Phoenix Rising closes out a busy two-match week in California on Saturday night, traveling to face Sacramento Republic FC at 8 p.m. PT. The club enters the matchup looking to carry the momentum from Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over Colorado Springs – a performance that showcased Rising’s ability to find the back of the net and receive contributions throughout the lineup.
After earning a 2-0 victory over Sacramento at 38th & Washington when the sides last met in May, Phoenix will now look to replicate that success on the road and finish the week with another important three points.
“It’s about finding your momentum,” Kah said. “Today, we were a united group that understood what is needed for the club and the desire to fight for the club. I’m always so proud of my players.”
GAMEDAY INFORMATION –
WHAT: Phoenix Rising v Sacramento Republic FC
WHEN: Saturday, August 22 (8:00 p.m. PT)
WHERE: Heart Health Park (Sacramento, CA)
HOW TO WATCH: Golazo, AZFS, ESPN+
RISING ON TIME
Phoenix Rising delivered when it mattered most against Colorado Springs, earning a 3-1 victory in the club’s only nationally televised match of the season. Ihsan Sacko once again set the tone, scoring the opening goal for the sixth time in USL Championship play this season and reaching double digits with his 10th league goal. His ability to provide an early breakthrough has been crucial for Rising, which improved to 3-1-0 at home in league play when scoring first this season.
“It was a good job from the team,” Sacko said. “We stepped up together, so the hero tonight is the team because we did it all together.”
DEPTH ON DISPLAY
Phoenix Rising’s depth was on full display in Wednesday’s victory, with contributions coming from throughout the lineup. Gunnar Studenhofft provided an immediate impact off the bench, scoring his third USL Championship goal of the season. The forward has now contributed to two goals as a substitute this season, recording one goal and one assist.
The match also marked the Rising debut of Tate Schmitt, who entered in the second half after recently joining the club. Meanwhile, Rising’s established attacking contributors continued to make an impact, as Ihsan Sacko scored his 10th USL Championship goal of the season while Diego Gómez recorded his third assist of the campaign.
“I mean, when you win a game, everybody’s happy and we want more after that,” Sacko said. “I don’t know how we’re ranked right now, but we have a goal to be in the playoffs at the end of the season and that’s what we want. That’s the desire we have.”
SCOUTING SACRAMENTO
Phoenix Rising will face a strong Sacramento team who has posted an 8-5-6 overall record and going 3-1-1 over its last five matches. The club has been especially dominant at home, where it holds a 6-2-1 record. Multiple names have stood out for the Republic as Kyle Edwards leads the team with six goals this season and Jared Timmer was recently named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 24.
Blake Willey has also earned recognition as part of the league’s Young Player Spotlight. Historically, the two sides have met 28 times across all competitions, with the all-time series standing at 8-9-11.
“Now we have to focus on Sacramento on Saturday,” Sacko said. “We have to recover well from the travel because we are playing away and it’s going to be a tough game. But, we’re going there to get three points.”
