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Match Preview

PREVIEW: Rising at LA Galaxy II, Wednesday at 7:30 on ESPN+

Phoenix Rising FC (17-3-5, 56 points) officially became the first team in the USL Championship to qualify for the 2021 postseason with a 2-1 win over Tacoma Defiance on Saturday. Jon Bakero put in a goal off the bench, while Santi Moar scored the game-winner for Rising in the 90th minute of the match. It was Moar’s sixth consecutive match with a goal, just one shy of Solomon Asante's 2019 record of seven consecutive games.
 
Next up for Phoenix is LA Galaxy II in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 29.  The two clubs will meet for the fourth and final time this season, with Rising taking the first three games. While Rising won the first two matchups handily (3-0 and 5-0), it took an LA own-goal in the final seconds of stoppage time for Phoenix to secure a 4-3 victory in Los Angeles earlier this month.
 
Rising comes into the match on a six-game winning streak, its longest since winning 20 straight in a historic 2019 season. Phoenix brings another streak into the match, having won a club-best 13 straight regular-season games against Galaxy II.
 
Los Angeles, who sits in sixth place in the Pacific Division, is coming off victories over Oakland and Sacramento. Those wins were Los Dos' first consecutive wins of the season. LA has been a strong offensive team all season, tied for sixth in the league with 42 goals, but their struggles have come on the defensive end. LA has given up 46 goals – fourth-most in the league.
 
"This is a very good attacking team," said head coach Rick Schantz of Los Dos on Sept. 7. "They like to take shots. They like to be in one-on-one situations. They like to go forward but they've struggled a bit defensively."
 
LA Galaxy II's results have taken on a different look since giving up four goals in back-to-back loses to San Diego and Phoenix on Sept. 5 and Sept. 11. Since then, LA is 2-0-0 with consecutive shutout wins, meaning this second meeting between the clubs in LA in September may not be the same shootout-style match as the last game.
Phoenix Rising FC (17-3-5, 56 points) officially became the first team in the USL Championship to qualify for the 2021 postseason with a 2-1 win over Tacoma Defiance on Saturday. Jon Bakero put in a goal off the bench, while Santi Moar scored the game-winner for Rising in the 90th minute of the match. It was Moar’s sixth consecutive match with a goal, just one shy of Solomon Asante’s 2019 record of seven consecutive games.
 
Next up for Phoenix is LA Galaxy II in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 29.  The two clubs will meet for the fourth and final time this season, with Rising taking the first three games. While Rising won the first two matchups handily (3-0 and 5-0), it took an LA own-goal in the final seconds of stoppage time for Phoenix to secure a 4-3 victory in Los Angeles earlier this month.
 
Rising comes into the match on a six-game winning streak, its longest since winning 20 straight in a historic 2019 season. Phoenix brings another streak into the match, having won a club-best 13 straight regular-season games against Galaxy II.
 
Los Angeles, who sits in sixth place in the Pacific Division, is coming off victories over Oakland and Sacramento. Those wins were Los Dos’ first consecutive wins of the season. LA has been a strong offensive team all season, tied for sixth in the league with 42 goals, but their struggles have come on the defensive end. LA has given up 46 goals – fourth-most in the league.
 
“This is a very good attacking team,” said head coach Rick Schantz of Los Dos on Sept. 7. “They like to take shots. They like to be in one-on-one situations. They like to go forward but they’ve struggled a bit defensively.”
 
LA Galaxy II’s results have taken on a different look since giving up four goals in back-to-back loses to San Diego and Phoenix on Sept. 5 and Sept. 11. Since then, LA is 2-0-0 with consecutive shutout wins, meaning this second meeting between the clubs in LA in September may not be the same shootout-style match as the last game.

PREVIEW: Rising at Tacoma, Saturday at 7 PM

Phoenix Rising ((16-3-5)) has now won a season-best five straight games, got goals from Santi Moar and Darren Mattocks. Moar last time out. Moar leads the team with 13 goals and has now scored in five-straight games, while Aodhan Quinn has recorded an assist in each of these games and earned back-to-back USL Team of the Week nods.

Rising hits the road for its next three matches, starting with a trip to Tacoma this Saturday, Sept. 25 (CW 61 Arizona at 7 p.m.). These two teams are meeting for the third time this season. Phoenix took the first two games (3-0 and 3-1). The final matchup will be Rising's regular-season finale at Wild Horse Pass on Oct. 30.

Tacoma sits fifth in the Pacific Division, just below .500 with an 8-9-6 record. Defiance has been a strong home team this season, only losing twice on its home pitch. Both home losses have come in its last two home matches, including the defeat to Phoenix on Sept. 5.

"[Tacoma Head Coach] Wade [Webber] has done an unbelievable job with that group," said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. "They've got some experienced guys in there, with some really, really talented young players. They had a hard time at San Diego. They got really spread out. That's important when playing them. It's a little harder at Cheney [Stadium] to spread them out. They can really play well in tight places. When we go up there, we just have to be super physical."

With just eight games remaining in the regular season, a win against Tacoma would officially clinch a spot in the 2021 postseason for Rising. If the team can secure three points and a few other results go their way, Phoenix could even clinch the Pacific Division title on Saturday night.

"I've always said it's about winning trophies here," said Schantz. "There are three we can win this season and we're fighting for all of them. As we prepare for playoffs, we'll look at each game individually. We need to make sure to prepare the group as best we can, if we need to switch out some guys and get some rest, I'm comfortable doing that. I'm really happy with the depth we have. I feel confident I could have had two teams qualify for the postseason with the group we have this year.

Phoenix Rising ((16-3-5)) has now won a season-best five straight games, got goals from Santi Moar and Darren Mattocks. Moar last time out. Moar leads the team with 13 goals and has now scored in five-straight games, while Aodhan Quinn has recorded an assist in each of these games and earned back-to-back USL Team of the Week nods.

Rising hits the road for its next three matches, starting with a trip to Tacoma this Saturday, Sept. 25 (CW 61 Arizona at 7 p.m.). These two teams are meeting for the third time this season. Phoenix took the first two games (3-0 and 3-1). The final matchup will be Rising’s regular-season finale at Wild Horse Pass on Oct. 30.

Tacoma sits fifth in the Pacific Division, just below .500 with an 8-9-6 record. Defiance has been a strong home team this season, only losing twice on its home pitch. Both home losses have come in its last two home matches, including the defeat to Phoenix on Sept. 5.

“[Tacoma Head Coach] Wade [Webber] has done an unbelievable job with that group,” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. “They’ve got some experienced guys in there, with some really, really talented young players. They had a hard time at San Diego. They got really spread out. That’s important when playing them. It’s a little harder at Cheney [Stadium] to spread them out. They can really play well in tight places. When we go up there, we just have to be super physical.”

With just eight games remaining in the regular season, a win against Tacoma would officially clinch a spot in the 2021 postseason for Rising. If the team can secure three points and a few other results go their way, Phoenix could even clinch the Pacific Division title on Saturday night.

“I’ve always said it’s about winning trophies here,” said Schantz. “There are three we can win this season and we’re fighting for all of them. As we prepare for playoffs, we’ll look at each game individually. We need to make sure to prepare the group as best we can, if we need to switch out some guys and get some rest, I’m comfortable doing that. I’m really happy with the depth we have. I feel confident I could have had two teams qualify for the postseason with the group we have this year.

PREVIEW: Rising Tries its Luck vs Vegas at Wild Horse Pass

In its second comeback win of the season, Phoenix Rising defeated Galaxy II, 4-3, in LA on Saturday to improve to 14-3-5 overall. The road win gave the defending Western Conference Champions the fourth-best away mark this season (6-3-2), just one win behind Pittsburgh (7-3-3) for the top spot.

The leaders of the Pacific Division and Western Conference return home Wednesday vs. Las Vegas with a showdown against Orange County looming just three days later – a tough stretch of three games in eight days.

“After a poor performance against LA, we had a fantastic response late,” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. “The players showed a never-say-die attitude. To get three points and still be disappointed in our performance is right where we want to be right now. While we got three points on the road and you’ll take that result however you can get it, we know we created enough chances to win by six or seven. We just weren’t clinical. in our final third”

Phoenix certainly took its chances well in the first match against Vegas on May 22, winning comfortably, 5-1. However, in its most-recent match on Aug. 7 in Vegas, Lights FC finished strong, drawing, 2-2. Lights narrowly missed on a chance that rattled the crossbar, which would have made it a 3-2 loss for Rising.

Vegas, which sits last place in the Pacific Division, are on an eight-game losing streak. The club has not won or tied a match since the last meeting with Phoenix in August.

“Vegas’ most veteran player, Mohamed Traore picked up a red card in their last match, so he’ll be out,” said Schantz. “It’s so hard to prepare for games like this. LAFC played on Sunday and a few of Vegas' players were in the 18. The one thing I do know is they are very good technically, especially in attack. Vegas moves the ball well, but we will be able to take advantage of them on set pieces. We’re big, powerful, we need to use that to our advantage.”

“Everyone says we’re a different team when we’re at home, but the reality is we play on the best field in the league,” said Schantz. “When we’re on the road, everything is more difficult. When we play at home, we have a lot of good energy and excitement. I hope everyone comes out and takes advantage of the $3 deal. It should be fun.”

In its second comeback win of the season, Phoenix Rising defeated Galaxy II, 4-3, in LA on Saturday to improve to 14-3-5 overall. The road win gave the defending Western Conference Champions the fourth-best away mark this season (6-3-2), just one win behind Pittsburgh (7-3-3) for the top spot.

The leaders of the Pacific Division and Western Conference return home Wednesday vs. Las Vegas with a showdown against Orange County looming just three days later – a tough stretch of three games in eight days.

“After a poor performance against LA, we had a fantastic response late,” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. “The players showed a never-say-die attitude. To get three points and still be disappointed in our performance is right where we want to be right now. While we got three points on the road and you’ll take that result however you can get it, we know we created enough chances to win by six or seven. We just weren’t clinical. in our final third”

Phoenix certainly took its chances well in the first match against Vegas on May 22, winning comfortably, 5-1. However, in its most-recent match on Aug. 7 in Vegas, Lights FC finished strong, drawing, 2-2. Lights narrowly missed on a chance that rattled the crossbar, which would have made it a 3-2 loss for Rising.

Vegas, which sits last place in the Pacific Division, are on an eight-game losing streak. The club has not won or tied a match since the last meeting with Phoenix in August.

“Vegas’ most veteran player, Mohamed Traore picked up a red card in their last match, so he’ll be out,” said Schantz. “It’s so hard to prepare for games like this. LAFC played on Sunday and a few of Vegas’ players were in the 18. The one thing I do know is they are very good technically, especially in attack. Vegas moves the ball well, but we will be able to take advantage of them on set pieces. We’re big, powerful, we need to use that to our advantage.”

“Everyone says we’re a different team when we’re at home, but the reality is we play on the best field in the league,” said Schantz. “When we’re on the road, everything is more difficult. When we play at home, we have a lot of good energy and excitement. I hope everyone comes out and takes advantage of the $3 deal. It should be fun.”

PREVIEW: Rising vs. New Mexico, Saturday at 7:30

Defender Darnell King scored a highlight-reel goal in the second half on Wednesday night, but it wasn’t enough for Phoenix Rising FC (11-3-5), as the club fell 3-1 to Oakland Roots SC at Las Positas College. The loss ends the team’s 10-game unbeaten streak.
 
Rising returns to Wild Horse Pass this Saturday for a showdown with Mountain-Division opponent, New Mexico United. Phoenix and New Mexico will meet for just the fourth time in the regular season. The teams drew in the first two matches in 2019, but Rising finally broke through to get a 5-2 win in 2020.
 
Phoenix will look to get back on track and get its first win since August 4 vs. New Mexico. It will be bolstered by its home pitch, where Rising remains unbeaten (7-0-3) and has outscored opponents 29-6. Rising head coach Rick Schantz knows his team has not been on the greatest run of form as of late, and is urging his club to bring emotion and energy into the matchup.
 
"We know New Mexico is a talented team," said Schantz. "We played them in preseason. Troy [Lesesne] is a very good coach. Right now, we have three draws and a loss in our last four, so we’re up against it. We’re going to have to play with a lot of emotion."
 
"These are moments where our aggressiveness, our defending, our emotions are going to carry us through. We have to come together as a team and realize this is a big opportunity for us, at home, in front of our fans against a good, regional rival."
 
On the other side, New Mexico is on an unbeaten streak of its own with an astonishing five-straight draws. Two of the ties have come against El Paso, who currently stands atop the USL Championship in points with 41. New Mexico will hope to get a a spark in the second half of the season from Chris Wehan, who United recently welcomed back from Orange County. Wehan helped lead New Mexico to the playoffs in 2019 and 2020, recording 16 goals and 10 assists in his 42 regular-season appearances.

"This is actually the kind of adversity our club needs to go through to become better," added Schantz. "We need to look within. The answers are inside the organization, not outside. It’s really going to come down to going out on the field and playing with a lot of pride and emotion.

It’s not about football as much as it is about energy and desire in difficult moments. In years past, we’ve been able to put our heads down and go to work when we’re in a difficult moment. We’ve gotten through it. We’ll come out of this too. We’ll look back and be thankful for it at the end of the season."
Defender Darnell King scored a highlight-reel goal in the second half on Wednesday night, but it wasn’t enough for Phoenix Rising FC (11-3-5), as the club fell 3-1 to Oakland Roots SC at Las Positas College. The loss ends the team’s 10-game unbeaten streak.
 
Rising returns to Wild Horse Pass this Saturday for a showdown with Mountain-Division opponent, New Mexico United. Phoenix and New Mexico will meet for just the fourth time in the regular season. The teams drew in the first two matches in 2019, but Rising finally broke through to get a 5-2 win in 2020.
 
Phoenix will look to get back on track and get its first win since August 4 vs. New Mexico. It will be bolstered by its home pitch, where Rising remains unbeaten (7-0-3) and has outscored opponents 29-6. Rising head coach Rick Schantz knows his team has not been on the greatest run of form as of late, and is urging his club to bring emotion and energy into the matchup.
 
“We know New Mexico is a talented team,” said Schantz. “We played them in preseason. Troy [Lesesne] is a very good coach. Right now, we have three draws and a loss in our last four, so we’re up against it. We’re going to have to play with a lot of emotion.”
 
“These are moments where our aggressiveness, our defending, our emotions are going to carry us through. We have to come together as a team and realize this is a big opportunity for us, at home, in front of our fans against a good, regional rival.”
 
On the other side, New Mexico is on an unbeaten streak of its own with an astonishing five-straight draws. Two of the ties have come against El Paso, who currently stands atop the USL Championship in points with 41. New Mexico will hope to get a a spark in the second half of the season from Chris Wehan, who United recently welcomed back from Orange County. Wehan helped lead New Mexico to the playoffs in 2019 and 2020, recording 16 goals and 10 assists in his 42 regular-season appearances.

“This is actually the kind of adversity our club needs to go through to become better,” added Schantz. “We need to look within. The answers are inside the organization, not outside. It’s really going to come down to going out on the field and playing with a lot of pride and emotion.

It’s not about football as much as it is about energy and desire in difficult moments. In years past, we’ve been able to put our heads down and go to work when we’re in a difficult moment. We’ve gotten through it. We’ll come out of this too. We’ll look back and be thankful for it at the end of the season.”

PREVIEW: Rising vs. Sacramento Tomorrow at 7:30

Phoenix Rising FC (11-2-4) extended its unbeaten streak to nine straight games after Ryan Flood and Prince Saydee combined to score a stoppage-time goal and pull level, 1-1, vs. Orange County just before the final whistle last weekend.

The match was the first of a three-game home set to close out the month of August. The goal helped Rising remain unbeaten at Wild Horse Pass, where the club has outscored opponents 29-6 and compiled a 7-0-2 record. 

Phoenix now hosts Sacramento Republic – a team riding its own unbeaten streak of six games. Rising has faced Sacramento twice already this season in California and won, 1-0, and 2-1. While Phoenix has not lost a match since June 19, away vs. San Diego, Sacramento's last defeat was to Phoenix on June 26.

"We beat them twice at their place and I'm sure they're extremely motivated," said Rising Head Coach Rick Schantz. "I'm sure they want to prove something to us. They're very, very good. Cameron Iwasa is on fire right now. Formella is a very good player. Their back four are getting organized. This will be a huge challenge."

While a draw would preserve Rising's unbeaten season at home and extend the overall unbeaten streak to 10 games, Phoenix is motivated to get a win in front of its home crowd after tying its last two matches.

Sacramento, on the other hand, could get back to a .500 record and put themselves in a solid position to fight for a top-four seed in the Pacific Division in the second half of the season.

"I expect, after seeing our last two results, Sacramento will come out looking a lot like Orange County did against us last weekend," said Schantz. "We'll be better prepared for that this time around."

Phoenix Rising FC (11-2-4) extended its unbeaten streak to nine straight games after Ryan Flood and Prince Saydee combined to score a stoppage-time goal and pull level, 1-1, vs. Orange County just before the final whistle last weekend.

The match was the first of a three-game home set to close out the month of August. The goal helped Rising remain unbeaten at Wild Horse Pass, where the club has outscored opponents 29-6 and compiled a 7-0-2 record. 

Phoenix now hosts Sacramento Republic – a team riding its own unbeaten streak of six games. Rising has faced Sacramento twice already this season in California and won, 1-0, and 2-1. While Phoenix has not lost a match since June 19, away vs. San Diego, Sacramento’s last defeat was to Phoenix on June 26.

“We beat them twice at their place and I’m sure they’re extremely motivated,” said Rising Head Coach Rick Schantz. “I’m sure they want to prove something to us. They’re very, very good. Cameron Iwasa is on fire right now. Formella is a very good player. Their back four are getting organized. This will be a huge challenge.”

While a draw would preserve Rising’s unbeaten season at home and extend the overall unbeaten streak to 10 games, Phoenix is motivated to get a win in front of its home crowd after tying its last two matches.

Sacramento, on the other hand, could get back to a .500 record and put themselves in a solid position to fight for a top-four seed in the Pacific Division in the second half of the season.

“I expect, after seeing our last two results, Sacramento will come out looking a lot like Orange County did against us last weekend,” said Schantz. “We’ll be better prepared for that this time around.”

PREVIEW: Rising hosts second-place Orange County Saturday at 7:30

Phoenix Rising FC extended its unbeaten streak to eight games with a 2-2 draw against Las Vegas Lights FC last weekend. Aodhan Quinn tallied his third-straight goal and fourth of the season, while Santi Moar tied Solomon Asante for the team lead with his eighth  of the year.

Rising now returns home to Wild Horse Pass to face Orange County SC in a battle of the top two teams in the Pacific Division. While OCSC (7-6-4) has struggled at home this season (2-3-3), it has found success on the road, going 5-3-1 and scoring 16 of its 21 goals. Rising has been untouchable at home, going 7-0-1 and outscoring opponents 28-5. Phoenix has won by an average margin of 2.9 at Wild Horse Pass. 

More historically, OCSC has been a difficult opponent for Rising. The club is tied with Real Monarchs with seven wins against Phoenix all-time, the most of any club in the league. Last season, Rising and Orange County split a three-game set, 1-1-1, with two of the three matches in California. But with Aodhan Quinn joining Phoenix during the offseason, Rising hopes the struggles against Orange County are a thing of the past.

"Orange County has some really good players," said Quinn. "They're experienced players that are going to be motivated… Every team that comes to Phoenix is motivated. Plus there's a little bit of a rivalry between Orange County and Phoenix."

Quinn spent three seasons and played in 80 matches for Orange County, starting all but one and tallying 23 goals and 23 assists in his time there.

"I'm excited," said Quinn. "I've been motivated to get to this game and I'm looking forward to it. They're in second right now so the next couple of matches against them is going to decide the top of the table in our conference. Hopefully we can come out strong this first game." 

Rising head coach Rick Schantz expect to face an organized team with plenty of speed and firepower up front.

"For us, it's going to have to be putting them under so much pressure that we don't give them the time to get out in transition," said Schantz. "I don't just mean defensive pressure. When we have the ball, we need to be confident and patient." 

Phoenix Rising FC extended its unbeaten streak to eight games with a 2-2 draw against Las Vegas Lights FC last weekend. Aodhan Quinn tallied his third-straight goal and fourth of the season, while Santi Moar tied Solomon Asante for the team lead with his eighth  of the year.

Rising now returns home to Wild Horse Pass to face Orange County SC in a battle of the top two teams in the Pacific Division. While OCSC (7-6-4) has struggled at home this season (2-3-3), it has found success on the road, going 5-3-1 and scoring 16 of its 21 goals. Rising has been untouchable at home, going 7-0-1 and outscoring opponents 28-5. Phoenix has won by an average margin of 2.9 at Wild Horse Pass. 

More historically, OCSC has been a difficult opponent for Rising. The club is tied with Real Monarchs with seven wins against Phoenix all-time, the most of any club in the league. Last season, Rising and Orange County split a three-game set, 1-1-1, with two of the three matches in California. But with Aodhan Quinn joining Phoenix during the offseason, Rising hopes the struggles against Orange County are a thing of the past.

“Orange County has some really good players,” said Quinn. “They’re experienced players that are going to be motivated… Every team that comes to Phoenix is motivated. Plus there’s a little bit of a rivalry between Orange County and Phoenix.”

Quinn spent three seasons and played in 80 matches for Orange County, starting all but one and tallying 23 goals and 23 assists in his time there.

“I’m excited,” said Quinn. “I’ve been motivated to get to this game and I’m looking forward to it. They’re in second right now so the next couple of matches against them is going to decide the top of the table in our conference. Hopefully we can come out strong this first game.” 

Rising head coach Rick Schantz expect to face an organized team with plenty of speed and firepower up front.

“For us, it’s going to have to be putting them under so much pressure that we don’t give them the time to get out in transition,” said Schantz. “I don’t just mean defensive pressure. When we have the ball, we need to be confident and patient.” 

PREVIEW: Rising Rematch vs. LA Galaxy II, Saturday at 7:30PM

Phoenix Rising FC was slated to be coming off a stretch of three games in eight days when the team faced LA Galaxy II at Wild Horse Pass Saturday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m.
 
Instead, the travel-weary group got to sleep in their own beds as a midweek trip to Oakland was moved to August 25, due to a COVID-19 concern within the Roots covered-persons group.
 
Refrshed and reloaded, Rising now looks to defend Wild Horse Pass against Los Dos for the second time this month. In the first matchup on July 3, Phoenix defeated LA, 3-0. Now, the team looks to extend its winning streak over Galaxy II to 12-straight games, Rising's longest win streak against any opponent in club history.
 
Los Angeles, who is 3-6-4 on the season, is seeking its first win since May 29. While Los Dos struggled on the defensive end, conceding 22 goals this the season, the club has been strong in attack, scoring 21 goals. That total is tied for third most in the league. LA's promising offense is led by 22-year-old Preston Judd, who has a team-best seven goals. The 20-year-old Jorge Hernandez has added another five goals and leads the league with 29 chances created. 
 
"They're good," said head coach Rick Schantz. "They're very, very talented going forward. We were really focused on Judd the last game – not letting him get behind us, where he's really dangerous. With Hernandez, you need to make sure he cannot find a lot of free space in the middle. You have to focus on those two for sure."
 
Phoenix, who has yet to lose at Wild Horse Pass (5-0-1), needs to keep its foot on the gas pedal as Orange County SC and San Diego Loyal have crept to within two points of the defending Western Conference Champions. Fortunately for Phoenix, the Valley has been a fortress. Rising has outscored opponents 20-4, winning by an average margin of 2.7 goals.
 
Last time it took the pitch at Wild Horse Pass, Rising enjoyed the backing of another club-record crowd, as 8,815 fans packed the stadium. Those fans saw goals by Tate Schmitt, Solomon Asante and Santi Moar, while Andre Rawls recorded a six-save shutout.
 
Despite the 3-0 win, Los Dos remain a dangerous opponent with a ton of firepower. If Rising cannot jump on top early, fans at Wild Horse Pass may be in for a shootout.  
Phoenix Rising FC was slated to be coming off a stretch of three games in eight days when the team faced LA Galaxy II at Wild Horse Pass Saturday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m.
 
Instead, the travel-weary group got to sleep in their own beds as a midweek trip to Oakland was moved to August 25, due to a COVID-19 concern within the Roots covered-persons group.
 
Refrshed and reloaded, Rising now looks to defend Wild Horse Pass against Los Dos for the second time this month. In the first matchup on July 3, Phoenix defeated LA, 3-0. Now, the team looks to extend its winning streak over Galaxy II to 12-straight games, Rising’s longest win streak against any opponent in club history.
 
Los Angeles, who is 3-6-4 on the season, is seeking its first win since May 29. While Los Dos struggled on the defensive end, conceding 22 goals this the season, the club has been strong in attack, scoring 21 goals. That total is tied for third most in the league. LA’s promising offense is led by 22-year-old Preston Judd, who has a team-best seven goals. The 20-year-old Jorge Hernandez has added another five goals and leads the league with 29 chances created. 
 
“They’re good,” said head coach Rick Schantz. “They’re very, very talented going forward. We were really focused on Judd the last game – not letting him get behind us, where he’s really dangerous. With Hernandez, you need to make sure he cannot find a lot of free space in the middle. You have to focus on those two for sure.”
 
Phoenix, who has yet to lose at Wild Horse Pass (5-0-1), needs to keep its foot on the gas pedal as Orange County SC and San Diego Loyal have crept to within two points of the defending Western Conference Champions. Fortunately for Phoenix, the Valley has been a fortress. Rising has outscored opponents 20-4, winning by an average margin of 2.7 goals.
 
Last time it took the pitch at Wild Horse Pass, Rising enjoyed the backing of another club-record crowd, as 8,815 fans packed the stadium. Those fans saw goals by Tate Schmitt, Solomon Asante and Santi Moar, while Andre Rawls recorded a six-save shutout.
 
Despite the 3-0 win, Los Dos remain a dangerous opponent with a ton of firepower. If Rising cannot jump on top early, fans at Wild Horse Pass may be in for a shootout.  

PREVIEW: Rising vs. LA Galaxy II Saturday at 7:30

Coming into the 2021 season, Phoenix Rising FC had never won on the road against Sacramento Republic FC. The club has emphatically changed that narrative this year, winning two games in Sacramento.

Last weekend, in a game which saw Sacramento go down to 10 players, Rising was able to secure a it's second one-goal victory against the Republic this season. Solomon Asante opened the scoring with his sixth of the season. He also set up a goal by David Egbo, who was making his first start for the club.
 
Rising now returns home to face LA Galaxy II for the first time this season and will look to continue dominating play at Wild Horse Pass, where the club has scored 17 of its 22 goals.
 
This will be the first of four matchups against Los Angeles, a team who Rising has dominated in regular-season play through the years. Phoenix has won the last 10 matches against LA (dating back to April 2017), which marks the longest win streak against any opponent in club history.
 
Los Angeles, who is 3-5-3 on the season, is eyeing its first win since May 29. Galaxy II has been solid on the offensive end this season, scoring 20 goals, just behind Phoenix's 22 for most in the league. LA is led by rookie forward Preston Judd and his seven goals. 
 
"They're very young," said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. "When you play these young teams, you have to dominate them physically. You have to intimidate them. You have to be agressive, get them to get out of their game." 
 
The match, which comes the night before Independence Day, will feature postgame fireworks. Schantz expects fans will get two fireworks shows on the night.
 
"We're going to have a heck of a fireworks show on the field," he said. "Afterwards, the fans can stick around and watch fireworks as well." 
Coming into the 2021 season, Phoenix Rising FC had never won on the road against Sacramento Republic FC. The club has emphatically changed that narrative this year, winning two games in Sacramento.

Last weekend, in a game which saw Sacramento go down to 10 players, Rising was able to secure a it’s second one-goal victory against the Republic this season. Solomon Asante opened the scoring with his sixth of the season. He also set up a goal by David Egbo, who was making his first start for the club.
 
Rising now returns home to face LA Galaxy II for the first time this season and will look to continue dominating play at Wild Horse Pass, where the club has scored 17 of its 22 goals.
 
This will be the first of four matchups against Los Angeles, a team who Rising has dominated in regular-season play through the years. Phoenix has won the last 10 matches against LA (dating back to April 2017), which marks the longest win streak against any opponent in club history.
 
Los Angeles, who is 3-5-3 on the season, is eyeing its first win since May 29. Galaxy II has been solid on the offensive end this season, scoring 20 goals, just behind Phoenix’s 22 for most in the league. LA is led by rookie forward Preston Judd and his seven goals. 
 
“They’re very young,” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. “When you play these young teams, you have to dominate them physically. You have to intimidate them. You have to be agressive, get them to get out of their game.” 
 
The match, which comes the night before Independence Day, will feature postgame fireworks. Schantz expects fans will get two fireworks shows on the night.
 
“We’re going to have a heck of a fireworks show on the field,” he said. “Afterwards, the fans can stick around and watch fireworks as well.” 

PREVIEW: Rising Looks for Second Win in California

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Santi Moar leads the league in scoring (6)
  • He has scored in both away matches this season, at Tampa (May 15) and at Sacramento (May 29)
  • Rising is 3-1-1 all-time vs. San Diego, outscoring Loyal SC 13-6, with two clean sheets
  • Rising/Loyal matches have produced an average of 3.8 goals per game
  • San Diego has won both of its matches at home, 2-1, vs. both Las Vegas and LA Galaxy II  
THIS WEEK
Saturday, June 19 – vs. San Diego Loyal SC @ 7:30 p.m.
TV: CW 61 Arizona
Stream: ESPN+, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM App (audio only)
 Radio: La Mejor 106.5 FM & 1400 AM (Spanish)

Rising Match Preview
Phoenix Rising FC improved to 5-1-1 on the season with a 3-0 victory against Tacoma Defiance last weekend at Wild Horse Pass. Goalkeeper Ben Lundt led the way for Rising with eight saves. Solomon Asante scored twice and Phoenix-native Tate Schmitt scored in his debut for his hometown club.
 
Rising now heads out on the road to face San Diego for the third time this season. This is also the second time in three weeks these clubs have met. The teams are set to meet for the final time this season on Saturday, July 24. Loyal is 2-0-0 at home, including a big win against LA Galaxy II last weekend. San Diego is unbeaten in its last four games.
 
When asked how he and his club would prepare for their third match against San Diego, head coach Rick Schantz mentioned making some subtle changes, but mostly leaving it in the hands of the players.
 
"Any time you play a team three times, there's nothing they don't know about us and there's nothing we don't know about them," said Schantz. "You can get creative and try to make changes and out-think yourself a little bit…but for me it's the subtle tweaks and changes. I noticed that Landon [Head Coach Landon Donovan] made a comment that they're the only team that knows how to beat us. They haven't beaten us, but they have a good game plan. They have some good ideas, but it really just comes down to the players."
 
For this matchup, Loyal will be welcoming back fans to Torero Stadium at full capacity for the first time since the pandemic began. Schantz's club is well prepared for the environment and embraces these kinds of road crowds.
 
"For us, we constantly talk about having a target on our back," he said. "Everybody wants to beat Phoenix, so trust me, going to San Diego we know it's a difficult environment. We know they don't want us to win there. They're super motivated. The last time we played there they played out of their minds. It's about going in and being humble, respecting that environment and actually being proud of it, because it's good for USL."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Santi Moar leads the league in scoring (6)
  • He has scored in both away matches this season, at Tampa (May 15) and at Sacramento (May 29)
  • Rising is 3-1-1 all-time vs. San Diego, outscoring Loyal SC 13-6, with two clean sheets
  • Rising/Loyal matches have produced an average of 3.8 goals per game
  • San Diego has won both of its matches at home, 2-1, vs. both Las Vegas and LA Galaxy II  
THIS WEEK
Saturday, June 19 – vs. San Diego Loyal SC @ 7:30 p.m.
TV: CW 61 Arizona
Stream: ESPN+, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM App (audio only)
 Radio: La Mejor 106.5 FM & 1400 AM (Spanish)

Rising Match Preview
Phoenix Rising FC improved to 5-1-1 on the season with a 3-0 victory against Tacoma Defiance last weekend at Wild Horse Pass. Goalkeeper Ben Lundt led the way for Rising with eight saves. Solomon Asante scored twice and Phoenix-native Tate Schmitt scored in his debut for his hometown club.
 
Rising now heads out on the road to face San Diego for the third time this season. This is also the second time in three weeks these clubs have met. The teams are set to meet for the final time this season on Saturday, July 24. Loyal is 2-0-0 at home, including a big win against LA Galaxy II last weekend. San Diego is unbeaten in its last four games.
 
When asked how he and his club would prepare for their third match against San Diego, head coach Rick Schantz mentioned making some subtle changes, but mostly leaving it in the hands of the players.
 
“Any time you play a team three times, there’s nothing they don’t know about us and there’s nothing we don’t know about them,” said Schantz. “You can get creative and try to make changes and out-think yourself a little bit…but for me it’s the subtle tweaks and changes. I noticed that Landon [Head Coach Landon Donovan] made a comment that they’re the only team that knows how to beat us. They haven’t beaten us, but they have a good game plan. They have some good ideas, but it really just comes down to the players.”
 
For this matchup, Loyal will be welcoming back fans to Torero Stadium at full capacity for the first time since the pandemic began. Schantz’s club is well prepared for the environment and embraces these kinds of road crowds.
 
“For us, we constantly talk about having a target on our back,” he said. “Everybody wants to beat Phoenix, so trust me, going to San Diego we know it’s a difficult environment. We know they don’t want us to win there. They’re super motivated. The last time we played there they played out of their minds. It’s about going in and being humble, respecting that environment and actually being proud of it, because it’s good for USL.”

PREVIEW: Rising Looks for First Win in Sacramento

What You Need to Know
  • Santi Moar has scored in all four games this season
  • Rising leads the league in both goals (13) and goals per match (3.3)
  • Phoenix is eyeing its first win vs. the Republic, the club is 0-2-3 all-time in Sacramento
  • Rising ousted the Republic from playoffs in 2020, winning 1-0 in overtime 
THIS WEEK
Saturday, May 29 – at Sacramento Republic @ 7:30 p.m.
Stream: ESPN+ 
TV: CW 61 Arizona
Radio: La Mejor 106.5 FM & 1400 AM (Spanish)
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Rising Match Preview, presented by Northern Arizona University 
Phoenix Rising has not disappointed at its new home at Wild Horse Pass. Last weekend, the defending Western Conference Champions secured the third victory of the season, defeating Las Vegas Lights FC 5-1 at home. It was a historic night that saw Phoenix set USL Championship records for most shots (40) and shots on target (22) in a regular-season contest. Rufat Dadashov got on the scoresheet, scoring two goals, while Santi Moar scored in his fourth consecutive game. 
 
Rising now looks to secure its first road victory of the season against Sacramento Republic FC this Saturday. Phoenix and Sacramento met most recently in the 2020 Western Conference Quarterfinals, where a late overtime goal propelled Phoenix to victory. Head Coach Rick Schantz is expecting a physical game and is looking forward to another tough road test early in the season:
 
“Against a team that Mark Briggs coaches, they’re going to be very physical and very tough," said Schantz. "We know we can match that, as we did in Tampa, but it’s not losing our composure and not losing the style of play. We’ll be prepared for whatever they throw at us from a tactical situation and make sure that we can stay composed when we have the ball.”
 
After starting the season with two wins, Sacramento dropped a close game at Orange County last week. In training this week, Schantz praised Briggs for the buy-in he has been able to get from his squad.
 
"This group you can see, they really understand what Mark wants from them," said Schantz. "That’s a big key in this league. When you have a bunch of players who believe in what you’re trying to do as a coach, it’s a lot easier than fighting the personalities and mentalities of the players. When you have a team moving in one direction, it doesn’t matter what you do, you’re going to be difficult to beat.”
 
Rising will look to carry momentum from the success it is enjoying at Wild Horse Pass into Saturday's road contest to improve to 4-1-0 overall.
What You Need to Know
  • Santi Moar has scored in all four games this season
  • Rising leads the league in both goals (13) and goals per match (3.3)
  • Phoenix is eyeing its first win vs. the Republic, the club is 0-2-3 all-time in Sacramento
  • Rising ousted the Republic from playoffs in 2020, winning 1-0 in overtime 
THIS WEEK
Saturday, May 29 – at Sacramento Republic @ 7:30 p.m.
Stream: ESPN+ 
TV: CW 61 Arizona
Radio: La Mejor 106.5 FM & 1400 AM (Spanish)
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Rising Match Preview, presented by Northern Arizona University 
Phoenix Rising has not disappointed at its new home at Wild Horse Pass. Last weekend, the defending Western Conference Champions secured the third victory of the season, defeating Las Vegas Lights FC 5-1 at home. It was a historic night that saw Phoenix set USL Championship records for most shots (40) and shots on target (22) in a regular-season contest. Rufat Dadashov got on the scoresheet, scoring two goals, while Santi Moar scored in his fourth consecutive game. 
 
Rising now looks to secure its first road victory of the season against Sacramento Republic FC this Saturday. Phoenix and Sacramento met most recently in the 2020 Western Conference Quarterfinals, where a late overtime goal propelled Phoenix to victory. Head Coach Rick Schantz is expecting a physical game and is looking forward to another tough road test early in the season:
 
“Against a team that Mark Briggs coaches, they’re going to be very physical and very tough,” said Schantz. “We know we can match that, as we did in Tampa, but it’s not losing our composure and not losing the style of play. We’ll be prepared for whatever they throw at us from a tactical situation and make sure that we can stay composed when we have the ball.”
 
After starting the season with two wins, Sacramento dropped a close game at Orange County last week. In training this week, Schantz praised Briggs for the buy-in he has been able to get from his squad.
 
“This group you can see, they really understand what Mark wants from them,” said Schantz. “That’s a big key in this league. When you have a bunch of players who believe in what you’re trying to do as a coach, it’s a lot easier than fighting the personalities and mentalities of the players. When you have a team moving in one direction, it doesn’t matter what you do, you’re going to be difficult to beat.”
 
Rising will look to carry momentum from the success it is enjoying at Wild Horse Pass into Saturday’s road contest to improve to 4-1-0 overall.

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