Match Preview

Phoenix Rising FC travels East to take on expansion side, Rhode Island FC this Friday, April 25. That match will air live on Arizona’s Family Sports beginning at 4:30 p.m. The game will also stream live on Arizona’s Family Sports App and ESPN+.

Rising is coming off a 3-1 loss at home to Pittsburgh on Saturday despite outshooting the Riverhounds, 19-10 and controlling possession 62-38.

“I’m disappointed with the result and the game,” said Rising head coach Danny Stone after the match. “We have ourselves to blame. We had chances to score more goals than we did. Those moments of taking your chances are very, very important. For large spells of the game, we limited their attacking threat. We created a lot of opportunities. We had chances where we should have scored goals.”

Of the 19 shots Phoenix took against Pittsburgh, four were on target compared to half of Pittsburgh’s (5 of 10 shots on goal).

“Goals really do change games,” added Stone. “When we had the momentum, when we had chances, we did not take them. The goals we conceded were not good goals. I’m disappointed we did not put ourselves in front and give them something to have to chase.”

Rising scored first in each of its two wins this season. Last season, the USL Champions went 12-1-4 when scoring first. The lone loss was to San Antonio after playing all but 12 minutes of the game down a man.

An expansion team, Rhode Island is still getting used to its new setting and has yet to pick up its first win at home in three tries. The club scored very late in its home opener (90+2) to salvage a 1-1 draw with New Mexico on March 16, then played to scoreless draws with Charleston and Pittsburgh on April 6 and April 13.

“I’ll look at the numbers to see what they have to say about the opportunities in threatening areas,” said Stone following the Pittsburgh match. “But I don’t feel like we lacked those. What we didn’t do was take our chances.”

Goals have been scarce this season, with a single goal deciding five of the first six games. That won’t change this weekend. The first one will be vital in picking up a result in Rhode Island.

Enjoy listening to Pape’s playlist ahead of tonight’s match to get you ready.

1. Solo – Futre
2. Crazy – Lil Baby
3. Gassed Up – Nebu Kiniza
4. Personally – P Square
5. Fimbu – Team Paiya
6. Tshwala Bam – TitoM
7. Ngozi – Crayon
8. Look Back at It – A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
9. Cartier – Gazo
10. Thank You Allah – Wally B. Seck

Match Preview Presented by Mayo Clinic

Phoenix Rising FC hosts Pittsburgh Riverhounds this Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. during Military Appreciation Night.

The matchup features the defending USL Regular Season Champions, traveling to Phoenix to face the defending USL Champions in Arizona for the first time since August 16, 2014.

“We played them in Pittsburgh last season,” said Rising head coach Danny Stone. “We had a very tough test in a close game. We’re looking forward to hosting them here in Phoenix. We know we’re in for a difficult match. We expect the game to be combative. We expect it to be physically demanding. Pittsburgh always makes sure no one gets anything for free. Teams earn everything they get against Pittsburgh. We’ve seen this from them regardless of results. We will be making sure they don’t get anything for free either.”

Goals will be at a premium in Saturday’s contest. Pittsburgh has earned consecutive shutouts coming into this game, while Phoenix is allowing just 0.50 goals against at home this season. Rocco Rios Novo earned his second clean sheet of the season last match, a milestone the team did not reach until July 1 last season.

“They defend very resiliently with a back five,” said Stone. “They defend their box with a lot of pride. Going forward they have athleticism and the ability to run into space on the front line. You might describe them as a fairly vertical team, but they also don’t get a lot of credit for the passages of play they do produce in the attacking half.”

Like the Colorado side Phoenix faced last week, Pittsburgh has produced just one goal this season.

“By no means are we taking the fact they have not scored as many goals as they would have liked to lightly,” said Stone. “We did not against Colorado either. It’s the same as teams might say watching us, we could and maybe should have scored more goals than we have. I would say the same thing about Pittsburgh. We’ve seen the way they play. We know the way they work as a team. This is a club that is well versed in being successful in this league. Regardless of how many goals they scored this season, it really doesn’t change our mindset heading into Saturday.”

MATCHDAY 6: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:30pm (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
TV: AZ Family (Channel 44)
Streaming: ESPN+ | Rising Radio (audio only: English & Spanish) 

PREVIEW
Phoenix Rising FC (1-3-1) returns home for an early season matchup against Colorado Springs Switchbacks (0-4-0) this Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Rising’s opponents the next two weeks – Colorado Springs and Pittsburgh both finished higher in the league standings last season. Head-to-head, Phoenix was 0-2-1 against Colorado Springs and Pittsburgh in 2023. The Switchbacks were also the last team to beat Rising (October 14) before the team reeled off four consecutive wins to claim the 2023 USL Championship Trophy.

PHOENIX RISING FC APP
Before you do anything, be sure to download the PRFC app. Not only is this your ticket into the game, it also has everything you’ll need on gameday, including stadium rules, maps, news, stats and more. Click the link below to get started.

LIGHT RAIL
Rising fans can catch Valley Metro Rail, with their fare covered at any of the 41 stations across the Valley, leaving any worries about traffic and parking behind. Match tickets will double as valid light rail fare on the day of the event four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.

TRANSPORTATION
We’ve got great guides on transit options, the quickest routes and the best parking at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Take the time to review your route and plan to leave early to take the stress out of your gameday commute.

COCKTAIL OF THE MATCH
Indulge in the epitome of refreshment with the Iconic Paloma, a drink that seamlessly blends tradition with modern flair. Crafted with finesse, this cocktail harmoniously marries the tangy allure of Iconic Cocktail Co’s Grapefruit Fleur de Sel mixer with the smooth character of Smirnoff vodka or the liquor of your choice.

FOOD TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: AZ Lemonade Stand, Bahama Bucks, Saguaro Tacos, Chewk’s Cookies, The Food Truck, Minburi Thai, The Pitt BBQ, Donut NV, Estero Beach, Ri de Roma, Aioli Gourmet Burger, and Copperstate.

Season Member discount will be available at all container bars, Copperstate Truck and Aiolo Gourmet Burgers.

RECENT POSTS

Match Preview Presented by Mayo Clinic

Phoenix Rising FC (1-3-1) returns home for an early season matchup against Colorado Springs Switchbacks (0-4-0) this Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Rising’s opponents the next two weeks – Colorado Springs and Pittsburgh both finished higher in the league standings last season. Head-to-head, Phoenix was 0-2-1 against Colorado Springs and Pittsburgh in 2023. The Switchbacks were also the last team to beat Rising (October 14) before the team reeled off four consecutive wins to claim the 2023 USL Championship Trophy.

Last season aside, these three clubs are now a combined 1-10-2 in the new but young 2024 season.

“We have a lot of focus on going after two wins at home in the next two weeks,” said Rising head coach Danny Stone. “As far as the teams we are playing, we’re aware of our opponent. We’re always aware of their situation within the league, however, there is no bigger expectation than the one that comes from within our dressing room.”

Rising’s concern had been offense going into last week’s matchup in Tulsa. Its defense had allowed 0.75 goals per game prior to April 5 but gave up three in a 3-3 draw last time out. The good news is that forwards Dariusz Formella and Remi Cabral (x2) broke the ice and the team will now be looking to put it all together just in time for a two-game homestand.

“Three goals away from home is a big positive,” said Stone. “And with just 10 men, we won a penalty and equalized. We created moments with 10 players. We had drive and energy. We were committed to not just leaving the game where it was at and defend the point.”

“We’re hungry,” added Cabral. “We want more next game. Three goals is good for our confidence, but we cannot stop there. I look forward to getting more goals for the team. You need to be a killer in front of goal in this league. You don’t have many chances to be the difference. Against Tulsa, we had three or four chances. We scored three goals. We need to be killers in front of goal.”

On paper, finishing has also been the Achillies heel for Colorado. Despite adding Ronaldo Damus in the offseason – a player that scored as many goals as Charleston, Sacramento and Orange County combined vs. Rising in the playoffs last season, Switchbacks have produced just two shots on goal per game this season.

“Attackers always want to score so it was good for [Formella and Cabral] to find the back of the net,” said Rising Captain John Stenberg who returned from illness to make his first start of the season vs. Tulsa. “I’m sure that game boosted their confidence. That will be good for us as a team. We always have to believe we will score. We’ve been shaking off the rust in that area as a team, so I am happy we were able to get three goals.”

“There is always pressure to play for Phoenix Rising,” said Stenberg. “Especially at home. We haven’t performed at our best yet. That’s pressure to us and we like that pressure. We want it that way. We’re ready for it. We don’t focus too much on what Colorado has been going through. We focus on us and try to do better.”  

Stenberg joined Rising for the final 16 games of the 2023 season, steadying the ship and eventually scoring in the final to lead the club to its first USL Championship Title. Imagine what he can do with the 29 regular-season games remaining this season.

MATCHDAY 5: Phoenix Rising FC vs FC Tulsa
Watch Party: Walter Station Brewery – 056 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Time: 5:30 p.m.
TV: Our game will be aired on CBS April 5th at 9 a.m.
Streaming: ESPN+ & AZF APP | Rising Radio

WATCH PARTY
It’s the battle of the birds! And, while ours is a mythical firebird and theirs is a…scissor-tailed flycatcher…it should still be an action-filled matchup. Join us at Walter Station, just down the road from Phoenix Rising Stadium, for the official watch party. Catch up on the pregame conversation with Rising Radio recording live, and take advantage of Happy Hour pricing. We’ll see you there!

Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to WIN FOUR (4) PREMIUM TERRACE TICKETS to the upcoming Phoenix Rising vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC match on April 13th.

Match Preview Presented by Mayo Clinic

Phoenix Rising (1-3-0) hits the road for the second time this season, taking on FC Tulsa (1-1-0), Friday at 5:30 p.m. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ and broadcast the following morning locally on CBS 5 at 9 a.m.

Both Phoenix and Tulsa come into the match having lost, 1-0, the last time out. Tulsa fell in Orange County while Rising lost at home to New Mexico.

“I’m disappointed with the game,” said Rising head coach Danny Stone. “We didn’t get to grips with the type of game it was or the conditions. We didn’t find ourselves in the game, in possession particularly. We competed. We pushed in the second half. We tried to drive the game. We just weren’t effective enough to create opportunities. The quality in what we did with the ball was not good enough.”

“We changed the system a couple of times during the game,” added Stone. “We always came back to the same struggle. We have to ask more of ourselves. However we played, we weren’t able to develop the chances we needed.”

Saturday’s match will be the home opener for Tulsa, which traveled to Vegas and picked up a 3-1 win on March 16. Midfielder Blaine Ferri picked up two assists in that match by winning balls deep in enemy territory and quickly transitioning to offense. Tulsa put more shots on goal in that match, 5-4, despite owning just 28 percent of the possession. Despite losing to Orange County, Tulsa also had more shots on goal by a 6-3 margin.

Despite the frustrating start to the 2024 season, Phoenix should not be deterred. The defending USL Champions started last season with a 0-1-1 record in March. Even during the best season in USL history, Rising went 0-0-3 in March of 2019 before finishing the year with a record of 24-4-6.

[The team knows] they’re better than what they showed,” said Stone. “We didn’t produce enough quality. Give credit to the opponent for their side of it but we look at ourselves. We look at the quality we provide in the game and today, we’re disappointed we didn’t produce more than that.”

Gauging by the best seasons in club history, Rising is right on track.  

MATCHDAY 4: Phoenix Rising FC vs. New Mexico United
Location: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St./Washington
Time: 7:30pm (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
TV: AZ Family (Channel 44)
Streaming: ESPN+ | Rising Radio (audio only: English & Spanish) 

PREVIEW
Phoenix Rising (1-2-0) hosts New Mexico United (1-1-1) this Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. The match will also be broadcast live on Arizona’s Family Sports and streamed on ESPN+.

New Mexico enters the match having lost 4-0 in Charleston on March 23. Facing the defending Eastern and Western Conference Champions in consecutive weekends would be a daunting task for any club, but head coach Danny Stone believes United remains a difficult opponent.

“I’ve seen some good things from New Mexico this season,” said Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “They have a clear philosophy of how they want to play. We can look at the result last weekend and they’ll be disappointed with the result but that doesn’t mean they’re not a good team. No one moment in a season discounts the fact they have quality players. We’ll see a good team this weekend and we’ll be preparing as such.”

PHOENIX RISING FC APP
Before you do anything, be sure to download the PRFC app. Not only is this your ticket into the game, it also has everything you’ll need on gameday, including stadium rules, maps, news, stats and more. Click the link below to get started.

LIGHT RAIL
Rising fans can catch Valley Metro Rail, with their fare covered at any of the 41 stations across the Valley, leaving any worries about traffic and parking behind. Match tickets will double as valid light rail fare on the day of the event four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.

TRANSPORTATION
We’ve got great guides on transit options, the quickest routes and the best parking at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Take the time to review your route and plan to leave early to take the stress out of your gameday commute.

GATES
Fresh off a 1-0 win at home against Oakland Roots, Phoenix Rising will look to repeat this weekend in front of a friendly crowd. New Mexico enters the match having lost 4-0 in Charleston on March 23. Facing the defending Eastern and Western Conference Champions in consecutive weekends would be a daunting task for any club, but head coach Danny Stone believes United remains a difficult opponent. Stadium gates open 1.5 hours before kickoff at 5:30 p.m.

EGG HUNT EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Arrive early to find one of our 5 Soccer Eggs that will be hidden in the concourse around the stadium waiting to be discovered. Each will hold one of the evening’s surprise grand prizes.

VALUE MENU
When the champs win at home, you win with discounted food options across the stadium. Enjoy $3 Modelo, Value Dogs, and AZ Lemonade. With single game tickets starting at just $15, enjoy a full night out for under $25 as your Phoenix Rising take on New Mexico United this Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. Value menu available at select locations: The west Jack Container Bar and Modelo Container Bar, southeast at the Smirnoff Container Bar and north at the Red Snack Shack Container Bar.

FOOD TRUCK LINEUP
Starting on the north side of the stadium and moving counter clockwise: AZ Lemonade Stand, Ri de Roma, Chewk’s Cookies, Minburi Thai, Mama Lolas, Bahama Bucks, The Pitt BBQ, Estero Beach, Oh So Donuts, Loopy Whisk, Aioli Gourmet Burgers, Copperstate.

Season Member discount will be available at all container bars, Copperstate Truck and Aiolo Gourmet Burgers.

RECENT POSTS

Match Preview Presented by Mayo Clinic

Phoenix Rising (1-2-0) hosts New Mexico United (1-1-1) this Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. The match will also be broadcast live on Arizona’s Family Sports and streamed on ESPN+.

New Mexico enters the match having lost 4-0 in Charleston on March 23. Facing the defending Eastern and Western Conference Champions in consecutive weekends would be a daunting task for any club, but head coach Danny Stone believes United remains a difficult opponent.

“I’ve seen some good things from New Mexico this season,” said Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. “They have a clear philosophy of how they want to play. We can look at the result last weekend and they’ll be disappointed with the result but that doesn’t mean they’re not a good team. No one moment in a season discounts the fact they have quality players. We’ll see a good team this weekend and we’ll be preparing as such.”

Rising enters the fray ahead of schedule defensively, having allowed just 0.66 goals per game this season. Despite winning it all in 2023, Phoenix began the year allowing two goals per game in its opening three matches and did not get a clean sheet until May 20. Rising picked up a shutout last time out, vs. Oakland on March 23. A big reason for that is the play of Senegalese defenders Mohamad Traore and Pape Mar Boye.

“We have quality players in every position,” said Traore. “Even if someone else gets injured, we have a good player ready to step up. It showed last game, we had players out and we didn’t allow a shot on goal. I’m really happy for [Boye]. It’s an honor to play with him. We’ve known each other since we were young, playing back in Senegal. We already have a lot of chemistry. It’s a pleasure.”

Despite beating Rising at 38th/Washington in October, roughly a month before Rising lifted the USL Championship trophy, New Mexico hasn’t had the same luck on the road in 2024. United was outshot 39-16 in its two losses outside of New Mexico this season. Within state lines, United won its only match, 1-0 vs. Pittsburgh on March 9. In that game, New Mexico completed 639 passes, held a 67-33 edge in possession and got a 44th minute goal from former Rising forward Greg Hurst to pick up the win vs. the defending regular season champs.

“Greg is a good player,” said Stone. “I look forward to seeing him this weekend. He has shown again the quality he has… beginning the season as the nine for a very good team. That speaks to his quality and we know that. I only have good things to say about Greg. This weekend, I look forward to saying hello to him, giving him a pat on the back and then competing against him.”