This week, Phoenix Rising has a golden opportunity to make history in the U.S. Open Cup. The club is aiming for its first-ever victory over a Major League Soccer opponent as it travels to face the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. This third-round clash marks the first competitive meeting between the two sides, setting the stage for a classic cup showdown.

Head coach Pa-Modou Kah is embracing the challenge, dismissing the underdog label. "I never look at our team or myself as an underdog," Kah stated. "We are equal once we step on the pitch." His squad carries the experience of a narrow extra-time defeat to the Houston Dynamo in last year's tournament, a match that proved they can compete with top-flight talent.

The U.S. Open Cup, a historic tournament dating back to 1914, is famous for creating these David vs. Goliath moments, where clubs from different divisions battle on a single stage. For Rising's players, it's a massive platform. Forward Ihsan Sacko captured the team's mindset, saying, "It’s a big chance for us... We’re excited because we definitely want to win this game."

Kah highlighted this as the perfect test for his ambitious squad, acknowledging the resource gap but focusing on the opportunity. "Some of them have aspiration to be in MLS. Some of them beyond. There’s no better test," he said, while reflecting on the fine margins from last year's defeat. The match against San Jose is more than just a cup tie; it's a chance for Phoenix Rising to prove its mettle and finally break through against MLS opposition.