Phoenix Rising closed out a successful two-game week in California, earning four points across two matches. Rising battled to a 2-2 draw against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, with Ihsan Sacko scoring both goals, including the equalizer in the 85th minute. The result capped a strong week for Rising, building momentum and securing valuable points away from home.
“The message was fight for every inch, fight for six quarters. I think we did that,” Kah said. “But I commend my players, and I’m very proud of how they came back and fought and tied the game.”
Rising returns home next week to take on Indy Eleven for dollar beer night, with the match marking one of the club’s final five home games of the regular season.
RISING RESILIENCE
After falling behind 2-0 in the first half, Rising fought back to level the match and leave Sacramento with a valuable point. The team’s ability to respond late continued a trend that has defined its attack this season, with Rising scoring 10 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches, one of the highest totals in the USL Championship.
Diego Gómez continued to make an impact in the attack, recording his fourth assist of the USL Championship season to set up Sacko’s first goal. Tate Schmitt also continued his strong start with Rising, recording his first USL Championship assist on Sacko’s late equalizer. The comeback capped a successful two-game week in California, with Rising earning four points and continuing to find contributions from across the squad.
“Another big opportunity and taking steps in the right direction of not losing but then also putting on performances that are going to help us prepare for the post season,” Schmitt said. “It’s another opportunity for us to play at home in front of our fans and keep putting in performances that will bring people out to our stadium.”
STANDOUT SACKO
Ihsan Sacko was once again the difference-maker for Rising, scoring both goals to bring his season total to 12 USL Championship goals, the most in the league. His first came just before halftime to give Rising momentum heading into the break, while his 85th-minute finish secured the point on the road. Sacko continues to be one of Rising’s most dangerous attacking threats, now leading the team in goal contributions and tied for the league lead in shots with 59.
“I thought Sacko’s two goals were unbelievable finishes, great pass from Diego, but the fight brought us back into the game and that’s what we’ve got to keep going for the rest of the season,” Kah said.
GOAL-SCORING PLAYS
SAC- Tyler Wolff, 19: Right footed cross from Mayele Malango to the head of Tyler Wolff who headed the ball inside the box to the right of Rakovsky.
SAC- Jose Rodriguez, 26: Interception in the midfield to the feet of Danny Crisostomo who hit a one-time pass to Jose Rodriguez who chipped the ball to the center of the net from the outside of the box.
PHX- Ihsan Sacko, 45: Diego Gomez played a left footed pass across the top of the 18-yard-box behind the defensive line to Sacko who shot off of his right foot from inside the box into the lower left corner.
PHX- Ihsan Sacko, 85: Long left footed cross from Tate Schmitt to the back side of the six-yard-box off of the right foot of Sacko.
NOTES
- Historically, the two sides have met 31 times across all competitions, with the all-time series standing at 8-9-11 in favor of Sacramento.
- Phoenix Rising have scored 6 goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half, only El Paso Locomotive (7) and Las Vegas Lights (7) have scored more in the USL Championship this season.
- Phoenix Rising have scored 10 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Tampa Bay Rowdies (14) and Colorado Springs (11) have scored more in the USL Championship this season.
- Diego Gómez has assisted his fourth goal at the USL Championship this season, more than any other Phoenix Rising player.
- Ihsan Sacko has scored his 12th goal of the USL Championship this season, more than any other player in the league and is leading Rising in goal contributions (3 assists).
- Ihsan Sacko has attempted 59 shots this season, the joint-highest total in the USL Championship (alongside 2 other players).
- Tate Schmitt has assisted his first goal in the USL Championship this season.
Phoenix Rising (6-8-7, 25 pts) vs. Sacramento Republic FC (9-5-6, 33 pts)
Goals by Half 3 1 FT
Phoenix Rising 1 1 2
Sacramento 2 0 2
Scoring Summary:
SAC: WOLFF, 19
SAC: RODRIGUEZ, 26
PHX: SACKO, 45
PHX: SACKO, 85
Misconduct Summary:
SAC: Crisostomo (caution); 48
PHX: Smith (caution); 76
PHX: Biasi (caution); 96
Lineups:
PHX: GK Rakovsky, D Flores (D. Rivera, 83) D Scearce, D Mar Boye, D Smith (Studenhofft, 76) M Gomez (Schmitt, 64) M Pelayo (Czichos, 64) M Moursou, F Sacko, F Badji, F Dennis (Biasi, 45)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Odunze, M G. Rivera,
TOTAL SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 19; OFFSIDES: 4; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 1
SAC: GK Vitiello, D Leibold, D Desmond, D Timmer, D Gurr, M Casas De Abadal (Essel, 91) M Crisostomo (Rodriguez, 72) F Wolff (Jennings, 72) M Willey, M Rodriguez (Edwards, 91) F Malango (Spaulding, 54)
Substitutes Not Used: D Kleemann, F Midence, GK Randolph
TOTAL SHOTS: 6; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 12; OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 0
Referee: Amin Hadzic
Assistant Referees: Benjamin Davis, Jordan Price
Fourth Official: Brian Cordova-Munoz
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial.
