The keys to success for each side as four-time USL champions Charleston Battery host Cinderella story Phoenix Rising in thrilling USL Championship final Sunday

Despite endng their regular season campaign winless in five matches, Rising have pulled off the unthinkable, and have made it to USL Championship final with three-straight postseason road wins. Phoenix, the no. 6 seed, knocked off favorites San Diego Loyal 4-3 in an Extra-time thriller in game one of the playoffs, and followed it with a round two victory over Orange County SC.

Emil Cuello's 116th-minute goal in Extra-time secured advancement for Rising once again, with their second-straight hectic playoff match capped off by a winner with minutes to spare before penalties.

The most stunning result of the playoffs so far, though, was their 2-1 semifinal victory over Sacramento Republic FC. They leveled the game in the 80th minute, but stoppage-time in regulation saw them secure a berth in the final courtesy of Cuello once again.

Now, the Cinderella story of the playoffs are looking to make it four road wins in four matches, when they head to Charleston.

The Battery began the playoffs in stunning fashion, battering Indy Eleven 5-0 in the opening game. The No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference followed it up with a brilliant 2-1 victory over Birmingham Legion in the quarterfinals, where Derek Dodson's 68th minute winner secured them a semifinal berth.

The Semifinals saw them host No. 5 seed Louisville City, where the home side dominated the entire match in a 2-1 victory. City earned a goal back in second-half stoppage, but the Battery deservedly advanced to the final courtesy of goals from Augustine Williams and Arturo Rodriguez.

Now, on the heels of three-straight home playoff victories, the Battery have one more game at Patriots Point before they can potentially lift the USL Championship trophy.

Winning on the road is never easy, but once you figure it out, it seems to stick. That's where the Rising are at right now, too. The pressure isn't on them, it's on the home side who have won three-straight on their own turf. Knowing you're an underdog and knowing that you're at a disadvantage in nearly every scenario can sometimes work in your favor - because soccer isn't just about the physical game, it also focuses on the mental and intellectual sides of it as well. If they play their game and relieve themselves of worry, the levels are instantly even.

As for performance on the pitch, it's all about feeding their current playoff-run hero Emil Cuello. He's come off the bench twice to win games for Rising during this heroic stretch, so one would expect him to get the nod come Sunday.

The 26-year-old Argentine is as confident as they come at the moment, but if he isn't utilized from the start, keep an eye on regular season goalscoring sensation Danny Trejo - who found the back of the net 17 times during their campaign.

Three-straight home playoff wins AND you get to host the final? The Battery are living the dream.

However, they cannot overlook their advantages and come in overconfident. The Rising are in incredible road form, and the only time the two sides met this season was on opening day; a 1-1 draw.

For the Battery, though, it's all about feeding the playmakers who are in-form. Augustine Williams led them in scoring during the regular season and has found the back of the net twice this postseason, while Emilio Ycaza also has found the back of the net twice during the three-match span.

Patriots Point has been a fortress for the Battery this season, and they've won six of their last seven on their home turf. If the Battery can utilize their home support and their goal-scoring form to their advantage, they have a chance to list their fifth club-title and first-ever USL Championship trophy.

When: Saturday, November 12

Time: 7pm ET

Location: Patriots Point Stadium, South Carolina

Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) and SiriusXM FC (Radio, channel 157)