Written by Zoë Lam
Phoenix Rising continues its road stretch this weekend with a matchup against Lexington SC, carrying momentum from a three-match unbeaten streak as it looks to secure all three points away from home. Despite the recent running, Rising is still searching for its first result against Lexington, having dropped both previous meetings between the clubs. With momentum on its side, Phoenix will be aiming to change that narrative and earn its first-ever result against Lexington.
“It’s just maintaining the clear vision of where we want to go and making sure we keep working every day,” Kah said, “That’s the reality of the sport – you cannot get ahead of yourself.”
GAMEDAY INFORMATION –
WHAT: Phoenix Rising at Lexington SC
WHEN: Saturday, August 8 (4:00 p.m. PT)
WHERE: Lexington SC Stadium
HOW TO WATCH: AZFS, ESPN+, Rising Radio (English)
SECOND-HALF SUCCESS
Rising has developed a habit of finishing matches strong, consistently finding another gear late in games. Two of the club’s last three league matches have featured comeback performances, highlighting its ability to stay in the fight until the final whistle. The trend is reflected in the numbers, with 15 of Rising’s 22 league goals coming after halftime. On the road, six of the club’s eight league goals have been scored in the second half, while eight of its 11 away goals across all competitions have come after the break.
“As long as our performance is there and we follow the plan, I think we will be okay,” Rakovsky said. “Its a long season…we win two games in a row and we’re right back in the playoff spots. If our performance is still there, I’m not worried at all.”
RETURNING TO FULL STRENGTH
Phoenix Rising continues to move closer to full strength as the club enters the final stretch of the season. With Ihsan Sacko returning to the squad after an absence last weekend and other contributors working their way back from injury, Rising is beginning to regain valuable depth and experience at an important point in the campaign.
Dominique Badji has also continued to find his rhythm since joining the club, providing veteran leadership both on and off the field while helping guide the youth. Additionally, Jaethan Irwin returned to the pitch for the first time since July 4 against Colorado Springs, adding another piece back into the squad. With key players continuing to return, Rising looks to build momentum, turn strong performances into results and make a push toward the playoffs.
“(Badji) has been very helpful in relating messages from the coaches, but also what he sees to guide and help the players because that’s also important,” Kah said. “That’s why when you have experience and veteran players in your group, they can understand things quicker.”
LEADING IN LEXINGTON
Lexington SC enters Saturday’s matchup sitting sixth in the Western Conference with 25 points and a 7-6-4 overall record. The club has been especially tough to beat at home, posting a 5-3-1 record, and carries momentum into the weekend after a 3-2 victory over Monterey Bay FC.
Lexington has won three of its last five matches (3-1-1) and consists of a strong attacking front led by Phillip Goodrum and Aaron Molloy, who lead the team with four goals apiece. Three additional players have found the back of the net three times this season, making Lexington an attacking threat from multiple areas of the pitch.
“We have a job to do which is to go there, perform our best and get three points for Phoenix Rising,” Kah said. “We’re thinking of a great week where we train well, get on the flight and make ourselves available and ready to go on Saturday.”
