Match Preview

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising has scored two or more goals in five of their first seven matches.
• Phoenix Rising has allowed just one total goal in its last four matches
• Midfielder Solomon Asante has scored a goal or notched an assist in five of the club’s first seven matches.

THIS WEEK
Saturday, April 27 — at Sacramento Republic FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW  
Stream: ESPN + (U.S. viewers); YouTube (International viewers) 
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising heads back on the road to take on Western Conference foe Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, April 27, at Papa Murphy's Park. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties being hosted by the club: Venezia’s Pizza in Tempe and Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub in Glendale.

Rising comes into the match riding high following a 4-0 drubbing of Tacoma Defiance. In that match, forward Junior Flemmings scored two goals and an assist to lead the offensive attack. He was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for that performance. Teammates Jason Johnson and Solomon Asante each recorded a goal and an assist. Goalkeeper Zac Lubin notched his third clean sheet of the season. 

The win propelled the club into 9th place in the Western Conference Standings, the first time this season Phoenix Rising has been in the top 10. Phoenix Rising’s ten points are just four points off the conference’s top team, Portland Timbers 2 (14 points).

A Little Bit About Sacramento Republic

• Sacramento Republic is coming off a 1-0 loss at Portland Timbers 2.
• Forward Cameron Iwasa’s five goals put him among the league’s top 10 goal scorers.
• Sacramento Republic has managed to score more than one goal in just one of their six matches.
• Sacramento Republic is third in the conference in goals conceded, only allowing five goals in six matches.
• Sacramento Republic leads all of USL Championship in successful tackles per match (14.7)

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• During Phoenix Rising’s 4-0 win over Tacoma Defiance, the team led for a total of 56 minutes. The club had led for a total of 87 minutes in the previous six matches.
• Per Opta, Phoenix Rising’s team rating of 6.9 is the third best in all of USL Championship.
• Phoenix Rising remains second in USL Championship in shots on target per match (6.3).
• Forward Junior Flemmings’ four goals put him among the top 10 scorers in USL Championship.
• Midfielder Solomon Asante’s four assists are just one off the league leader.
• Per Opta, Solomon Asante has the best average player rating in all of USL Championship (7.9).
• Asante also leads all of USL Championship in key passes per match (3.4) and shots on target per match (2.1).
• Solomon Asante has the longest active consecutive starts streak (12) for the club.

PHX and SAC

• This will be the thirteenth all-time meeting between the two clubs with PHX’s all-time record being 2-6-4.
• With thirteen matches, SAC will become PHX’s third-most common opponent in club history. PHX has only played Orange County (18 matches) and  LA Galaxy II (15 matches) more times.
• PHX has never won a match at SAC, going 0-3-3 in six matches.
• PHX’s last win against SAC came on August 26, 2017. In that match, current assistant coach Peter Ramage notched a goal.
• In 2018, SAC had the better half of the series, winning the first matchup in Phoenix, 3-1, and earning a 0-0 draw in Sacramento.
• Former PRFC forward Chris Cortez holds the club record for career goals against SAC (2). The only active players on the roster who has previously scored against SAC is Jason Johnson (1).

Record-breaking goal pace    
Rising's 14 goals through the first seven matches of the season is still ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored ten goals in its first seven matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
Solomon Asante remains the only player to have started in every match in 2019 (he has also started 12 consecutive matches dating back to last season). Two other players, Junior Flemmings and Jason Johnson, have also appeared in every match of 2019. Asante’s 622 minutes played is the team high, followed by Amadou Dia’s 540 minutes played and A.J. Cochran’s 529 minutes played.

Four and no more
Rising’s 4-0 win over Tacoma matches a team record for most goals scored, and largest margin of victory, at Casino Arizona Field. The team has now won 4-0 four times at home and have scored four goals ten times. The club record for most goals scored in a match overall is five, set on May 21, 2018, at Tulsa. 

Past Scoring Success
Jason Johnson is the only player on the club who has scored against SAC as a PHX player (one goal). But teammate Joey Calistri has found the back of the net twice against SAC, both times while he was with the Tulsa Roughnecks. His first goal came on April 9, 2017, in a 2-1 loss. His second was on May 21, 2017, in a 3-2 loss.

Hello Old Friend 
When the powerful PHX attack zeros in on the goal, they will likely see former Pheonix Rising goalkeeper Josh Cohen standing between the pipes. Cohen had success against Rising in 2018. In his two starts, Cohen allowed just one goal en route to a 1-0-1 record against his former club. Rising FC could also see former player Tyler Blackwood, who returns to SAC following a season with Swope Park Rangers. In his one season with the club in 2016, Blackwood scored eight goals and notched one assist in 26 appearances.

League Honors
Junior Flemmings’ two-goal, one assist performance against Tacoma landed him on the USL Team of the Week. Teammate Jason Johnson (one goal, one assist) was an honorable mention. It was the fifth time in 2019 a Rising player has been recognized by the league and the second time for Flemmings (Team of the Week Honorable Mention Week 1).

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising has scored two or more goals in five of their first seven matches.
• Phoenix Rising has allowed just one total goal in its last four matches
• Midfielder Solomon Asante has scored a goal or notched an assist in five of the club’s first seven matches.

THIS WEEK
Saturday, April 27 — at Sacramento Republic FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW  
Stream: ESPN + (U.S. viewers); YouTube (International viewers) 
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising heads back on the road to take on Western Conference foe Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, April 27, at Papa Murphy’s Park. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties being hosted by the club: Venezia’s Pizza in Tempe and Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub in Glendale.

Rising comes into the match riding high following a 4-0 drubbing of Tacoma Defiance. In that match, forward Junior Flemmings scored two goals and an assist to lead the offensive attack. He was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for that performance. Teammates Jason Johnson and Solomon Asante each recorded a goal and an assist. Goalkeeper Zac Lubin notched his third clean sheet of the season. 

The win propelled the club into 9th place in the Western Conference Standings, the first time this season Phoenix Rising has been in the top 10. Phoenix Rising’s ten points are just four points off the conference’s top team, Portland Timbers 2 (14 points).

A Little Bit About Sacramento Republic

• Sacramento Republic is coming off a 1-0 loss at Portland Timbers 2.
• Forward Cameron Iwasa’s five goals put him among the league’s top 10 goal scorers.
• Sacramento Republic has managed to score more than one goal in just one of their six matches.
• Sacramento Republic is third in the conference in goals conceded, only allowing five goals in six matches.
• Sacramento Republic leads all of USL Championship in successful tackles per match (14.7)

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• During Phoenix Rising’s 4-0 win over Tacoma Defiance, the team led for a total of 56 minutes. The club had led for a total of 87 minutes in the previous six matches.
• Per Opta, Phoenix Rising’s team rating of 6.9 is the third best in all of USL Championship.
• Phoenix Rising remains second in USL Championship in shots on target per match (6.3).
• Forward Junior Flemmings’ four goals put him among the top 10 scorers in USL Championship.
• Midfielder Solomon Asante’s four assists are just one off the league leader.
• Per Opta, Solomon Asante has the best average player rating in all of USL Championship (7.9).
• Asante also leads all of USL Championship in key passes per match (3.4) and shots on target per match (2.1).
• Solomon Asante has the longest active consecutive starts streak (12) for the club.

PHX and SAC

• This will be the thirteenth all-time meeting between the two clubs with PHX’s all-time record being 2-6-4.
• With thirteen matches, SAC will become PHX’s third-most common opponent in club history. PHX has only played Orange County (18 matches) and  LA Galaxy II (15 matches) more times.
• PHX has never won a match at SAC, going 0-3-3 in six matches.
• PHX’s last win against SAC came on August 26, 2017. In that match, current assistant coach Peter Ramage notched a goal.
• In 2018, SAC had the better half of the series, winning the first matchup in Phoenix, 3-1, and earning a 0-0 draw in Sacramento.
• Former PRFC forward Chris Cortez holds the club record for career goals against SAC (2). The only active players on the roster who has previously scored against SAC is Jason Johnson (1).

Record-breaking goal pace    
Rising’s 14 goals through the first seven matches of the season is still ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored ten goals in its first seven matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
Solomon Asante remains the only player to have started in every match in 2019 (he has also started 12 consecutive matches dating back to last season). Two other players, Junior Flemmings and Jason Johnson, have also appeared in every match of 2019. Asante’s 622 minutes played is the team high, followed by Amadou Dia’s 540 minutes played and A.J. Cochran’s 529 minutes played.

Four and no more
Rising’s 4-0 win over Tacoma matches a team record for most goals scored, and largest margin of victory, at Casino Arizona Field. The team has now won 4-0 four times at home and have scored four goals ten times. The club record for most goals scored in a match overall is five, set on May 21, 2018, at Tulsa. 

Past Scoring Success
Jason Johnson is the only player on the club who has scored against SAC as a PHX player (one goal). But teammate Joey Calistri has found the back of the net twice against SAC, both times while he was with the Tulsa Roughnecks. His first goal came on April 9, 2017, in a 2-1 loss. His second was on May 21, 2017, in a 3-2 loss.

Hello Old Friend 
When the powerful PHX attack zeros in on the goal, they will likely see former Pheonix Rising goalkeeper Josh Cohen standing between the pipes. Cohen had success against Rising in 2018. In his two starts, Cohen allowed just one goal en route to a 1-0-1 record against his former club. Rising FC could also see former player Tyler Blackwood, who returns to SAC following a season with Swope Park Rangers. In his one season with the club in 2016, Blackwood scored eight goals and notched one assist in 26 appearances.

League Honors
Junior Flemmings’ two-goal, one assist performance against Tacoma landed him on the USL Team of the Week. Teammate Jason Johnson (one goal, one assist) was an honorable mention. It was the fifth time in 2019 a Rising player has been recognized by the league and the second time for Flemmings (Team of the Week Honorable Mention Week 1).

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising is on a five-match unbeaten streak at Casino Arizona Field dating back to last season.
• Phoenix Rising has won the last four meetings against Tacoma Defiance.
• The club enters Saturday having sold out six consecutive matches.

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, April 17 — L, 0-1, at Austin Bold FC.
Saturday, April 20 — vs. Tacoma Defiance FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW  
Stream: ESPN + (U.S. viewers); YouTube (International viewers) 
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising returns to Casino Arizona Field this Saturday to take on the Tacoma Defiance (formally known as Seattle Sounders 2). Saturday is also Superhero Night presented by the Mayo Clinic. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Rising superhero cape. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the match kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

The club comes off a two-match Texas road trip that included a 2-0 win at El Paso Locomotive FC to start the trip and a 1-0 loss at Austin Bold FC to close it out. Rising had its chances in Austin, but goalkeeper Diego Restrepo notched five saves to keep a clean sheet. 

Rising heads into Saturday with a successful history against the Tacomas Defiance. In eight matches all time, the club is 6-2-0 against the Defiance and has won the last four meetings between the clubs. In the last three meetings, the club has won 1-0.

A Little Bit About Tacoma

• In their two wins, the Defiance has outscored opponents, 3-1. In its five losses, the club has been outscored 18-1.
• The club’s -15 goal differential is tied for the worst differential in USL Championship.
• Tacoma is tied for second worst in USL Championship in shots on target per match (3.0) and second-worst in the league in goals conceded per match (2.7)
• All three of Tacoma’s road matches have resulted in losses.
• In Tacoma’s last win, 2-1 over the Sacramento Republic on April 1, ten of the club’s 11 starters were on loan from MLS side Seattle Sounders.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising is unbeaten in its last five matches at Casino Arizona Field going 2-0-3 in that stretch.
• Out of a possible 540 minutes, Rising FC has led for 87 total minutes in 2019.
• Phoenix Rising is second in USL Championship in shots on target per match (6.2).
• Midfielder Solomon Asante leads all of USL Championship in key passes per match (3.0) and is second in the league in shots on target per match (2.2).
• Solomon Asante has the longest active consecutive starts streak (11).

Record-breaking goal pace    
Rising's ten goals through the first six matches of the season is still ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored nine goals in its first six matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
With Amadou Dia not being selected to the Starting XI against Austin Bold, no more players have played in every possible minute of the season. Solomon Asante becomes the last player to start in every match this season and he becomes the new team leader in minutes played with 532. Two additional players have at least made an appearance in every match this season: Junior Flemmings and Jason Johnson.

A Familiar Face Returns
After a stretch of three matches against teams without a former player, Rising FC will run into Tacoma’s Saad Abdul-Salaam, who was a loanee from New York City FC last season. He appeared in 13 matches for the club (all starts) and notched an assist. He was also in the starting XI for the club’s USL Cup Final.

Unbeaten no more
Rising’s lost to Austin Bold stopped the club’s unbeaten streak to start a season at five matches, a new club record. In that stretch, the club went 1-0-4 and scored ten goals, also a new club record for most goals through the first five matches of the season.

Short turnaround
For the second time in 2019, Rising FC is playing on a short turnaround (four days or less). The club’s match against Austin on Wednesday as the first instance, a 1-0 loss. In 2018, Rising FC played ten matches on a short turnaround and went 7-3-0 in those matches. 
 

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising is on a five-match unbeaten streak at Casino Arizona Field dating back to last season.
• Phoenix Rising has won the last four meetings against Tacoma Defiance.
• The club enters Saturday having sold out six consecutive matches.

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, April 17 — L, 0-1, at Austin Bold FC.
Saturday, April 20 — vs. Tacoma Defiance FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW  
Stream: ESPN + (U.S. viewers); YouTube (International viewers) 
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising returns to Casino Arizona Field this Saturday to take on the Tacoma Defiance (formally known as Seattle Sounders 2). Saturday is also Superhero Night presented by the Mayo Clinic. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Rising superhero cape. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the match kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

The club comes off a two-match Texas road trip that included a 2-0 win at El Paso Locomotive FC to start the trip and a 1-0 loss at Austin Bold FC to close it out. Rising had its chances in Austin, but goalkeeper Diego Restrepo notched five saves to keep a clean sheet. 

Rising heads into Saturday with a successful history against the Tacomas Defiance. In eight matches all time, the club is 6-2-0 against the Defiance and has won the last four meetings between the clubs. In the last three meetings, the club has won 1-0.

A Little Bit About Tacoma

• In their two wins, the Defiance has outscored opponents, 3-1. In its five losses, the club has been outscored 18-1.
• The club’s -15 goal differential is tied for the worst differential in USL Championship.
• Tacoma is tied for second worst in USL Championship in shots on target per match (3.0) and second-worst in the league in goals conceded per match (2.7)
• All three of Tacoma’s road matches have resulted in losses.
• In Tacoma’s last win, 2-1 over the Sacramento Republic on April 1, ten of the club’s 11 starters were on loan from MLS side Seattle Sounders.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising is unbeaten in its last five matches at Casino Arizona Field going 2-0-3 in that stretch.
• Out of a possible 540 minutes, Rising FC has led for 87 total minutes in 2019.
• Phoenix Rising is second in USL Championship in shots on target per match (6.2).
• Midfielder Solomon Asante leads all of USL Championship in key passes per match (3.0) and is second in the league in shots on target per match (2.2).
• Solomon Asante has the longest active consecutive starts streak (11).

Record-breaking goal pace    
Rising’s ten goals through the first six matches of the season is still ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored nine goals in its first six matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
With Amadou Dia not being selected to the Starting XI against Austin Bold, no more players have played in every possible minute of the season. Solomon Asante becomes the last player to start in every match this season and he becomes the new team leader in minutes played with 532. Two additional players have at least made an appearance in every match this season: Junior Flemmings and Jason Johnson.

A Familiar Face Returns
After a stretch of three matches against teams without a former player, Rising FC will run into Tacoma’s Saad Abdul-Salaam, who was a loanee from New York City FC last season. He appeared in 13 matches for the club (all starts) and notched an assist. He was also in the starting XI for the club’s USL Cup Final.

Unbeaten no more
Rising’s lost to Austin Bold stopped the club’s unbeaten streak to start a season at five matches, a new club record. In that stretch, the club went 1-0-4 and scored ten goals, also a new club record for most goals through the first five matches of the season.

Short turnaround
For the second time in 2019, Rising FC is playing on a short turnaround (four days or less). The club’s match against Austin on Wednesday as the first instance, a 1-0 loss. In 2018, Rising FC played ten matches on a short turnaround and went 7-3-0 in those matches. 
 

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising comes off its first win of 2019, a 2-0 shutout of El Paso Locomotive FC
• This is the third and final time Rising FC will face a new USL Opponent for the first time. The club is 1-0-1 in its previous two matches against USL Championship debutants.
• Phoenix Rising is 2-0-3 in its last five matches in April

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, April 17 — at Austin Bold FC, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 20 — vs. Tacoma Defiance FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN3 (Wednesday) | ESPN + (Saturday)
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising finishes its two-match Texas swing in Austin, Texas, for its first-ever matchup against Austin Bold FC on Wednesday, April 17. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 5:30 p.m. and fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties: Pig & Pickle in Scottsdale and Brass Tap in downtown Gilbert.

In its first match in the Lone Star State, Phoenix Rising shutout El Paso Locomotive, 2-0, for its first win of 2019. Junior Flemmings scored his second goal of the season in the 7th minute after the Locomotive FC goalkeeper slipped and fell while trying to play a ball from defender A.J. Cochran. With the ball rolling past the fallen keeper, Flemmings had an open net to score and made it, 1-0. Forward Ben Spencer added an insurance goal in the 77th minute for his first goal of the season and was assisted by Solomon Asante, who now has a team-leading three assists in 2019.

The win in the club’s fifth match of the season is deepest into the season Phoenix Rising notched its first win of the season. The three points pushed Phoenix Rising up in the standings from 17th to 14th in the Western Conference. With a win on Wednesday night, the club would jump to 5th place.

A Little Bit About Austin Bold FC

• In its last match on April 6, Bold FC fell at Sacramento Republic FC, 1-0 after giving up the match-winning goal in the 85th minute.
• Bold FC has struggled offensively in 2019. The club has scored just two goals in its first four matches which is second-worst in USL Championship. Its 44 shots taken is third-worst in USL Championship and the team’s 66% passing accuracy is second-worst in USL Championship.
• Bold FC has also not given up many goals. It’s three goals allowed in four matches is tied for the second fewest in USL Championship. The club’s two clean sheets match Rising FC’s total.
• On April 2, Bold FC midfielder Xavier Baez became the first player in club history to be named to the USL Team of the Week.
• Bold FC forward Kleber Giacomazzi has scored both of the franchise’s goals. He has the distinction of scoring the first-ever goal in franchise history and the first-ever goal at Bold Stadium.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising’s defense comes off its best performance of the season with 22 tackles (second-highest total in 2019), a 90.9% tackle success rate and 18 clearances (both season highs).
• Phoenix Rising’s 2-0 win over El Paso Locomotive was the club’s 70th win all time.
• Phoenix Rising’s win extends the club record for most consecutive matches to start a season without a loss to five. The previous record had been three.
• With a win, Rising FC’s 10 points in the season’s first six matches would be just one point less than what the club had following the first six matches of 2018. The club set a record for most points in a season in 2018.
• Phoenix Rising is 2-0-3 in its last five matches in April.
• Phoenix Rising has played a total of eight matches in Texas, going 2-4-2 in those matches.
• Solomon Asante and Amadou Dia enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (10)

First time for everything part III
Austin Bold FC will be the 32nd different USL Championship club Rising FC has faced. In its previous 31 first-ever meetings, the team is 12-12-7. Rising FC’s 2-0 win over El Paso Locomotive on April 13, 2019, was the last time Rising won its first-ever match against another club.

Record-breaking goal pace    
Rising's ten goals through the first five matches of the season is ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored just seven goals in its first five matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
After five matches, defender Amadou Dia is the last player to have played in every minute of the season (450 minutes). The next two players in minutes played, Solomon Asante (442) and Adam Jahn (428), have also started all five matches the club has played in 2019.

Still unbeaten
Following the club’s first win of 2019, Phoenix Rising extended its club-record unbeaten streak to start a season to five matches. But the team still has some work to do to match the club record for the longest unbeaten streak. In 2017, the team went unbeaten in 11 straight matches from August 5 to September 27, going 8-0-3 in that stretch. With a win or draw, the team will match its second-longest unbeaten streak (six matches) which has happened three times in team history.

Clean sheet streak
Zac Lubin notched his second consecutive clean sheet of 2019 and hasn’t allowed a goal in 180 minutes. The last time a goalkeeper strung together back to back clean sheets was Carl Woszczynski on September 29 and October 6 of last season (a 2-0 win over Saint Louis FC and a 0-0 draw with Reno 1868 FC)

Welcome back to Austin
While this will be Rising FC’s first match against Austin Bold FC, it will not be the first time the club has played a team from Austin. The team (then known as Arizona United SC) played four matches against former USL Championship franchise Austin Aztex in 2015. Rising FC’s record in the series was 2-2-0. The team’s last match in Austin took place on July 17, 2015, a 4-1 loss.

Short turnaround
For the first time in 2019, Rising FC is playing on a short turnaround (four days or less). In 2018, Rising FC played ten matches on a short turnaround and went 7-3-0 in those matches. 

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising comes off its first win of 2019, a 2-0 shutout of El Paso Locomotive FC
• This is the third and final time Rising FC will face a new USL Opponent for the first time. The club is 1-0-1 in its previous two matches against USL Championship debutants.
• Phoenix Rising is 2-0-3 in its last five matches in April

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, April 17 — at Austin Bold FC, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 20 — vs. Tacoma Defiance FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN3 (Wednesday) | ESPN + (Saturday)
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising finishes its two-match Texas swing in Austin, Texas, for its first-ever matchup against Austin Bold FC on Wednesday, April 17. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 5:30 p.m. and fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties: Pig & Pickle in Scottsdale and Brass Tap in downtown Gilbert.

In its first match in the Lone Star State, Phoenix Rising shutout El Paso Locomotive, 2-0, for its first win of 2019. Junior Flemmings scored his second goal of the season in the 7th minute after the Locomotive FC goalkeeper slipped and fell while trying to play a ball from defender A.J. Cochran. With the ball rolling past the fallen keeper, Flemmings had an open net to score and made it, 1-0. Forward Ben Spencer added an insurance goal in the 77th minute for his first goal of the season and was assisted by Solomon Asante, who now has a team-leading three assists in 2019.

The win in the club’s fifth match of the season is deepest into the season Phoenix Rising notched its first win of the season. The three points pushed Phoenix Rising up in the standings from 17th to 14th in the Western Conference. With a win on Wednesday night, the club would jump to 5th place.

A Little Bit About Austin Bold FC

• In its last match on April 6, Bold FC fell at Sacramento Republic FC, 1-0 after giving up the match-winning goal in the 85th minute.
• Bold FC has struggled offensively in 2019. The club has scored just two goals in its first four matches which is second-worst in USL Championship. Its 44 shots taken is third-worst in USL Championship and the team’s 66% passing accuracy is second-worst in USL Championship.
• Bold FC has also not given up many goals. It’s three goals allowed in four matches is tied for the second fewest in USL Championship. The club’s two clean sheets match Rising FC’s total.
• On April 2, Bold FC midfielder Xavier Baez became the first player in club history to be named to the USL Team of the Week.
• Bold FC forward Kleber Giacomazzi has scored both of the franchise’s goals. He has the distinction of scoring the first-ever goal in franchise history and the first-ever goal at Bold Stadium.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising’s defense comes off its best performance of the season with 22 tackles (second-highest total in 2019), a 90.9% tackle success rate and 18 clearances (both season highs).
• Phoenix Rising’s 2-0 win over El Paso Locomotive was the club’s 70th win all time.
• Phoenix Rising’s win extends the club record for most consecutive matches to start a season without a loss to five. The previous record had been three.
• With a win, Rising FC’s 10 points in the season’s first six matches would be just one point less than what the club had following the first six matches of 2018. The club set a record for most points in a season in 2018.
• Phoenix Rising is 2-0-3 in its last five matches in April.
• Phoenix Rising has played a total of eight matches in Texas, going 2-4-2 in those matches.
• Solomon Asante and Amadou Dia enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (10)

First time for everything part III
Austin Bold FC will be the 32nd different USL Championship club Rising FC has faced. In its previous 31 first-ever meetings, the team is 12-12-7. Rising FC’s 2-0 win over El Paso Locomotive on April 13, 2019, was the last time Rising won its first-ever match against another club.

Record-breaking goal pace    
Rising’s ten goals through the first five matches of the season is ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored just seven goals in its first five matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
After five matches, defender Amadou Dia is the last player to have played in every minute of the season (450 minutes). The next two players in minutes played, Solomon Asante (442) and Adam Jahn (428), have also started all five matches the club has played in 2019.

Still unbeaten
Following the club’s first win of 2019, Phoenix Rising extended its club-record unbeaten streak to start a season to five matches. But the team still has some work to do to match the club record for the longest unbeaten streak. In 2017, the team went unbeaten in 11 straight matches from August 5 to September 27, going 8-0-3 in that stretch. With a win or draw, the team will match its second-longest unbeaten streak (six matches) which has happened three times in team history.

Clean sheet streak
Zac Lubin notched his second consecutive clean sheet of 2019 and hasn’t allowed a goal in 180 minutes. The last time a goalkeeper strung together back to back clean sheets was Carl Woszczynski on September 29 and October 6 of last season (a 2-0 win over Saint Louis FC and a 0-0 draw with Reno 1868 FC)

Welcome back to Austin
While this will be Rising FC’s first match against Austin Bold FC, it will not be the first time the club has played a team from Austin. The team (then known as Arizona United SC) played four matches against former USL Championship franchise Austin Aztex in 2015. Rising FC’s record in the series was 2-2-0. The team’s last match in Austin took place on July 17, 2015, a 4-1 loss.

Short turnaround
For the first time in 2019, Rising FC is playing on a short turnaround (four days or less). In 2018, Rising FC played ten matches on a short turnaround and went 7-3-0 in those matches. 

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising’s Solomon Asante leads the USL Championship in shots on target per match (2.5) and key passes per match (3.8)
• Phoenix Rising leads the conference with the most shots on target per match (6.8) and is second in the conference in possession (59 percent)
• Phoenix Rising is 1-0-3 in its last four matches in April

THIS WEEK
Saturday, April 13 — at El Paso Locomotive FC, 6:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC embarks on its longest trip away from home, a two-match, six-day swing through the state of Texas. The first of those two matches takes place Saturday night in El Paso, Texas, as Rising FC squares off against El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties: Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace and R.T. O’Sullivans in Scottsdale.

The road trip follows a three-match homestand where Rising FC went winless but unbeaten in front of three consecutive sellout crowds at Casino Arizona Field. The last of those three matches was a 0-0 grudge match against Fresno Football Club on April 6. It was the 2019 debut of goalkeeper Zac Lubin, who made three saves en route to leading the club to its first clean sheet of the season.

Phoenix Rising has started the season 0-0-4, matching a club record for consecutive draws in a season and setting a USL Championship record for most consecutive draws to begin a season.

A Little Bit About El Paso Locomotive FC

• In its last match, the team earned its first win in franchise history, defeating Orange County SC 2-0 on March 30
• Midfielder Edson Partida, a loanee from Liga MX side Toluca FC, scored both goals in the club’s first-ever victory
• Locomotive FC is second in USL Championship in accurate passes per match (405.8), third in shots on target per match (6.0) and leads all of USL Championship in average possession (59.3 percent)
• Unbeaten in its last three matches

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising’s Solomon Asante leads the USL Championship in shots on target per match (2.5) and key passes per match (3.8)
• Phoenix Rising leads the conference with the most shots on target per match (6.8) and is second in the conference in possession (59 percent)
• Phoenix Rising is 1-0-3 in its last four matches in April.
• Solomon Asante and Amadou Dia enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (9)

First time for everything part II
El Paso Locomotive FC will be the 31st different USL Championship club Rising FC has faced. In its previous 30 first-ever meetings, the team is 11-12-7. The last time the club won its first-ever match against another club was on June 13, 2018, in a 4-0 win over Las Vegas Lights FC.

Lone Star History
While this is PRFC's first trip to El Paso it will not be the club's first trip to Texas. The club has played a total of seven matches in Texas, going 1-4-2 in those matches. PRFC's last match in the Lone Star State was this year's season opener, a 3-3 draw with San Antonio FC. The club's last win in Texas was on April 11, 2015, a 1-0 win over the Austin Aztex. (The starting goalkeeper in that match: Carl Woszczynski). 

Record-breaking goal pace part II    
Rising's eight goals through the first four matches of the season is ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored just six goals in its first four matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
After four matches, three players have played all 360 minutes of play: Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, and Adam Jahn.

Waiting on a win
Following the club's 0-0 draw with Fresno FC, the club opened the season with four consecutive draws. It's the first time in club history the team hasn't notched at least one win within its first four matches. The club also set a USL Championship record for most draws to begin a season.

Waiting on a win, continued
While the club will break a record for most matches to start a season before its first win, the team still has a long way to go before setting the club record for the latest first win of the season. That record was set in 2014 when the club won its first match of the year on April 19, 2014.
 

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising’s Solomon Asante leads the USL Championship in shots on target per match (2.5) and key passes per match (3.8)
• Phoenix Rising leads the conference with the most shots on target per match (6.8) and is second in the conference in possession (59 percent)
• Phoenix Rising is 1-0-3 in its last four matches in April

THIS WEEK
Saturday, April 13 — at El Paso Locomotive FC, 6:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC embarks on its longest trip away from home, a two-match, six-day swing through the state of Texas. The first of those two matches takes place Saturday night in El Paso, Texas, as Rising FC squares off against El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties: Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace and R.T. O’Sullivans in Scottsdale.

The road trip follows a three-match homestand where Rising FC went winless but unbeaten in front of three consecutive sellout crowds at Casino Arizona Field. The last of those three matches was a 0-0 grudge match against Fresno Football Club on April 6. It was the 2019 debut of goalkeeper Zac Lubin, who made three saves en route to leading the club to its first clean sheet of the season.

Phoenix Rising has started the season 0-0-4, matching a club record for consecutive draws in a season and setting a USL Championship record for most consecutive draws to begin a season.

A Little Bit About El Paso Locomotive FC

• In its last match, the team earned its first win in franchise history, defeating Orange County SC 2-0 on March 30
• Midfielder Edson Partida, a loanee from Liga MX side Toluca FC, scored both goals in the club’s first-ever victory
• Locomotive FC is second in USL Championship in accurate passes per match (405.8), third in shots on target per match (6.0) and leads all of USL Championship in average possession (59.3 percent)
• Unbeaten in its last three matches

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising’s Solomon Asante leads the USL Championship in shots on target per match (2.5) and key passes per match (3.8)
• Phoenix Rising leads the conference with the most shots on target per match (6.8) and is second in the conference in possession (59 percent)
• Phoenix Rising is 1-0-3 in its last four matches in April.
• Solomon Asante and Amadou Dia enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (9)

First time for everything part II
El Paso Locomotive FC will be the 31st different USL Championship club Rising FC has faced. In its previous 30 first-ever meetings, the team is 11-12-7. The last time the club won its first-ever match against another club was on June 13, 2018, in a 4-0 win over Las Vegas Lights FC.

Lone Star History
While this is PRFC’s first trip to El Paso it will not be the club’s first trip to Texas. The club has played a total of seven matches in Texas, going 1-4-2 in those matches. PRFC’s last match in the Lone Star State was this year’s season opener, a 3-3 draw with San Antonio FC. The club’s last win in Texas was on April 11, 2015, a 1-0 win over the Austin Aztex. (The starting goalkeeper in that match: Carl Woszczynski). 

Record-breaking goal pace part II    
Rising’s eight goals through the first four matches of the season is ahead of the record-setting goal pace the club set last year. The club had scored just six goals in its first four matches in 2018.

Iron Man Watch
After four matches, three players have played all 360 minutes of play: Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, and Adam Jahn.

Waiting on a win
Following the club’s 0-0 draw with Fresno FC, the club opened the season with four consecutive draws. It’s the first time in club history the team hasn’t notched at least one win within its first four matches. The club also set a USL Championship record for most draws to begin a season.

Waiting on a win, continued
While the club will break a record for most matches to start a season before its first win, the team still has a long way to go before setting the club record for the latest first win of the season. That record was set in 2014 when the club won its first match of the year on April 19, 2014.
 

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising has a scored eight goals in the first three matches of the season, a club record for the first three matches of the season.
• Phoenix Rising is 1-0-2 in its last three matches in April
• Phoenix Rising comes into the match having had five consecutive sellouts at Casino Arizona Field

THIS WEEK
Saturday, April 6 — vs. Fresno FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC wraps up its three-match homestand at Casino Arizona Field against Western Conference foe Fresno FC. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. The stadium will also remain open for an hour following the match as a part of the club’s “Stoppage Time” Happy Hour with food, drinks and live music entertainment.

Rising FC comes off a 2-2 draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on March 30. The team earned its first lead of 2019 when forward Adam Jahn scored a crowd-pleasing header in the 86th minute to give the club a 2-1 lead. But the Switchbacks were able to equalize in stoppage time and steal away a point on the road. Defender Joey Farrell scored the club’s other goal, his first of 2019 and his fifth career goal with the team.

Midfielder Jon Bakero received recognition from the league for his performance in the match. The Team of the Week Honorable Mention notched an assist in addition to his seven chances created in his club debut.

Tickets for tomorrow’s match are still available and fans can purchase them by going to www.phxrisingfc.com

A Little Bit About Colorado Springs Fresno FC

• Fresno FC comes into the match following a 1-1 draw with Reno 1868 FC in its home opener.
• The club is also off to an unbeaten start, going 1-0-2 in its first three matches.
• Midfielder Arun Basuljevic leads the club with two goals 
• First team Rising FC has played this season that doesn’t have a former Rising player on the roster.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Midfielder Solomon Asante is tied for the club lead in goals (2) and assists (2).
• Rising FC comes into the match having scored six consecutive equalizing goals.
• Over the past two seasons, Phonix Rising is 7-1-6 in matches following a draw.
• A first-year Rising player has tallied a goal or assist in each of the club’s first three matches this season.
• Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, and Carl Woszczynski enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (8)

The Series With Fresno FC

• This will be the third all-time meeting between the two clubs with Fresno leading the series 1-0-1.
• Midfielder Alessandro Riggi is the only PRFC player who has scored against Fresno FC.
• Fresno's Jemal Johnson has the most goals in the series (2).
• Rising has never led in the series.

At Least One Win Against Fresno
PRFC may not have a win against Fresno FC, but the club has beaten a Fresno-based soccer team in its history. That win came on May 17, 2017, a 3-1 win over former USL League Two side Fresno Fuego in the U.S. Open Cup. It was also head coach Rick Schantz's first match as an interim coach after the departure of then-head coach Frank Yallop.

Everyone Remembers Their First
Rick Schantz's first loss as the interim coach following the departure of Patrice Carteron was at Fresno FC. The club lost 4-0.

The Equalizer Streak Ends
Thanks to Adam Jahn's 86th-minute goal against Switchbacks FC, PRFC ended its club-record streak of consecutive equalizing goals scored at seven straight. 

Better Late Than Never
PRFC's first lead of 2019 came after 266 minutes of play, which is a new club record for the longest time before securing its first lead of the season. The previous record, set in 2017, was 240 minutes.

Good First Impressions
In each of the club's first three matches, and first-year Phoenix Rising player has either scored a goal or notched an assist. In the season opener, Junior Flemmings scored a goal and added an assist to fellow first-year Rising player Adam Jahn. In the club's second match, Flemmings notched his second assist of the year on Jason Johnson's end-of-the-match equalizer. And against COS, JonBakero notched an assist in his club debut while Jahn scored the club's second goal of the evening.

Record-Breaking Goal Pace    
Rising's eight goals to start the season is a club record for most goals scored in the club's first three matches. The previous record (6) was set last season en route to a record-breaking year in goals scored.

Iron Man Watch
After three matches, four players have played all 270 minutes of play: Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, Adam Jahn, and Carl Woszczynski.

Unbeaten To Start The Year
Following the club's three draws to open the season, it's the third time in club history that PRFC has gone unbeaten in its opening three matches. The team also started the year unbeaten last season and began the 2015 season with three straight wins.

The Wizard of Woz
Goalkeeper Carlwoszczynski became the USL Championship all-time leader in career saves after reaching 388 following the club's 2-2 draw with COS on March 30.

League Honors
Midfielder Jon Bakero earned a USL Championship Team of the Week Honorable Mention for his performance in the club's 2-2 draw with COS. His selection marks the third consecutive week a Rising player has been recognized by the league. In week 1, Junior Flemmings was a Team of the Week Honorable Mention. In Week 2, Solomon Asante was named to the Team of the Week. 

Not Wasting Time
Bakero's passing prowess wasn't lost on fans. In his debut with the club, Bakero created seven chances while tallying an assist. His seven chances created is just five fewer than the league leader Sebastian Contreras (12 chances created). Contreras has done that in four matches.

He Doesn't Just Defend!
Defender Joey Farrell scored his first goal of 2019 and his fifth career goals with Phoenix Rising. He extends his lead as the club's all-time leading goal scorer amongst defenders. Next on the list: current defender Amadou Dia, current assistant coach Peter Ramage, and former defender Scott Morrison, who each have two career goals with the club.

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising has a scored eight goals in the first three matches of the season, a club record for the first three matches of the season.
• Phoenix Rising is 1-0-2 in its last three matches in April
• Phoenix Rising comes into the match having had five consecutive sellouts at Casino Arizona Field

THIS WEEK
Saturday, April 6 — vs. Fresno FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC wraps up its three-match homestand at Casino Arizona Field against Western Conference foe Fresno FC. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. The stadium will also remain open for an hour following the match as a part of the club’s “Stoppage Time” Happy Hour with food, drinks and live music entertainment.

Rising FC comes off a 2-2 draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on March 30. The team earned its first lead of 2019 when forward Adam Jahn scored a crowd-pleasing header in the 86th minute to give the club a 2-1 lead. But the Switchbacks were able to equalize in stoppage time and steal away a point on the road. Defender Joey Farrell scored the club’s other goal, his first of 2019 and his fifth career goal with the team.

Midfielder Jon Bakero received recognition from the league for his performance in the match. The Team of the Week Honorable Mention notched an assist in addition to his seven chances created in his club debut.

Tickets for tomorrow’s match are still available and fans can purchase them by going to www.phxrisingfc.com

A Little Bit About Colorado Springs Fresno FC

• Fresno FC comes into the match following a 1-1 draw with Reno 1868 FC in its home opener.
• The club is also off to an unbeaten start, going 1-0-2 in its first three matches.
• Midfielder Arun Basuljevic leads the club with two goals 
• First team Rising FC has played this season that doesn’t have a former Rising player on the roster.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Midfielder Solomon Asante is tied for the club lead in goals (2) and assists (2).
• Rising FC comes into the match having scored six consecutive equalizing goals.
• Over the past two seasons, Phonix Rising is 7-1-6 in matches following a draw.
• A first-year Rising player has tallied a goal or assist in each of the club’s first three matches this season.
• Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, and Carl Woszczynski enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (8)

The Series With Fresno FC

• This will be the third all-time meeting between the two clubs with Fresno leading the series 1-0-1.
• Midfielder Alessandro Riggi is the only PRFC player who has scored against Fresno FC.
• Fresno’s Jemal Johnson has the most goals in the series (2).
• Rising has never led in the series.

At Least One Win Against Fresno
PRFC may not have a win against Fresno FC, but the club has beaten a Fresno-based soccer team in its history. That win came on May 17, 2017, a 3-1 win over former USL League Two side Fresno Fuego in the U.S. Open Cup. It was also head coach Rick Schantz’s first match as an interim coach after the departure of then-head coach Frank Yallop.

Everyone Remembers Their First
Rick Schantz’s first loss as the interim coach following the departure of Patrice Carteron was at Fresno FC. The club lost 4-0.

The Equalizer Streak Ends
Thanks to Adam Jahn’s 86th-minute goal against Switchbacks FC, PRFC ended its club-record streak of consecutive equalizing goals scored at seven straight. 

Better Late Than Never
PRFC’s first lead of 2019 came after 266 minutes of play, which is a new club record for the longest time before securing its first lead of the season. The previous record, set in 2017, was 240 minutes.

Good First Impressions
In each of the club’s first three matches, and first-year Phoenix Rising player has either scored a goal or notched an assist. In the season opener, Junior Flemmings scored a goal and added an assist to fellow first-year Rising player Adam Jahn. In the club’s second match, Flemmings notched his second assist of the year on Jason Johnson’s end-of-the-match equalizer. And against COS, JonBakero notched an assist in his club debut while Jahn scored the club’s second goal of the evening.

Record-Breaking Goal Pace    
Rising’s eight goals to start the season is a club record for most goals scored in the club’s first three matches. The previous record (6) was set last season en route to a record-breaking year in goals scored.

Iron Man Watch
After three matches, four players have played all 270 minutes of play: Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, Adam Jahn, and Carl Woszczynski.

Unbeaten To Start The Year
Following the club’s three draws to open the season, it’s the third time in club history that PRFC has gone unbeaten in its opening three matches. The team also started the year unbeaten last season and began the 2015 season with three straight wins.

The Wizard of Woz
Goalkeeper Carlwoszczynski became the USL Championship all-time leader in career saves after reaching 388 following the club’s 2-2 draw with COS on March 30.

League Honors
Midfielder Jon Bakero earned a USL Championship Team of the Week Honorable Mention for his performance in the club’s 2-2 draw with COS. His selection marks the third consecutive week a Rising player has been recognized by the league. In week 1, Junior Flemmings was a Team of the Week Honorable Mention. In Week 2, Solomon Asante was named to the Team of the Week. 

Not Wasting Time
Bakero’s passing prowess wasn’t lost on fans. In his debut with the club, Bakero created seven chances while tallying an assist. His seven chances created is just five fewer than the league leader Sebastian Contreras (12 chances created). Contreras has done that in four matches.

He Doesn’t Just Defend!
Defender Joey Farrell scored his first goal of 2019 and his fifth career goals with Phoenix Rising. He extends his lead as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer amongst defenders. Next on the list: current defender Amadou Dia, current assistant coach Peter Ramage, and former defender Scott Morrison, who each have two career goals with the club.

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising has won six of its last eight matches at Casino Arizona Field, including two playoff wins.
• Phoenix Rising is currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in the month of March.
• Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, Kevon Lambert, and Carl Woszczynski enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (7)

THIS WEEK
Saturday, March 30 — vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC returns to Casino Arizona Field for a showdown with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC following a week off from USL Championship action. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. The first 2,500 fans who arrive will receive a free PRFC t-shirt courtesy of HP2 Products and Promotions.

Rising FC was off during Week 3 of the USL Championship season. In Week 2, the club drew with New Mexico United, 3-3. The match was similar to the club’s season-opening 3-3 draw in San Antonio. Like the first match of 2019, Rising FC had to score three consecutive equalizers to steal a point. And forward Jason Johnson netted the match-tying goal with a header in both matches.

Midfielder Solomon Asante came away from the match with two goals, both from the penalty spot, and was named to the USL Team of the week for Week 2 for his performance.

Tickets for tomorrow’s match are still available and fans can purchase them by going to www.phxrisingfc.com

A Little Bit About Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

• Switchbacks FC comes into the match level with three other teams for the most points in the Western Conference (7) but is fourth in the conference on tiebreakers.
• The club has given up just two goals in its first three matches, going 2-1-0 in that stretch.
• Midfielder Shane Malcolm scored a hat trick in the club’s first match of the season against LA Galaxy II, earning himself USL Championship Player of the Week honors.
• Former Phoenix Rising player Mike Seth leads the team in assists with two.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Junior Flemmings and Solomon Asante come into the match with two goals each, tied for the team lead.
• Rising FC comes into the match having scored six consecutive equalizing goals.
• Over the past two seasons, Phonix Rising is 7-1-6 in matches following a draw.

The Series With Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

• This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the two clubs with the all-time record being 4-4-0.
• There has never been a draw in the all-time series.
• Every match in the series has featured at least three goals scored between both teams.
• In 2018, PRFC swept the season series, winning 4-0 at home and 2-1 in Colorado Springs.
• Rising FC broke the single-season club record for wins and points following its 2-1 win over Colorado Springs on September 22, 2018.

Club debuts
Two more players made their club debut in the team's last match: defender A.J. Cochran and midfielder (and LAFC loanee) Javi Perez.

Magical Solo
Following the club's 3-3 draw against New Mexico United, Phoenix Rising midfielder Solomon Asante was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 2. In addition to his two goals, Asante was also a master in the midfield, completing 81.1 percent of his passes (27 of 33).

Chance creator
Midfielder Junior Flemmings is making the most of his time with his new club. After just two matches, Flemmings leads the club in assists (2) and is second on the team in key passes (4). This is in addition to his goal scored in the season opener against San Antonio. His season-opening performance (1 goal and 1 assist) earned him a USL Championship Team of the Week Honorable Mention.

International call ups
On March 18, the club announced that midfielders Junior Flemmings and Kevon Lambert had been called up by the Jamaican National Team. Lambert was last called up in September 2018 ahead of CONCACAF Nations League Qualification. Flemmings was last called up in June 2017 for the Caribbean Cup. The duo started in the Jamaican National Team's 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on March 26, 2019.

Things could get chippy
In seven of eight regular-season meetings, the clubs have combined for five or more cards. In the lone match that didn't feature that many cards, there was only one card given (straight red) after a COS player's boot cut the face of PRFC goalkeeper Zac Lubin. Five yellows were given in the clubs' lone U.S. Open Cup match.

Forward vs. Defender
Coming into the match, two Rising players are tied for most goals scored (2) against COS: forward Jason Johnson and defender Joey Farrell. 

Down but not out
PRFC is currently on a strange scoring streak: six straight equalizing goals. What'sstranger? Jason Johnson's equalizer against New Mexico United broke the club's previous record of consecutive equalizers scored. In 2017, PRFC scored five consecutive equalizers. The five equalizers were scored by Didier Drogba, Drogba (again), Omar Bravo, Drogba, and Jason Johnson. The streak spanned five matches (one of the matches was a 0-0 draw) and was broken when Johnson scored a stoppage-time game-winner in a 2-1 win over…Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Giving and taking
PRFC matches haven't been boring to start 2019 with the club scoring six goals while allowing six goals. But neither is a club record over a two-match stretch. The most goals allowed over a two-match stretch happened on July 31 and August 2 of 2015 when the club allowed nine goals in a 3-0 and 6-3 loss. The most goals scored over a two-match period (8) was set on May 9 and May 12 last season (3-0 and 5-1 wins) and on August 22 and 25 (back to back 4-0 victories).

Iron Man Watch
After two matches, only five players have played all 180 minutes of play: Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, Adam Jahn, Kevon Lambert, and Carl Woszczynski.

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising has won six of its last eight matches at Casino Arizona Field, including two playoff wins.
• Phoenix Rising is currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in the month of March.
• Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, Kevon Lambert, and Carl Woszczynski enter the match tied with the longest active consecutive starts streak (7)

THIS WEEK
Saturday, March 30 — vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Radio: ArizonaSports.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC returns to Casino Arizona Field for a showdown with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC following a week off from USL Championship action. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. The first 2,500 fans who arrive will receive a free PRFC t-shirt courtesy of HP2 Products and Promotions.

Rising FC was off during Week 3 of the USL Championship season. In Week 2, the club drew with New Mexico United, 3-3. The match was similar to the club’s season-opening 3-3 draw in San Antonio. Like the first match of 2019, Rising FC had to score three consecutive equalizers to steal a point. And forward Jason Johnson netted the match-tying goal with a header in both matches.

Midfielder Solomon Asante came away from the match with two goals, both from the penalty spot, and was named to the USL Team of the week for Week 2 for his performance.

Tickets for tomorrow’s match are still available and fans can purchase them by going to www.phxrisingfc.com

A Little Bit About Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

• Switchbacks FC comes into the match level with three other teams for the most points in the Western Conference (7) but is fourth in the conference on tiebreakers.
• The club has given up just two goals in its first three matches, going 2-1-0 in that stretch.
• Midfielder Shane Malcolm scored a hat trick in the club’s first match of the season against LA Galaxy II, earning himself USL Championship Player of the Week honors.
• Former Phoenix Rising player Mike Seth leads the team in assists with two.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Junior Flemmings and Solomon Asante come into the match with two goals each, tied for the team lead.
• Rising FC comes into the match having scored six consecutive equalizing goals.
• Over the past two seasons, Phonix Rising is 7-1-6 in matches following a draw.

The Series With Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

• This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the two clubs with the all-time record being 4-4-0.
• There has never been a draw in the all-time series.
• Every match in the series has featured at least three goals scored between both teams.
• In 2018, PRFC swept the season series, winning 4-0 at home and 2-1 in Colorado Springs.
• Rising FC broke the single-season club record for wins and points following its 2-1 win over Colorado Springs on September 22, 2018.

Club debuts
Two more players made their club debut in the team’s last match: defender A.J. Cochran and midfielder (and LAFC loanee) Javi Perez.

Magical Solo
Following the club’s 3-3 draw against New Mexico United, Phoenix Rising midfielder Solomon Asante was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 2. In addition to his two goals, Asante was also a master in the midfield, completing 81.1 percent of his passes (27 of 33).

Chance creator
Midfielder Junior Flemmings is making the most of his time with his new club. After just two matches, Flemmings leads the club in assists (2) and is second on the team in key passes (4). This is in addition to his goal scored in the season opener against San Antonio. His season-opening performance (1 goal and 1 assist) earned him a USL Championship Team of the Week Honorable Mention.

International call ups
On March 18, the club announced that midfielders Junior Flemmings and Kevon Lambert had been called up by the Jamaican National Team. Lambert was last called up in September 2018 ahead of CONCACAF Nations League Qualification. Flemmings was last called up in June 2017 for the Caribbean Cup. The duo started in the Jamaican National Team’s 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on March 26, 2019.

Things could get chippy
In seven of eight regular-season meetings, the clubs have combined for five or more cards. In the lone match that didn’t feature that many cards, there was only one card given (straight red) after a COS player’s boot cut the face of PRFC goalkeeper Zac Lubin. Five yellows were given in the clubs’ lone U.S. Open Cup match.

Forward vs. Defender
Coming into the match, two Rising players are tied for most goals scored (2) against COS: forward Jason Johnson and defender Joey Farrell. 

Down but not out
PRFC is currently on a strange scoring streak: six straight equalizing goals. What’sstranger? Jason Johnson’s equalizer against New Mexico United broke the club’s previous record of consecutive equalizers scored. In 2017, PRFC scored five consecutive equalizers. The five equalizers were scored by Didier Drogba, Drogba (again), Omar Bravo, Drogba, and Jason Johnson. The streak spanned five matches (one of the matches was a 0-0 draw) and was broken when Johnson scored a stoppage-time game-winner in a 2-1 win over…Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Giving and taking
PRFC matches haven’t been boring to start 2019 with the club scoring six goals while allowing six goals. But neither is a club record over a two-match stretch. The most goals allowed over a two-match stretch happened on July 31 and August 2 of 2015 when the club allowed nine goals in a 3-0 and 6-3 loss. The most goals scored over a two-match period (8) was set on May 9 and May 12 last season (3-0 and 5-1 wins) and on August 22 and 25 (back to back 4-0 victories).

Iron Man Watch
After two matches, only five players have played all 180 minutes of play: Solomon Asante, Amadou Dia, Adam Jahn, Kevon Lambert, and Carl Woszczynski.

What You Need To Know

• This will be the third home opener at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The club is 1-1-0 in its previous two home openers at the stadium.
• This will be Phoenix Rising’s first-ever match against New Mexico United
• This will be the first match of the supporter-created Four Corners Cup

THIS WEEK
Saturday, March 16 — vs. New Mexico United, 7:30 p.m.
Local TV: Your PHX CW (Channel 6 and Channel 61.1)
National TV: ESPN+
Social Media:Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC kicks off the home portion of its schedule against first-year USL Championship club New Mexico United. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. Fans who arrive early will receive a 2019 Phoenix Rising schedule magnet courtesy of Equality Health. Plus upon leaving the stadium, fans will receive a Phoenix Rising branded bottle of strawberry lemonade courtesy of Danzeisen.

The club drew, 3-3, on the road in its season opener against San Antonio FC. In that match, the club fell behind three different times before coming back to equalize with goals from Junior Flemmings, Adam Jahn, and the game-tying goal from Jason Johnson. Flemmings also had an assist (on Jahn’s goal) and was recognized by the league as a USL Championship Team of the Week Honorable Mention.

Tickets for tomorrow’s match are still available and fans can purchase them by going to www.phxrisingfc.com

A Little Bit About New Mexico United

• New Mexico United had its inaugural home opener on Saturday, March 9, and drew 1-1 with Fresno FC in front of 12,896 fans.
• Albuquerque-native Devon Sandoval scored the franchise’s first goal in the 25th minute of the match, also giving the club its first-ever lead.
• The hometown favorite Sandoval was also the club’s first-ever signing.
• New Mexico United signed two former Phoenix Rising players: Kevaughn Frater and Sam Hamilton

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising walked away from San Antonio with a point following its 3-3 draw, its first point in San Antonio since 2016.
• Junior Flemmings and Adam Jahn each scored a goal in their club debut while Flemmings also added an assist.
• Solomon Asante moved into sole possession of second place as the club’s all-time assist leader following his assist of Junior Flemmings. 
• Over the past two seasons, Phonix Rising is 7-1-5 in matches following a draw.

The Series With New Mexico United
This will be the first official meeting between the two clubs

Who are you again?
For a second consecutive week, Phoenix Rising will potentially see a former player in the opponent’s Starting XI. New Mexico United has two former Phoenix Rising players on its roster: Kevaughn Frater and Sam Hamilton. Frater appeared in 21 matches and scored three goals with one assist in 2018. Hamilton appeared in 14 matches and scored a goal in 2017. 

Club debuts
Five players made their club debuts in the team’s 3-3 draw against San Antonio FC: Mustapha Dumbuya, Lamar Batista (loanee), Jose Aguinaga, Junior Flemmings, Adam Jahn, and Joey Calistri.

Making a good first impression
With Junior Flemmings and Adam Jahn scoring in their debuts, four of the club’s five goals scored in season openers have been tallied by players making their club debut. Flemmings and Jahn join Solomon Asante (2018), Dennis Chin (2015) and Robbie Derschang (2015). Jason Johnson became the first returning player to notch a goal in a season opener with his stoppage-time equalizer.

Starting on the right foot
Following his one goal, one assist performance, Junior Flemmings was recognized by the league in Week 1, being named a Team of the Week Honorable Mention. It’s the second consecutive season a Rising player in his club debut has been recognized by the league in the season opener. (Team of the Week Honorable Mention, 2018).

Nice to (officially) meet you
Phoenix Rising will be squaring off with New Mexico United for the first time in an official match. But, the two clubs have played each other once before. During a closed-door scrimmage the week before the season opener, Phoenix Rising walked away 2-1 winners with goals scored by Junior Flemmings and Jason Johnson.

Feels Like The First Time
New Mexico United will be the 30th different USL Championship club Rising FC has faced. In its previous 29 first-ever meetings, the team is 11-12-6. The last time the club won its first-ever match against another club was on June 13, 2018, in a 4-0 win over LAs Vegas Lights FC.

Home Opener History
Phoenix Rising is 1-3-1 all-time in home openers with the club’s first home-opening win coming in last season’s 4-1 win over OKC Energy FC. … Forward Chris Cortez holds the club record for most career goals in a home opener with two. He scored both against OKC Energy FC in 2018. … Phoenix Rising has sold out its last two home openers.

What You Need To Know

• This will be the third home opener at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The club is 1-1-0 in its previous two home openers at the stadium.
• This will be Phoenix Rising’s first-ever match against New Mexico United
• This will be the first match of the supporter-created Four Corners Cup

THIS WEEK
Saturday, March 16 — vs. New Mexico United, 7:30 p.m.
Local TV: Your PHX CW (Channel 6 and Channel 61.1)
National TV: ESPN+
Social Media:Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC kicks off the home portion of its schedule against first-year USL Championship club New Mexico United. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. Fans who arrive early will receive a 2019 Phoenix Rising schedule magnet courtesy of Equality Health. Plus upon leaving the stadium, fans will receive a Phoenix Rising branded bottle of strawberry lemonade courtesy of Danzeisen.

The club drew, 3-3, on the road in its season opener against San Antonio FC. In that match, the club fell behind three different times before coming back to equalize with goals from Junior Flemmings, Adam Jahn, and the game-tying goal from Jason Johnson. Flemmings also had an assist (on Jahn’s goal) and was recognized by the league as a USL Championship Team of the Week Honorable Mention.

Tickets for tomorrow’s match are still available and fans can purchase them by going to www.phxrisingfc.com

A Little Bit About New Mexico United

• New Mexico United had its inaugural home opener on Saturday, March 9, and drew 1-1 with Fresno FC in front of 12,896 fans.
• Albuquerque-native Devon Sandoval scored the franchise’s first goal in the 25th minute of the match, also giving the club its first-ever lead.
• The hometown favorite Sandoval was also the club’s first-ever signing.
• New Mexico United signed two former Phoenix Rising players: Kevaughn Frater and Sam Hamilton

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• Phoenix Rising walked away from San Antonio with a point following its 3-3 draw, its first point in San Antonio since 2016.
• Junior Flemmings and Adam Jahn each scored a goal in their club debut while Flemmings also added an assist.
• Solomon Asante moved into sole possession of second place as the club’s all-time assist leader following his assist of Junior Flemmings. 
• Over the past two seasons, Phonix Rising is 7-1-5 in matches following a draw.

The Series With New Mexico United
This will be the first official meeting between the two clubs

Who are you again?
For a second consecutive week, Phoenix Rising will potentially see a former player in the opponent’s Starting XI. New Mexico United has two former Phoenix Rising players on its roster: Kevaughn Frater and Sam Hamilton. Frater appeared in 21 matches and scored three goals with one assist in 2018. Hamilton appeared in 14 matches and scored a goal in 2017. 

Club debuts
Five players made their club debuts in the team’s 3-3 draw against San Antonio FC: Mustapha Dumbuya, Lamar Batista (loanee), Jose Aguinaga, Junior Flemmings, Adam Jahn, and Joey Calistri.

Making a good first impression
With Junior Flemmings and Adam Jahn scoring in their debuts, four of the club’s five goals scored in season openers have been tallied by players making their club debut. Flemmings and Jahn join Solomon Asante (2018), Dennis Chin (2015) and Robbie Derschang (2015). Jason Johnson became the first returning player to notch a goal in a season opener with his stoppage-time equalizer.

Starting on the right foot
Following his one goal, one assist performance, Junior Flemmings was recognized by the league in Week 1, being named a Team of the Week Honorable Mention. It’s the second consecutive season a Rising player in his club debut has been recognized by the league in the season opener. (Team of the Week Honorable Mention, 2018).

Nice to (officially) meet you
Phoenix Rising will be squaring off with New Mexico United for the first time in an official match. But, the two clubs have played each other once before. During a closed-door scrimmage the week before the season opener, Phoenix Rising walked away 2-1 winners with goals scored by Junior Flemmings and Jason Johnson.

Feels Like The First Time
New Mexico United will be the 30th different USL Championship club Rising FC has faced. In its previous 29 first-ever meetings, the team is 11-12-6. The last time the club won its first-ever match against another club was on June 13, 2018, in a 4-0 win over LAs Vegas Lights FC.

Home Opener History
Phoenix Rising is 1-3-1 all-time in home openers with the club’s first home-opening win coming in last season’s 4-1 win over OKC Energy FC. … Forward Chris Cortez holds the club record for most career goals in a home opener with two. He scored both against OKC Energy FC in 2018. … Phoenix Rising has sold out its last two home openers.

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising begins its sixth season in the USL Championship.
• Rick Schantz leads the club for the first time as the full-time head coach.
• Rising begins the season with 13 returning players from last season’s Western Conference Championship-winning squad.
• Phoenix Rising will see a familiar face in former forward Billy Forbes, who signed with San Antonio FC for the 2019 season.
• The club travels to San Antonio for its eighth-ever meeting with San Antonio FC.
• The club has yet to win in San Antonio, going 0-3-1 in four matches.

THIS WEEK
Saturday, March 9 — at San Antonio FC, 6:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising kicks off the 2019 season on the road as the club squares off with San Antonio FC. It will be the fourth time in eight seasons the team has opened the season away from home. The club has gone 1-1-1 in its previous three road season openers. In 2018, the club split its two matches against San Antonio with a 4-0 win at home and a 3-2 loss on the road.

Fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties held at the Casino Arizona Sports Bar and PAZ Cantina. Fans not going to the watch parties can watch the match at home on Your PHX CW, the official television home of Phoenix Rising. Fans with cable can tune in on channel 6. Fans with satellite or over-the-air antennas can tune in to channel 61.1.

A Little Bit About San Antonio FC

• San Antonio is hosting a season opener for the first time in club history. The team has gone 2-1-0 in its previous three season openers. The club is  25-8-15 all-time at Toyota Field.
• San Antonio added 14 new players to the roster, highlighted by 2016 USL All-League First Team players Jack Barmby, who scored six goals and tallied three assists in 2018 with Portland Timbers 2.

The Series With San Antonio FC

• This will be the 8th meeting between the two clubs.
• San Antonio leads the series 4-2-1
• Three of Rising's four losses in the series has been in San Antonio.
• San Antonio holds the longest unbeaten streak in the series, three matches (2-0-1)
• Rising's only point in San Antonio came in a 1-1 draw on September 4, 2016, when the club was named Arizona United. The team's lone goal came from forward Long Tan.
• In 2018, the two sides split the season series last season, with each club winning at their home field. Rising won the first matchup, 4-0, on August 22, at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. Rising goals were scored by Chris Cortez, Solomon Asante, Devin Vega, and Billy Forbes. In the rematch at San Antonio on Sept. 9, the home side won 3-2. Both of Rising's goals were tallied by Chris Cortez. The San Antonio game-winner was scored by Lance Laing.
• When Rising takes the field on Saturday, the players will see a familiar face on the other side of the pitch: Billy Forbes! The former Rising, and one-time former San Antonio forward, came back to San Antonio for the 2019 season. In Rising's last win over San Antonio, Forbes scored against his then-former team in a 4-0 win.

Who are you again?
Forbes will be one of a very few familiar faces in San Antonio. Over the offseason, the club brought in 17 new players for the 2019 season. One of those new players is SAFC Academy player Leo Torres. The 16-year old became the youngest signing in USL Championship history.

Welcome back home
One former San Antonio player who is still with the club is midfielder Devin Vega. The youngster began his professional career when he signed with SAFC in 2017. He then signed with Phoenix Rising in 2018 and scored against his former club in a 4-0 win on August 22, 2018.

Welcome back…
Roster Turnover is common in USL Championship, but RIsing FC managed to bring back 13 players from the 2018 Western Conference Championship team: Carl Woszczynski, Doueugui Mala, Collin Fernandez, Amadou Dia, Jason Johnson, Joey Farrell, Alessandro Riggi, Solomon Asante, Gladson Awako, Devin Vega, Kevon Lambert, Zac Lubin, and James Musa.

Hello, my name is…
A total of nine players could potentially make their Rising FC debuts on opening weekend: A.J. Cochran, Junior Flemmings, Adam Jahn, Logan Gdula, Jose Aguinaga, Joey Calistri, Mustapha Dumbuya,Ilijah Paul, Brandon Keniston.

Young guns
Two of Phoenix Rising's signings stand out from the offseason: GK Brandon Keniston and FIlijah Paul. Kensiton (17 years old) became the first player from the Phoenix Rising Youth Club to be signed onto the first team. Paul (16 years old) became the youngest signing in club history.

Primed and ready to score
Phoenix Rising played in seven preseason matches with six coming against Major League Soccer clubs. Five different players on the opening weekend roster notched goals in the preseason: Kevon Lambert, Ben Spencer, Adam Jahn, Jason Johnson, Joey Calistri.

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising begins its sixth season in the USL Championship.
• Rick Schantz leads the club for the first time as the full-time head coach.
• Rising begins the season with 13 returning players from last season’s Western Conference Championship-winning squad.
• Phoenix Rising will see a familiar face in former forward Billy Forbes, who signed with San Antonio FC for the 2019 season.
• The club travels to San Antonio for its eighth-ever meeting with San Antonio FC.
• The club has yet to win in San Antonio, going 0-3-1 in four matches.

THIS WEEK
Saturday, March 9 — at San Antonio FC, 6:30 p.m.
TV: Your PHX CW | ESPN+
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising kicks off the 2019 season on the road as the club squares off with San Antonio FC. It will be the fourth time in eight seasons the team has opened the season away from home. The club has gone 1-1-1 in its previous three road season openers. In 2018, the club split its two matches against San Antonio with a 4-0 win at home and a 3-2 loss on the road.

Fans can watch the match at one of two official watch parties held at the Casino Arizona Sports Bar and PAZ Cantina. Fans not going to the watch parties can watch the match at home on Your PHX CW, the official television home of Phoenix Rising. Fans with cable can tune in on channel 6. Fans with satellite or over-the-air antennas can tune in to channel 61.1.

A Little Bit About San Antonio FC

• San Antonio is hosting a season opener for the first time in club history. The team has gone 2-1-0 in its previous three season openers. The club is  25-8-15 all-time at Toyota Field.
• San Antonio added 14 new players to the roster, highlighted by 2016 USL All-League First Team players Jack Barmby, who scored six goals and tallied three assists in 2018 with Portland Timbers 2.

The Series With San Antonio FC

• This will be the 8th meeting between the two clubs.
• San Antonio leads the series 4-2-1
• Three of Rising’s four losses in the series has been in San Antonio.
• San Antonio holds the longest unbeaten streak in the series, three matches (2-0-1)
• Rising’s only point in San Antonio came in a 1-1 draw on September 4, 2016, when the club was named Arizona United. The team’s lone goal came from forward Long Tan.
• In 2018, the two sides split the season series last season, with each club winning at their home field. Rising won the first matchup, 4-0, on August 22, at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. Rising goals were scored by Chris Cortez, Solomon Asante, Devin Vega, and Billy Forbes. In the rematch at San Antonio on Sept. 9, the home side won 3-2. Both of Rising’s goals were tallied by Chris Cortez. The San Antonio game-winner was scored by Lance Laing.
• When Rising takes the field on Saturday, the players will see a familiar face on the other side of the pitch: Billy Forbes! The former Rising, and one-time former San Antonio forward, came back to San Antonio for the 2019 season. In Rising’s last win over San Antonio, Forbes scored against his then-former team in a 4-0 win.

Who are you again?
Forbes will be one of a very few familiar faces in San Antonio. Over the offseason, the club brought in 17 new players for the 2019 season. One of those new players is SAFC Academy player Leo Torres. The 16-year old became the youngest signing in USL Championship history.

Welcome back home
One former San Antonio player who is still with the club is midfielder Devin Vega. The youngster began his professional career when he signed with SAFC in 2017. He then signed with Phoenix Rising in 2018 and scored against his former club in a 4-0 win on August 22, 2018.

Welcome back…
Roster Turnover is common in USL Championship, but RIsing FC managed to bring back 13 players from the 2018 Western Conference Championship team: Carl Woszczynski, Doueugui Mala, Collin Fernandez, Amadou Dia, Jason Johnson, Joey Farrell, Alessandro Riggi, Solomon Asante, Gladson Awako, Devin Vega, Kevon Lambert, Zac Lubin, and James Musa.

Hello, my name is…
A total of nine players could potentially make their Rising FC debuts on opening weekend: A.J. Cochran, Junior Flemmings, Adam Jahn, Logan Gdula, Jose Aguinaga, Joey Calistri, Mustapha Dumbuya,Ilijah Paul, Brandon Keniston.

Young guns
Two of Phoenix Rising’s signings stand out from the offseason: GK Brandon Keniston and FIlijah Paul. Kensiton (17 years old) became the first player from the Phoenix Rising Youth Club to be signed onto the first team. Paul (16 years old) became the youngest signing in club history.

Primed and ready to score
Phoenix Rising played in seven preseason matches with six coming against Major League Soccer clubs. Five different players on the opening weekend roster notched goals in the preseason: Kevon Lambert, Ben Spencer, Adam Jahn, Jason Johnson, Joey Calistri.

PHOENIX (February 22, 2019) — Phoenix Rising FC finishes its Mobile Mini Sun Cup portion of the preseason this Saturday in a friendly with fellow USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz. The match is set to kickoff at 2 p.m.

Rising FC most recently played on Wednesday in the Mobile Mini Sun Cup where the club shut out defending MLS Western Conference Champion Portland Timbers in a 1-0 win. It was the second clean sheet of the preseason for the club and the first for goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski. The lone goal was scored by forward Adam Jahn, his second goal of the preseason.

This will be the 13th meeting all-time between Phoenix Rising and OKC Energy FC. Rising FC swept the season series last season with a 4-1 win on March 24th and a 3-0 win on May 9th. The club also holds a slight edge in the all-time series with a 6-4-2 record.

Preseason Friendly 7 – Phoenix Rising FC vs. OKC Energy FC
Date: Saturday, February 23, 2019
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m.
Stadium: Kino Sports Complex North Stadium
All-time Series: Rising FC leads the series with a 6-4-2 record

Social Media Information:
Twitter: @PHXRisingFC
Facebook: Phoenix Rising FC
Instagram: @PHXRisingFC
Hashtags: #UpRising, #PHXvOKC

PHOENIX (February 22, 2019) — Phoenix Rising FC finishes its Mobile Mini Sun Cup portion of the preseason this Saturday in a friendly with fellow USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz. The match is set to kickoff at 2 p.m.

Rising FC most recently played on Wednesday in the Mobile Mini Sun Cup where the club shut out defending MLS Western Conference Champion Portland Timbers in a 1-0 win. It was the second clean sheet of the preseason for the club and the first for goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski. The lone goal was scored by forward Adam Jahn, his second goal of the preseason.

This will be the 13th meeting all-time between Phoenix Rising and OKC Energy FC. Rising FC swept the season series last season with a 4-1 win on March 24th and a 3-0 win on May 9th. The club also holds a slight edge in the all-time series with a 6-4-2 record.

Preseason Friendly 7 – Phoenix Rising FC vs. OKC Energy FC
Date: Saturday, February 23, 2019
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m.
Stadium: Kino Sports Complex North Stadium
All-time Series: Rising FC leads the series with a 6-4-2 record

Social Media Information:
Twitter: @PHXRisingFC
Facebook: Phoenix Rising FC
Instagram: @PHXRisingFC
Hashtags: #UpRising, #PHXvOKC

PHOENIX (February 19, 2019) — Phoenix Rising FC has added an additional non-gated friendly to its preseason schedule, a matchup with New York Red Bulls on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. This is in addition to the club’s already scheduled friendly with MLS side Portland Timbers at 6 p.m. at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium.

Both matches will be streamed and the club will share stream links via social media prior to the match.

Rising FC comes off a friendly against MLS side Real Salt Lake, a 4-1 loss at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. In that match, forward Adam Jahn notched his first goal of 2019 and recent FC Cincinnati loanee Logan Gdula made his Rising FC debut.

This will be the third time Phoenix Rising plays New York Red Bulls (all three preseason friendlies). Each team has a win in the series, with Red Bulls winning the last matchup on February 10th, 4-1. Rising FC will be playing Portland Timbers for the first time in club history.

Preseason Friendly 5– Phoenix Rising FC vs. New York Red Bulls
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.
Stadium: Kino Sports Complex North Stadium 
All-time Series: Series is even at 1-1-0

Preseason Friendly 6– Phoenix Rising FC vs. Portland Timbers 
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
Stadium: Kino Sports Complex North Stadium 
All-time Series: This will be the first meeting between the two

Social Media Information:
Twitter: @PHXRisingFC
Facebook: Phoenix Rising FC
Instagram: @PHXRisingFC
Hashtags: #UpRising, #PHXvRBNY, #PHXvPOR 

PHOENIX (February 19, 2019) — Phoenix Rising FC has added an additional non-gated friendly to its preseason schedule, a matchup with New York Red Bulls on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. This is in addition to the club’s already scheduled friendly with MLS side Portland Timbers at 6 p.m. at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium.

Both matches will be streamed and the club will share stream links via social media prior to the match.

Rising FC comes off a friendly against MLS side Real Salt Lake, a 4-1 loss at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. In that match, forward Adam Jahn notched his first goal of 2019 and recent FC Cincinnati loanee Logan Gdula made his Rising FC debut.

This will be the third time Phoenix Rising plays New York Red Bulls (all three preseason friendlies). Each team has a win in the series, with Red Bulls winning the last matchup on February 10th, 4-1. Rising FC will be playing Portland Timbers for the first time in club history.

Preseason Friendly 5– Phoenix Rising FC vs. New York Red Bulls
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.
Stadium: Kino Sports Complex North Stadium 
All-time Series: Series is even at 1-1-0

Preseason Friendly 6– Phoenix Rising FC vs. Portland Timbers 
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
Stadium: Kino Sports Complex North Stadium 
All-time Series: This will be the first meeting between the two

Social Media Information:
Twitter: @PHXRisingFC
Facebook: Phoenix Rising FC
Instagram: @PHXRisingFC
Hashtags: #UpRising, #PHXvRBNY, #PHXvPOR