may decide to field these players again because it is such an early point in the season. On the other hand, the long USL schedule, the Open Cup, and Phoenix’s stacked USL Cup group may encourage a more cautious approach.
Meanwhile, Roots come into the match with a distinct advantage with adequate rest. Due to changes in this year’s US Open Cup, Oakland did not qualify after missing the playoffs last season. While that deprives them of an opportunity for silverware and enticing matchups, like the 2024 matchup against the San Jose Earthquakes, it provides Roots with a clear benefit.
Oakland enters the match on a full week’s rest and with a roster nearing full health, as noted by Martin in last week’s postgame press conference.
Question 2: Does Danny Trejo start?
In 48 minutes across two matches, Danny Trejo has left an indelible mark. Will Saturday be the day that Roots unleashes Trejo for a full 90?
Trejo made an immediate impact in 19 minutes against Monterey Bay, tying the team-lead in touches in the opposing box. He was on the receiving end of a few dangerous, direct balls and nearly scored a header before it was called offside.
In his 29 minutes against New Mexico United, Trejo got even more involved. He increased his passes from eight to 13 and created two chances. The big chance he created resulted in the own goal that would ultimately serve as the difference in the match.
Trejo’s contributions in the first two matches of the season have led to excitement about him potentially starting a match. After the match on Saturday, Martin hinted that Trejo may be nearing a return to the starting eleven: “We maxed out his minutes in the last two games. We’re progressing; he is probably closer to full-go next week in terms of no minute restriction.”
However, Martin’s comments also hinted at a strong desire to protect Trejo after an injury-riddled 2025 season. Martin stated, “We’re being patient with Danny Trejo. He wants to start and wants to be a big contributor, but we also can’t lose him for 6-8 weeks. If we do, then we’re in some trouble.”
The Roots’ strong start to the season and defensive emphasis make them less desperate for a contribution from Trejo. That patience may delay his return to the starting eleven, even if he is ready.
Question 3: How do the Roots handle the weather?
Saturday’s weather in Phoenix may shape the match as much as either team’s tactics or roster decisions. The city is currently forecasted to be 90+ degrees by match time at 7:00 p.m.
The Bay Area experienced a heat wave this week. Temperatures hit the high 80s, and a heat advisory was issued. For those acclimated to the Bay’s weather, the week proved toasty. The inferno awaiting Roots in Phoenix will be a whole other animal.
Saturday’s high in Phoenix will be 103. The temperature at kickoff is projected to be 94 degrees and will drop to a “cool” 89 degrees at the time the game will conclude.
The way Martin manages his players in this heat will factor into the match’s outcome. Although the Roots did not play in the US Open Cup this week, Martin has fielded the same starting eleven in both matches. Martin utilized the same three substitutions in each match (Neveal Hackshaw, Danny Trejo, and Jackson Kiil).
The defensive backline has played every minute this season. Midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga and Tommy McCabe join the defensive backline in that feat. Peter Wilson has only missed one minute of the season. Expect Martin to use all five substitutions for the first time this season.
If ready, Saturday might represent the perfect opportunity to incorporate Florian Valot and Keegan Tingey, although it remains unclear how close they are. After the match on Saturday, Martin discussed the availability of the pair: “We’re progressing … I don’t think we’re far off on both guys. They weren’t overly serious.”
The conditions on Saturday may push Martin to bring Valot and Tingey into the fold.
However, caution surrounding these conditions may push Martin to hold the two back. Similarly to his statements on Trejo, Martin expressed a desire to play the long game: “We know it’s a 30-game regular season, plus four more games with the Cup. It’s a long season…We don’t want to fade out.”
Other options exist that Martin can either start or bring in as a substitute. Midfielder Ali Elmasnaouy has yet to see the field. In the offseason, Martin expressed excitement about Tommy McCabe’s influence on Bobosi and Elmasnaouy. Saturday could provide a chance for Martin to see if McCabe’s influences on Elmasnaouy match what the team has seen with Bobosi.
Off-season signing Jesus de Vicente also may get his first gametime to relieve either Julian Bravo or Mark Fisher. Coming off his final college season at the University of Virginia, Martin called de Vicente a player that, “We’ve had our eye on… for some time” and called him, “a left back, who, in my opinion, is one of the best in the NCAA.” Saturday may allow de Vicente to demonstrate his readiness to make the jump to the USL.
Saturday will hinge on much more than just tactics. The weather and roster management will play a huge role. At the end of Saturday night, the Roots will find out the answer to their most important question: can they continue their hot start?