Match Preview Presented by Northern Arizona University
Rising (7-7-8) remains in playoff position despite a tough 2-1 loss to San Antonio last weekend. That match changed in the 13th minute, after the team’s leading scorer, Manuel Arteaga was shown a red card for a dust up with a San Antonio defender prior to a Phoenix corner kick. Rising was forced to play the final 78 minutes of the match down a man but looked like the better side after taking a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute
“It was all about heart and character,” said Rising Head Coach Juan Guerra after the match. “It was all about defending in a low block, trying to stay organized and protecting the box. It was about breaking with speed any time we had the opportunity. The boys did unbelievable. I am proud of them. I’m proud of our supporters. We’re going to be ok. I guarantee that.”
San Antonio capitalized twice late to steal a 2-1 win. Its first in the series since 2018. Despite the loss, Guerra was happy with his team’s effort heading into a vital home match against El Paso Locomotive FC this Saturday at 8 p.m.
“This group has heart,” said Guerra. “This group has talent. This group has resilience. Tonight doesn’t make us weak. Tonight doesn’t hurt us. Tonight got us very upset. I want to see next week… Who is going to step forward?”
In the absence of Arteaga, Rising will look to Danny Trejo, who scored his 10th of the season in the loss to San Antonio after connecting with Carlos Harvey. The duo has now combined for 14 goals and six assists this year. Phoenix also has the option of going to forward Dariusz Formella, who signed with Rising on July 25.
Rising’s opponent on Saturday, El Paso has not picked up a win in eight games dating back to June 14. In the first two matches of it’s current, three-game road trip, Locomotive has been outscored 9-2 in losses to Rio Grande Valley (July 29) and Miami (August 5).
“The team knows they put in one hell of an effort,” said Guerra. “It’s disappointing that we didn’t get anything out of [the San Antonio] game, but we’re going to put one foot in front of the other. [Last match] will make us stronger. We’re ready – 100% of my focus is about getting the boys back up and putting together a very good performance in front of our people.”
