Rising looking to extend its unbeaten streak to six against El Paso Locomotive FC
Phoenix Rising is coming off a 2-1 victory over FC Tulsa, continuing to build momentum entering the weekend unbeaten in its last five matches. Rising will look to carry that momentum into its matchup with El Paso Locomotive FC, holding a 5-2-5 all-time record against El Paso, while also continuing its strong home form. Rising ranks among the top five in USL Championship regular-season history with 103 home wins and will look to earn its 104th this weekend.
“The mindset is always a new day, new opportunity. Keep working hard and doing what we need to do to put ourselves in the best possible situation,” Kah said. “We just keep going. We haven’t achieved anything yet, but we’re getting closer and closer to our objectives, so we’ve just got to keep pushing day by day.”
GAMEDAY INFORMATION –
WHAT: Phoenix Rising vs El Paso Locomotive FC
WHEN: Saturday, September 19 (7:00 p.m. PT)
WHERE: Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium (Phoenix, Arizona)
HOW TO WATCH: AZFS (3TV), ESPN+, Rising Radio (English), 90MasRising (Spanish)
RIDING MOMENTUM
Phoenix Rising continues to find contributions from across its attack, with 10 goals over its last five matches and 34 goals from 10 different scorers this season. That depth has helped Rising build a five-match unbeaten run, while continuing to make 38th & Washington a difficult place to play.
Rising is 6-2-4 at home this season and has earned points in five of its last six matches at home, including four wins and a draw. With contributions coming from throughout the lineup – including Gunnar Studenhofft’s three goal involvements off the bench and JuanDavid Torres’ first assist for the club. Rising enters this week’s matchup continuing to build momentum at both ends of the attack.
“I think it’s important that a lot of guys are involved,” Rivera said. “It just shows the depth of our team. A lot of players are contributing in different ways, and it just shows how strong our roster is.”
PLAYOFF PUSH
Despite its recent strong form, Phoenix Rising remains just one point outside the playoff picture with six matches remaining. Rising sits ninth with 33 points, while Lexington holds the eighth place spot with 34 points. Three of Rising’s final six matches will come at 38th & Washington, including this weekend’s matchup against El Paso and October home matches against Las Vegas and Orange County.
With the playoff race still within reach, Rising has an opportunity to make its move down the stretch. The only team in either conference to clinch a playoff position of late is Tampa Bay, sitting atop the conference with 48 points.
“We are aware of what we are playing for, obviously looking at the table,” Flores said. “We’re fighting for a playoff spot, so we have to keep winning games to collect points to get to the playoffs.”
TOP OF THE TABLE
El Paso Locomotive FC enters Saturday’s matchup atop the USL Championship table with a 13-7-4 record and 43 points. The Locomotive have been strong throughout the season, including a 7-4-2 mark on the road, and are currently riding a seven-match winning streak. Leading the way is forward Rubio Rubín, who tops the league with 14 goals this season. El Paso has won each of its last five matches, most recently earning a 2-1 victory over Louisville City.
“I think the key for us is to continue playing how we’ve been, and I think ultimately it’ll be down to who finishes their chances,” Rivera said. “We’ve got to be lethal in the chances we get and just put them away.”
