Match Recap

PHOENIX (February 10, 2018) — Phoenix Rising FC opened its 2018 preseason in front of 6,620 fans, falling in a heartbreaking fashion to Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls, 3-2.

Phoenix Rising's first goal of the match was the result of a New York Red Bulls own goal. A Gladson Awako cross was deflected by a Red Bulls player into his own net in the 7th minute.

The club's second goal came in the 71st-minute from new signee Kevaugn Frater. He was fed a perfect pass into the box from fellow new signee Devin Vega.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the pitch on Wednesday, February 14, when they take on Colorado Rapids at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at 6:00 p.m. The evening will also be It's $1 Beer Night Presented by Bud Light. Fans can purchase their tickets online at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

PHOENIX (February 10, 2018) — Phoenix Rising FC opened its 2018 preseason in front of 6,620 fans, falling in a heartbreaking fashion to Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls, 3-2.

Phoenix Rising’s first goal of the match was the result of a New York Red Bulls own goal. A Gladson Awako cross was deflected by a Red Bulls player into his own net in the 7th minute.

The club’s second goal came in the 71st-minute from new signee Kevaugn Frater. He was fed a perfect pass into the box from fellow new signee Devin Vega.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the pitch on Wednesday, February 14, when they take on Colorado Rapids at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at 6:00 p.m. The evening will also be It’s $1 Beer Night Presented by Bud Light. Fans can purchase their tickets online at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

(October 22, 2017) — After a long weather delay that pushed its first playoff match into a second day, extra time and penalty kicks, Phoenix Rising FC’s season came to an end in a loss to Swope Park Rangers,  4-2 in penalties.

Phoenix Rising and Swope Park Rangers played a 0-0 first half in their First Round USL Playoff match on Saturday night at the Children’s Mercy Victory Field but were forced to delay the second half until Sunday because of inclement weather.

After a scoreless second half, Phoenix Rising got on the board first in the first of two 15-minute extra time frames. It was Didier Drogba who scored the first playoff goal in club history.

Drogba’s goal started with an Alessandro Riggi free kick from midfield. Riggi, an extra-time substitute, launched the ball into the box. Drogba expertly flicked a header over the charging goalkeeper and into the goal in the 99th minute.

But ten minutes later, Swope Park scored its equalizer. A cross put into the Phoenix Rising box was headed into the air by Swope Park attacker Kharlton Belmar. Rangers defender Amer Didic was first to the ball and jumped up to head it again, this time past a diving Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen and into the upper corner of the net.

In the penalty kick shootout, Swope Park made all four of their kicks, while Rising FC made just two of its four kicks, eliminating the need for a fifth penalty kick.

Phoenix Rising winger Amadou Dia came within inches of putting the club in front in the 67th minute, but his sharp-angle shot from inside the box was deflected by MacLeod and glanced just wide of the post.

In extra time, Drogba nearly won the game for Phoenix Rising with a free kick in the 113th minute. Drogba smashed the ball with his right foot for the left upper corner of the net. But MacLeod was able to get a hand to it to send it over the bar.

Cohen made a couple crucial saves to get the match into extra time. In the 77th minute, Belmar tested the Rising FC goalkeeper with a close-range shot from the edge of the six-yard box, but Cohen was well-positioned and made the save. Near the end of regulation, Cohen was called into action again, getting low to his left to keep out a long-range shot from Nansel Selbol.

Phoenix Rising FC ends 2017 with 17-8-7 record in the regular season. The club broke regular season records for wins (17), points (58), and goals scored (51). This was also the club’s first-ever playoff appearance.

SWOPE PARK RANGERS  1(4)-1(2)  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 99’, 11-Didier Drogba (17-Alessandro Riggi)
SPR: 109’, 55-Amer Didic (90-Kharlton Belmar)

Penalty Kick Shootout:
PHX: Kevon Lambert (Saved)
SPR: Nansel Selbol (Goal)
PHX: Amadou Dia (Goal)
SPR: Christian Duke (Goal)
PHX: Gladson Awako (Goal)
SPR: Kharlton Belmar (Goal)
PHX:Doueugui Mala (Miss)
SPR: Lebo Moloto (Goal)

Disciplinary Summary:
 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton (45’, 8-Matt Watson), 19-Amadou Dia, 11-Didier Drogba, 14-Jason Johnson (45’, 28-Gladson Awako); 7-Chris Cortez (97’, 17-Alessandro Riggi)

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 5-Peter Ramage, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 24-AJ Gray

(October 22, 2017) — After a long weather delay that pushed its first playoff match into a second day, extra time and penalty kicks, Phoenix Rising FC’s season came to an end in a loss to Swope Park Rangers,  4-2 in penalties.

Phoenix Rising and Swope Park Rangers played a 0-0 first half in their First Round USL Playoff match on Saturday night at the Children’s Mercy Victory Field but were forced to delay the second half until Sunday because of inclement weather.

After a scoreless second half, Phoenix Rising got on the board first in the first of two 15-minute extra time frames. It was Didier Drogba who scored the first playoff goal in club history.

Drogba’s goal started with an Alessandro Riggi free kick from midfield. Riggi, an extra-time substitute, launched the ball into the box. Drogba expertly flicked a header over the charging goalkeeper and into the goal in the 99th minute.

But ten minutes later, Swope Park scored its equalizer. A cross put into the Phoenix Rising box was headed into the air by Swope Park attacker Kharlton Belmar. Rangers defender Amer Didic was first to the ball and jumped up to head it again, this time past a diving Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen and into the upper corner of the net.

In the penalty kick shootout, Swope Park made all four of their kicks, while Rising FC made just two of its four kicks, eliminating the need for a fifth penalty kick.

Phoenix Rising winger Amadou Dia came within inches of putting the club in front in the 67th minute, but his sharp-angle shot from inside the box was deflected by MacLeod and glanced just wide of the post.

In extra time, Drogba nearly won the game for Phoenix Rising with a free kick in the 113th minute. Drogba smashed the ball with his right foot for the left upper corner of the net. But MacLeod was able to get a hand to it to send it over the bar.

Cohen made a couple crucial saves to get the match into extra time. In the 77th minute, Belmar tested the Rising FC goalkeeper with a close-range shot from the edge of the six-yard box, but Cohen was well-positioned and made the save. Near the end of regulation, Cohen was called into action again, getting low to his left to keep out a long-range shot from Nansel Selbol.

Phoenix Rising FC ends 2017 with 17-8-7 record in the regular season. The club broke regular season records for wins (17), points (58), and goals scored (51). This was also the club’s first-ever playoff appearance.

SWOPE PARK RANGERS  1(4)-1(2)  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 99’, 11-Didier Drogba (17-Alessandro Riggi)
SPR: 109’, 55-Amer Didic (90-Kharlton Belmar)

Penalty Kick Shootout:
PHX: Kevon Lambert (Saved)
SPR: Nansel Selbol (Goal)
PHX: Amadou Dia (Goal)
SPR: Christian Duke (Goal)
PHX: Gladson Awako (Goal)
SPR: Kharlton Belmar (Goal)
PHX:Doueugui Mala (Miss)
SPR: Lebo Moloto (Goal)

Disciplinary Summary:
 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton (45’, 8-Matt Watson), 19-Amadou Dia, 11-Didier Drogba, 14-Jason Johnson (45’, 28-Gladson Awako); 7-Chris Cortez (97’, 17-Alessandro Riggi)

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 5-Peter Ramage, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 24-AJ Gray

PHOENIX (October 14, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC closed the 2017 regular season on a high note with a dominating 4-1 win over Portland Timbers FC 2 in front of a sold out crowd of 6,711 at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The club finishes the season with 58 points and a 17-8-7 record, both new club records. The club also set a franchise attendance record for the season with over 100,000 fans coming to matches in 2017.

Rising FC came into the match needing a 9-0 win to earn a home playoff match in the first round of the postseason and came out attacking following the opening whistle. Midfielder Kevon Lambert scored the match’s first goal in the fourth minute to make it 1-0, then forward Chris Cortez smacked a highlight-reel goal off a diagonal cross from Didier Drogba to make it 2-0 after just 13 minutes.

But that searing goal pace didn’t last the entire match. Phoenix Rising didn’t score its third goal until the 56th minute, when Drogba fought off four defenders before beating the goalkeeper to the far left post. Following a Portland (3-23-6) goal in the 61st minute, Matt Watson closed out the goal tally for the 2017 regular season with a goal in the 75th minute to make it 4-1.

Phoenix Rising finishes the year in fifth place, its highest-ever regular season finish. The club will travel to Kansas City to square off against Swope Park Rangers in the first round of the USL playoffs on Saturday, October 21. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Fans can watch the match at the club’s official watch party at the Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace or on television locally on Yurview Arizona, Cox Channels 4 & 1004.

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 4-1 PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 2

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 4’, 27-Kevon Lambert (17-Alessandro Riggi)
PHX: 13’, 7-Chris Cortez (11-Didier Drogba)
PHX: 56’, 11-Didier Drogba (7-Chris Cortez)
POR: 61’, 80-Augustine Williams (45-Harold Hanson)
PHX: 75’, 8-Matt Watson (19-Amadou Dia)

Disciplinary Summary:
POR: 63’, 40-Renzo Zambrano (yellow)
PHX: 72’, 27-Kevon Lambert (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton (61’, 8-Matt Watson);14-Jason Johnson, 11-Didier Drogba, 17-Alessandro Riggi (45’, 24-AJ Gray); 7-Chris Cortez (65’, 28-Gladson Awako)

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 30-Eric Avila

PHOENIX (October 14, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC closed the 2017 regular season on a high note with a dominating 4-1 win over Portland Timbers FC 2 in front of a sold out crowd of 6,711 at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The club finishes the season with 58 points and a 17-8-7 record, both new club records. The club also set a franchise attendance record for the season with over 100,000 fans coming to matches in 2017.

Rising FC came into the match needing a 9-0 win to earn a home playoff match in the first round of the postseason and came out attacking following the opening whistle. Midfielder Kevon Lambert scored the match’s first goal in the fourth minute to make it 1-0, then forward Chris Cortez smacked a highlight-reel goal off a diagonal cross from Didier Drogba to make it 2-0 after just 13 minutes.

But that searing goal pace didn’t last the entire match. Phoenix Rising didn’t score its third goal until the 56th minute, when Drogba fought off four defenders before beating the goalkeeper to the far left post. Following a Portland (3-23-6) goal in the 61st minute, Matt Watson closed out the goal tally for the 2017 regular season with a goal in the 75th minute to make it 4-1.

Phoenix Rising finishes the year in fifth place, its highest-ever regular season finish. The club will travel to Kansas City to square off against Swope Park Rangers in the first round of the USL playoffs on Saturday, October 21. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Fans can watch the match at the club’s official watch party at the Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace or on television locally on Yurview Arizona, Cox Channels 4 & 1004.

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 4-1 PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 2

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 4’, 27-Kevon Lambert (17-Alessandro Riggi)
PHX: 13’, 7-Chris Cortez (11-Didier Drogba)
PHX: 56’, 11-Didier Drogba (7-Chris Cortez)
POR: 61’, 80-Augustine Williams (45-Harold Hanson)
PHX: 75’, 8-Matt Watson (19-Amadou Dia)

Disciplinary Summary:
POR: 63’, 40-Renzo Zambrano (yellow)
PHX: 72’, 27-Kevon Lambert (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton (61’, 8-Matt Watson);14-Jason Johnson, 11-Didier Drogba, 17-Alessandro Riggi (45’, 24-AJ Gray); 7-Chris Cortez (65’, 28-Gladson Awako)

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 30-Eric Avila

PHOENIX (October 7, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC won for a second consecutive time in a 2-0 shutout over Rio Grande Valley FC. It was also the second consecutive forward Jason Johnson scored the game-winner.

Neither team got on the board in the first half hour of the match, but Phoenix Rising (16-8-7) had the more dangerous chances for the first 30 minutes. Then, in the 34th minute, Johnson broke the scoreless stalemate.

After taking a pass from Gladson Awako, Johnson dribbled around two Rio Grande Valley defenders in the box before smashing the ball with his left foot past the goalkeeper for his 13th goal of the season. He now needs one more goal to match the franchise record for goals in a season, set by Long Tan in 2015.

Didier Drogba helped to add insurance in the 75th minute. The club’s captain curled a challenging shot down and to the goalkeeper’s left. It appeared the Toros’ goalkeeper made the save, but the ball trickled out of his grasp and rolled slowly across the goal line and into the net. The tally was technically ruled an own goal by the official statistician.

The Toros (9-14-8) came close to finding the back of the net on two separate occasions near the end of the match. In the 78th minute, Rio Grande Valley’s Kyle Murphy struck a close-range free kick that smashed the crossbar before being cleared.

Then in stoppage time, the Toros’ Todd Wharton had space to try and curl a shot inside the far left post. But Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen made a diving stop to keep the clean sheet, his eighth of the season.

Phoenix Rising FC closes out its regular season on Saturday, October 14, against Portland TImbers 2 at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The match will kickoff  7:30 p.m.

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-0 RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC TOROS

Scoring Summary:

PHX: 34’, 14-Jason Johnson (28-Gladson Awako)

PHX: 75’, 24-Calle Brown (OG)

 

Disciplinary Summary: n/a

 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 8-Matt Watson, 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia (76’, 17-Alessandro Riggi), 28-Gladson Awako (64’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips), 14-Jason Johnson; 11-Didier Drogba (82’, 7-Chris Cortez)

 

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 3-Kody Wakasa, 24-AJ Gray, 4-Blair Gavin

PHOENIX (October 7, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC won for a second consecutive time in a 2-0 shutout over Rio Grande Valley FC. It was also the second consecutive forward Jason Johnson scored the game-winner.

Neither team got on the board in the first half hour of the match, but Phoenix Rising (16-8-7) had the more dangerous chances for the first 30 minutes. Then, in the 34th minute, Johnson broke the scoreless stalemate.

After taking a pass from Gladson Awako, Johnson dribbled around two Rio Grande Valley defenders in the box before smashing the ball with his left foot past the goalkeeper for his 13th goal of the season. He now needs one more goal to match the franchise record for goals in a season, set by Long Tan in 2015.

Didier Drogba helped to add insurance in the 75th minute. The club’s captain curled a challenging shot down and to the goalkeeper’s left. It appeared the Toros’ goalkeeper made the save, but the ball trickled out of his grasp and rolled slowly across the goal line and into the net. The tally was technically ruled an own goal by the official statistician.

The Toros (9-14-8) came close to finding the back of the net on two separate occasions near the end of the match. In the 78th minute, Rio Grande Valley’s Kyle Murphy struck a close-range free kick that smashed the crossbar before being cleared.

Then in stoppage time, the Toros’ Todd Wharton had space to try and curl a shot inside the far left post. But Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen made a diving stop to keep the clean sheet, his eighth of the season.

Phoenix Rising FC closes out its regular season on Saturday, October 14, against Portland TImbers 2 at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The match will kickoff  7:30 p.m.

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-0 RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC TOROS

Scoring Summary:

PHX: 34’, 14-Jason Johnson (28-Gladson Awako)

PHX: 75’, 24-Calle Brown (OG)

 

Disciplinary Summary: n/a

 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 8-Matt Watson, 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia (76’, 17-Alessandro Riggi), 28-Gladson Awako (64’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips), 14-Jason Johnson; 11-Didier Drogba (82’, 7-Chris Cortez)

 

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 3-Kody Wakasa, 24-AJ Gray, 4-Blair Gavin

PHOENIX (October 4, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC returned to its winning ways in a wild 4-3 win over Tulsa Roughnecks FC, with Didier Drogba and Jason Johnson each recording braces in the match. The win also guarantees that Rising FC (15-8-7) will finish no lower than fifth place in 2017.

Roughnecks FC (13-13-4) got off to a fast start in the first half. Joaquin Rivas drew first blood in the 12th minute to make it 1-0. Then his teammate, Juan Pablo Caffa, scored a highlight-reel goal just two minutes later to make it 2-0.

But Drogba wasn’t going to spoil his first start since suffering an injury in August. In the 16th minute, Drogba got on the end of an Amadou Dia cross into the box and headed in a goal to cut the lead in half to 2-1. Three minutes later, in the 19th minute, team-leading scorer Jason Johnson got on the scoresheet for the 11th time this season, blasting a close-range shot past the goalkeeper to equalize, 2-2.

Phoenix Rising FC then got its chance to take the lead in the 24th minute. After Dia drew a penalty in the box, Drogba casually slotted a shot inside the left post to put Rising FC in front 3-2.

Not to be outdone, Tulsa scored just six minutes later in the 30th minutes after a centering pass from Joey Calistri found teammate Christian Thierjung, who equalized to make it 3-3.

The second half lacked the same scoring excitement as the first, but the lone goal was enough to electrify the crowd. Johnson dribbled past four defenders to race toward the endline before beating the goalkeeper between his legs to score his 12th goal of the season, and the game-winning goal.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, October 7, to face off against Rio Grande Valley FC. That match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at https://www.phxrisingfc.com.

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 4-3 TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC

Scoring Summary:
TUL: 12’, 11-Joaquin Rivas (7-Joey Calistri)
TUL: 14’, 10-Juan Pablo Caffa (7-Joey Calistri)
PHX: 16’, 11-Didier Drogba (19-Amadou Dia)
PHX: 19’, 14-Jason Johnson (19-Amadou Dia)
PHX: 24’, 11-Didier Drogba (PK)
TUL: 30’, 20-Christian Thierjung (7-Joey Calistri)
PHX: 66’, 14-Jason Johnson

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 73’, Gavin (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 4-Blair Gavin (81’, 16-Sam Hamilton), 19-Amadou Dia, 11-Didier Drogba, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (58’, 28-Gladson Awako); 14-Jason Johnson (81’, 17-Alessandro Riggi)

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 33-Jordan Stewart, 7-Chris Cortez, 24-AJ Gray

PHOENIX (October 4, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC returned to its winning ways in a wild 4-3 win over Tulsa Roughnecks FC, with Didier Drogba and Jason Johnson each recording braces in the match. The win also guarantees that Rising FC (15-8-7) will finish no lower than fifth place in 2017.

Roughnecks FC (13-13-4) got off to a fast start in the first half. Joaquin Rivas drew first blood in the 12th minute to make it 1-0. Then his teammate, Juan Pablo Caffa, scored a highlight-reel goal just two minutes later to make it 2-0.

But Drogba wasn’t going to spoil his first start since suffering an injury in August. In the 16th minute, Drogba got on the end of an Amadou Dia cross into the box and headed in a goal to cut the lead in half to 2-1. Three minutes later, in the 19th minute, team-leading scorer Jason Johnson got on the scoresheet for the 11th time this season, blasting a close-range shot past the goalkeeper to equalize, 2-2.

Phoenix Rising FC then got its chance to take the lead in the 24th minute. After Dia drew a penalty in the box, Drogba casually slotted a shot inside the left post to put Rising FC in front 3-2.

Not to be outdone, Tulsa scored just six minutes later in the 30th minutes after a centering pass from Joey Calistri found teammate Christian Thierjung, who equalized to make it 3-3.

The second half lacked the same scoring excitement as the first, but the lone goal was enough to electrify the crowd. Johnson dribbled past four defenders to race toward the endline before beating the goalkeeper between his legs to score his 12th goal of the season, and the game-winning goal.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, October 7, to face off against Rio Grande Valley FC. That match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at https://www.phxrisingfc.com.

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 4-3 TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC

Scoring Summary:
TUL: 12’, 11-Joaquin Rivas (7-Joey Calistri)
TUL: 14’, 10-Juan Pablo Caffa (7-Joey Calistri)
PHX: 16’, 11-Didier Drogba (19-Amadou Dia)
PHX: 19’, 14-Jason Johnson (19-Amadou Dia)
PHX: 24’, 11-Didier Drogba (PK)
TUL: 30’, 20-Christian Thierjung (7-Joey Calistri)
PHX: 66’, 14-Jason Johnson

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 73’, Gavin (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 4-Blair Gavin (81’, 16-Sam Hamilton), 19-Amadou Dia, 11-Didier Drogba, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (58’, 28-Gladson Awako); 14-Jason Johnson (81’, 17-Alessandro Riggi)

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 33-Jordan Stewart, 7-Chris Cortez, 24-AJ Gray

SACRAMENTO (September 27, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC came up short in its quest for a perfect road trip following a 2-0 loss to Sacramento Republic FC. Despite the loss, Rising FC managed to earn nine out of a possible 12 points during its four-match Pacific Northwest road trip.

Neither team found the back of the net in the first half and there were few chances created.

But in the 48th minute, Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Matt Watson was given a yellow card for a handball just outside of the box. From that spot, Sacramento’s Emrah Klimenta curled a free kick inside the near left post to beat Josh Cohen and make it 1-0.

The goal ended Phoenix Rising FC’s shutout streak at 416 minutes (nearly seven hours of game time).

Five minutes later, Sacramento Republic FC found the back of the net again, this time from the run of play and off the boot of Augustin Cazarez, to make it 2-0.

The loss ends a club-record 11-match unbeaten streak as well as a club-record four-match winning streak.

Phoenix Rising FC returns home to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Wednesday, October 4, to take on Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The match will kickoff at 7:00 p.m. The evening will be $1 Beer Night. Fans will be able to purchase select beers for just $1. In addition to $1 beer night, college students with a valid ID can get into the match for free.

To purchase tickets, fans can go to https://www.phxrisingfc.com.

SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC  2-0  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
SAC: 49’, 23-Emrah Klimenta
SAC: 54’ 6-Augustin Cazarez (20-Villyan Bijev)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 34’, 16-Sam Hamilton (yellow)
SAC: 45+’, 2-Peter McGlynn (yellow)
PHX: 48’, 8-Matt Watson (yellow)
SAC: 60’, 15-James Kiffe (yellow)
SAC: 76’, 22-Jeremy Hall (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 16-Sam Hamilton (62’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips),14-Jason Johnson, 28-Gladson Awako (88’, 30-Eric Avila), 17-Alessandro Riggi (73’, 24-A.J. Gray); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 12-John Berner, 4-Blair Gavin, 5-Peter Ramage, 15-Jordan Gibbons,

SACRAMENTO (September 27, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC came up short in its quest for a perfect road trip following a 2-0 loss to Sacramento Republic FC. Despite the loss, Rising FC managed to earn nine out of a possible 12 points during its four-match Pacific Northwest road trip.

Neither team found the back of the net in the first half and there were few chances created.

But in the 48th minute, Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Matt Watson was given a yellow card for a handball just outside of the box. From that spot, Sacramento’s Emrah Klimenta curled a free kick inside the near left post to beat Josh Cohen and make it 1-0.

The goal ended Phoenix Rising FC’s shutout streak at 416 minutes (nearly seven hours of game time).

Five minutes later, Sacramento Republic FC found the back of the net again, this time from the run of play and off the boot of Augustin Cazarez, to make it 2-0.

The loss ends a club-record 11-match unbeaten streak as well as a club-record four-match winning streak.

Phoenix Rising FC returns home to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Wednesday, October 4, to take on Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The match will kickoff at 7:00 p.m. The evening will be $1 Beer Night. Fans will be able to purchase select beers for just $1. In addition to $1 beer night, college students with a valid ID can get into the match for free.

To purchase tickets, fans can go to https://www.phxrisingfc.com.

SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC  2-0  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
SAC: 49’, 23-Emrah Klimenta
SAC: 54’ 6-Augustin Cazarez (20-Villyan Bijev)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 34’, 16-Sam Hamilton (yellow)
SAC: 45+’, 2-Peter McGlynn (yellow)
PHX: 48’, 8-Matt Watson (yellow)
SAC: 60’, 15-James Kiffe (yellow)
SAC: 76’, 22-Jeremy Hall (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 16-Sam Hamilton (62’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips),14-Jason Johnson, 28-Gladson Awako (88’, 30-Eric Avila), 17-Alessandro Riggi (73’, 24-A.J. Gray); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 12-John Berner, 4-Blair Gavin, 5-Peter Ramage, 15-Jordan Gibbons,

(September 27, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC officially clinched a spot in the USL playoffs tonight following a 2-0 win over Portland Timbers FC 2 in Portland.

Midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips put the team up 1-0 in the 8th minute after he struck a rebounded shot into the back of the net. In the second half, forward Jason Johnson scored his team-leading 10th goal of the season, with an assist from Wright-Phillips, to put the match away in the 82nd minute.

The win is Phoenix Rising FC’s fifth consecutive win, extending a club record. It was also the club’s fourth consecutive clean sheet. The club has now gone 367 minutes (over six hours of game time) without conceding a goal.

Rising FC's win guarantees the club will finish in the top eight in the Western Conference. The top eight teams qualify for postseason play that will include Conference Quarterfinals (Oct. 20-22), Semifinals (Oct. 27-29) and Conference Final (Nov. 3-5). The 2017 USL Cup Final will be played the weekend of November 10-12.

Phoenix Rising FC (14-7-7)  concludes its Pacific Northwest road trip on Saturday, September 30, at Sacramento Republic. The club returns home on Wednesday, October 4 to square off against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on $1 Beer Night. Fans can purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 2  0-2  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 8’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips
PHX: 82’, 14-Jason Johnson (29-Shaun Wright Phillips)

Disciplinary Summary:
POR: 74’, 75-Shaquille Jimenez (yellow)
PHX: 87’, 5-Peter Ramage (yellow)
PHX: 90+2’, 4-Blair Gavin (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson (88’, 4-Blair Gavin), 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia, 28-Gladson Awako (45’, 24-A.J. Gray), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 23-Matt Hurlow-Paonessa (62’, 14-Jason Johnson)

Substitutions Not Used: 12-John Berner, 15-Jordan Gibbons, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 30-Eric Avila

(September 27, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC officially clinched a spot in the USL playoffs tonight following a 2-0 win over Portland Timbers FC 2 in Portland.

Midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips put the team up 1-0 in the 8th minute after he struck a rebounded shot into the back of the net. In the second half, forward Jason Johnson scored his team-leading 10th goal of the season, with an assist from Wright-Phillips, to put the match away in the 82nd minute.

The win is Phoenix Rising FC’s fifth consecutive win, extending a club record. It was also the club’s fourth consecutive clean sheet. The club has now gone 367 minutes (over six hours of game time) without conceding a goal.

Rising FC’s win guarantees the club will finish in the top eight in the Western Conference. The top eight teams qualify for postseason play that will include Conference Quarterfinals (Oct. 20-22), Semifinals (Oct. 27-29) and Conference Final (Nov. 3-5). The 2017 USL Cup Final will be played the weekend of November 10-12.

Phoenix Rising FC (14-7-7)  concludes its Pacific Northwest road trip on Saturday, September 30, at Sacramento Republic. The club returns home on Wednesday, October 4 to square off against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on $1 Beer Night. Fans can purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 2  0-2  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 8’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips
PHX: 82’, 14-Jason Johnson (29-Shaun Wright Phillips)

Disciplinary Summary:
POR: 74’, 75-Shaquille Jimenez (yellow)
PHX: 87’, 5-Peter Ramage (yellow)
PHX: 90+2’, 4-Blair Gavin (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson (88’, 4-Blair Gavin), 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia, 28-Gladson Awako (45’, 24-A.J. Gray), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 23-Matt Hurlow-Paonessa (62’, 14-Jason Johnson)

Substitutions Not Used: 12-John Berner, 15-Jordan Gibbons, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 30-Eric Avila

(September 24, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC (13-7-7)  wasted little time putting the match away in a 4-0 win over Whitecaps FC 2 (5-16-8) in Vancouver. The club rode the momentum of two goals in the match’s first six minutes to its fourth straight win, a new club record. The club also notched its third straight shutout, also a club record.

Forward Jason Johnson started the scoring in the fourth minute for Rising FC. Teammate Alessandro Riggi sent a ball toward the box from the left side of the pitch and Johnson flicked the cross off his head and into the far right side of the net to make it 1-0.

Two minutes later, Riggi scored a goal of his own, racing down the right side of the pitch before flicking a shot over the oncoming Whitecaps FC 2 goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Riggi had a hand in another goal in the 50th minute. As the club was on the attack, Riggi sent a pass out wide to the left toward Chris Cortez. Despite a defender sliding in front of him, Cortez’s shot deflected off the sliding Whitecaps FC 2 player and over the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Midfielder Gladson Awako ended the club’s scoring in the 78th minute. After Johnson won a 50/50 battle in the air, the ball bounced toward Awako, who fired a shot into the back of the net from over 20 yards away to make it 4-0.

Phoenix Rising continues its Pacific Northwest road trip this Wednesday, September 27, at Portland Timbers FC 2. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

 

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2  0-4  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 4’, 14-Jason Johnson (17-Alessandro Riggi)
PHX: 6’, 17-Alessandro (28-Gladson Awako)
PHX: 50’, 7-Chris Cortez (17-Alessandro Riggi)
PHX: 76’, 28-Gladson Awako (14-Jason Johnson)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 86’, 28-Gladson Awako (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton, 14-Jason Johnson (86’, 24-AJ Gray), 28-Gladson Awako; 17-Alessandro Riggi (75’, 8-Matt Watson); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 3-Kody Wakasa, 4-Blair Gavin, 5-Peter Ramage, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips

(September 24, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC (13-7-7)  wasted little time putting the match away in a 4-0 win over Whitecaps FC 2 (5-16-8) in Vancouver. The club rode the momentum of two goals in the match’s first six minutes to its fourth straight win, a new club record. The club also notched its third straight shutout, also a club record.

Forward Jason Johnson started the scoring in the fourth minute for Rising FC. Teammate Alessandro Riggi sent a ball toward the box from the left side of the pitch and Johnson flicked the cross off his head and into the far right side of the net to make it 1-0.

Two minutes later, Riggi scored a goal of his own, racing down the right side of the pitch before flicking a shot over the oncoming Whitecaps FC 2 goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Riggi had a hand in another goal in the 50th minute. As the club was on the attack, Riggi sent a pass out wide to the left toward Chris Cortez. Despite a defender sliding in front of him, Cortez’s shot deflected off the sliding Whitecaps FC 2 player and over the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Midfielder Gladson Awako ended the club’s scoring in the 78th minute. After Johnson won a 50/50 battle in the air, the ball bounced toward Awako, who fired a shot into the back of the net from over 20 yards away to make it 4-0.

Phoenix Rising continues its Pacific Northwest road trip this Wednesday, September 27, at Portland Timbers FC 2. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

 

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2  0-4  PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 4’, 14-Jason Johnson (17-Alessandro Riggi)
PHX: 6’, 17-Alessandro (28-Gladson Awako)
PHX: 50’, 7-Chris Cortez (17-Alessandro Riggi)
PHX: 76’, 28-Gladson Awako (14-Jason Johnson)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 86’, 28-Gladson Awako (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton, 14-Jason Johnson (86’, 24-AJ Gray), 28-Gladson Awako; 17-Alessandro Riggi (75’, 8-Matt Watson); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 3-Kody Wakasa, 4-Blair Gavin, 5-Peter Ramage, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips

(September 20, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC extended its club-record unbeaten streak following a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC 2. The club how now gone unbeaten in nine consecutive matches. Rising FC also matched a club record with its third consecutive win.

Both teams had great opportunities to open the match’s scoring in the first half. Rising FC midfielder Amadou Dia had the match’s first chance on target in the fifth minute. Dia smashed a shot off a short bounce, but was denied by the diving goalkeeper. 

In the 34th minute, Sounders FC 2 (9-16-4) had a free kick just outside of the box. Seattle’s Zach Mathers hit a rocket destined for the back of the net, but goalkeeper Josh Cohen made a fingertip save to deflected the ball off the crossbar.

But Phoenix Rising (12-7-7) snuck into halftime with a lead thanks to midfielder Alessandro Riggi. Following a Cohen goal kick, forward Chris Cortez headed the ball behind him, toward the box and Riggi. While on the right side of the box, Riggi unleashed a shot off a volley to beat the goalkeeper and give the club a 1-0 lead.

The win puts Rising FC in fifth place with 43 points. The top eight teams in the conference qualify for the playoffs. Phoenix Rising continues its road trip this Sunday, September 24, at Whitecaps FC 2. The match will kickoff at 3 p.m.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2 0-1 PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 44’, 17-Alessandro Riggi (7-Chris Cortez)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 33’, 25-Victor Vasquez (yellow)
SEA: 42’, 21-Jordy Delem (yellow)
PHX: 60’, 25-Victor Vasquez (yellow)
SEA: 64’, 21-Jordy Delem (red)
PHX: 75’, 14-Jason Johnson (yellow)
SEA: 84’, 36-Denso Ulysse (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez (62’,14-Jason Johnson), 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia, 28-Gladson Awako (81’, 24-A.J. Gray); 17-Alessandro Riggi; 7-Chris Cortez (75’, 8-Matt Watson)

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 4-Blair Gavin, 15-Jordan Gibbons, 30-Eric Avila
 

(September 20, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC extended its club-record unbeaten streak following a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC 2. The club how now gone unbeaten in nine consecutive matches. Rising FC also matched a club record with its third consecutive win.

Both teams had great opportunities to open the match’s scoring in the first half. Rising FC midfielder Amadou Dia had the match’s first chance on target in the fifth minute. Dia smashed a shot off a short bounce, but was denied by the diving goalkeeper. 

In the 34th minute, Sounders FC 2 (9-16-4) had a free kick just outside of the box. Seattle’s Zach Mathers hit a rocket destined for the back of the net, but goalkeeper Josh Cohen made a fingertip save to deflected the ball off the crossbar.

But Phoenix Rising (12-7-7) snuck into halftime with a lead thanks to midfielder Alessandro Riggi. Following a Cohen goal kick, forward Chris Cortez headed the ball behind him, toward the box and Riggi. While on the right side of the box, Riggi unleashed a shot off a volley to beat the goalkeeper and give the club a 1-0 lead.

The win puts Rising FC in fifth place with 43 points. The top eight teams in the conference qualify for the playoffs. Phoenix Rising continues its road trip this Sunday, September 24, at Whitecaps FC 2. The match will kickoff at 3 p.m.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2 0-1 PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 44’, 17-Alessandro Riggi (7-Chris Cortez)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 33’, 25-Victor Vasquez (yellow)
SEA: 42’, 21-Jordy Delem (yellow)
PHX: 60’, 25-Victor Vasquez (yellow)
SEA: 64’, 21-Jordy Delem (red)
PHX: 75’, 14-Jason Johnson (yellow)
SEA: 84’, 36-Denso Ulysse (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez (62’,14-Jason Johnson), 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia, 28-Gladson Awako (81’, 24-A.J. Gray); 17-Alessandro Riggi; 7-Chris Cortez (75’, 8-Matt Watson)

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 4-Blair Gavin, 15-Jordan Gibbons, 30-Eric Avila
 

Phoenix (September 16, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC extended its club-record unbeaten run and knocked off the No. 1 team in the USL Western Conference in a 2-0 win over Real Monarchs SLC. The club’s unbeaten streak is now eight matches (5-0-3) as it heads into a brutal two-week road trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Rising FC (11-7-7) wasted little time jumping on the visiting Monarchs. In the fifth minute, the club took advantage of a Monarchs miscue to get a two-on-none opportunity toward the net. But midfielder Alessandro Riggi couldn’t beat the goalkeeper and the score remained 0-0. Then in the 19th minute a Chris Cortez header was also saved to keep the match scoreless.

But in the 29th minute, a Phoenix Rising corner went into the box and found midfielder Kevon Lambert. His shot was saved and then fell to Kody Wakasa, who was also denied. That rebound eventually came to the foot of midfielder Sam Hamilton, who kicked the ball past a sprawling goalkeeper to make it a 1-0 match.

Real Monarchs (17-5-5) struggled to get back into the match thanks to a suffocating Rising FC defense. The Monarchs took just six shots the entire match with just one shot reaching target. That lone chance came in the 88th minute.

With the win, Phoenix Rising FC currently sits in 7th place in the Western Conference standings with 40 points. The top eight clubs qualify for the playoffs.

The club will now embark on a two-week road trip around the Pacific Northwest, beginning with a match at Sounders FC 2 this Wednesday. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and fans are encouraged to watch the match at the club’s official watch party at the Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace.

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-0 REAL MONARCHS SLC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 29’, 16-Sam Hamilton
PHX: 73’, 14-Jason Johnson (3-Kody Wakasa)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 4’, 28-Gladson Awako (yellow)
PHX: 54’, 19-Amadou Dia (yellow)
PHX: 90+2’, 18-Josh Cohen (yellow)
SLC: 90+3’, 61-Daniel Cruz (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia (85’, 11-Didier Drogba), 28-Gladson Awako; 17-Alessandro Riggi (91’, 8-Matt Watson); 7-Chris Cortez (71’, 14-Jason Johnson)

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 4-Blair Gavin, 15-Jordan Gibbons

Phoenix (September 16, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC extended its club-record unbeaten run and knocked off the No. 1 team in the USL Western Conference in a 2-0 win over Real Monarchs SLC. The club’s unbeaten streak is now eight matches (5-0-3) as it heads into a brutal two-week road trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Rising FC (11-7-7) wasted little time jumping on the visiting Monarchs. In the fifth minute, the club took advantage of a Monarchs miscue to get a two-on-none opportunity toward the net. But midfielder Alessandro Riggi couldn’t beat the goalkeeper and the score remained 0-0. Then in the 19th minute a Chris Cortez header was also saved to keep the match scoreless.

But in the 29th minute, a Phoenix Rising corner went into the box and found midfielder Kevon Lambert. His shot was saved and then fell to Kody Wakasa, who was also denied. That rebound eventually came to the foot of midfielder Sam Hamilton, who kicked the ball past a sprawling goalkeeper to make it a 1-0 match.

Real Monarchs (17-5-5) struggled to get back into the match thanks to a suffocating Rising FC defense. The Monarchs took just six shots the entire match with just one shot reaching target. That lone chance came in the 88th minute.

With the win, Phoenix Rising FC currently sits in 7th place in the Western Conference standings with 40 points. The top eight clubs qualify for the playoffs.

The club will now embark on a two-week road trip around the Pacific Northwest, beginning with a match at Sounders FC 2 this Wednesday. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and fans are encouraged to watch the match at the club’s official watch party at the Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace.

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-0 REAL MONARCHS SLC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 29’, 16-Sam Hamilton
PHX: 73’, 14-Jason Johnson (3-Kody Wakasa)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 4’, 28-Gladson Awako (yellow)
PHX: 54’, 19-Amadou Dia (yellow)
PHX: 90+2’, 18-Josh Cohen (yellow)
SLC: 90+3’, 61-Daniel Cruz (yellow)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 16-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia (85’, 11-Didier Drogba), 28-Gladson Awako; 17-Alessandro Riggi (91’, 8-Matt Watson); 7-Chris Cortez (71’, 14-Jason Johnson)

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 4-Blair Gavin, 15-Jordan Gibbons