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Match Recap

RECAP: Phoenix Rising FCl Sweeps Season Series With Switchbacks FC in 2-1 Win

(September 9, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC midfielder, and late substitute, A.J. Gray made the most of his limited minutes, notching the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. The win pushes Phoenix Rising to seventh-place in the Western Conference with 37 points. The win also sets a club record for most points earned in a season (the previous mark was 34 points set last season).

Gray was a 75th-minute sub for Shaun Wright-Phillips when Rising FC (10-7-7) was holding onto a slim 1-0 lead. But less than ten minutes after Gray came into the match, Colorado Springs’ Akwafei Ajeakwa scored an equalizer to make it 1-1. Just three minutes after the game-tying goal, Gray made his mark on the match.

In the 86th minute, Phoenix Rising was on the attack. Amadou Dia sent a high-arcing ball into the box toward Jason Johnson. The club’s leading goalscorer managed to head the ball back toward Gray. After taking a couple of step toward the box, Gray fired a shot that curled inside the far left post to make it 2-1.

Dia notched the match’s first goal of the evening in the 50th minute. After beating his defender on the left side, Dia ran toward the net from the left flank. Despite the challenging angle, Dia fired a shot toward the net and beat the goalkeeper to the near left side for a 1-0 lead over Switchbacks FC (9-11-2).

Phoenix Rising FC has now gone unbeaten in seven-straight matches, a club record. The team returns home this Saturday, September 16, to square off with the Western Conference-leading Real Monarchs at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com

 

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Date: September 9, 2017
Location: Weidner Field | Scottsdale, AZ

COLORADO SPRINGS FC 1-2 PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 50’, 19-Amadou Dia
COS: 83’, 36-Akwafei Ajeakwa (5-Josh Suggs)
PHX: 86’, 24-A.J. Gray (14-Jason Johnson)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 1’, 2-Doueugui Mala (yellow)
PHX: 45+’, 4-Blair Gavin (yellow)
PHX: 57’, 27-Kevon Lambert (yellow)
COS: 64’ 35-Kim Tae-Seong (yellow)
COS: 70’ 23-Shane Malcolm (yellow)
COS: 71’, 24-Tobenna Uzo (yellow)

 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 4-Blair Gavin (56’, 27-Kevon Lambert), 99-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia, 28-Gladson Awako; 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (76’, 24-A.J. Gray); 23-Matt Hurlow-Paonessa (77’, 14-Jason Johnson)

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 8-Matt Watson, 30-Eric Avila, 33-Jordan Stewart

(September 9, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC midfielder, and late substitute, A.J. Gray made the most of his limited minutes, notching the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. The win pushes Phoenix Rising to seventh-place in the Western Conference with 37 points. The win also sets a club record for most points earned in a season (the previous mark was 34 points set last season).

Gray was a 75th-minute sub for Shaun Wright-Phillips when Rising FC (10-7-7) was holding onto a slim 1-0 lead. But less than ten minutes after Gray came into the match, Colorado Springs’ Akwafei Ajeakwa scored an equalizer to make it 1-1. Just three minutes after the game-tying goal, Gray made his mark on the match.

In the 86th minute, Phoenix Rising was on the attack. Amadou Dia sent a high-arcing ball into the box toward Jason Johnson. The club’s leading goalscorer managed to head the ball back toward Gray. After taking a couple of step toward the box, Gray fired a shot that curled inside the far left post to make it 2-1.

Dia notched the match’s first goal of the evening in the 50th minute. After beating his defender on the left side, Dia ran toward the net from the left flank. Despite the challenging angle, Dia fired a shot toward the net and beat the goalkeeper to the near left side for a 1-0 lead over Switchbacks FC (9-11-2).

Phoenix Rising FC has now gone unbeaten in seven-straight matches, a club record. The team returns home this Saturday, September 16, to square off with the Western Conference-leading Real Monarchs at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com

 

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Date: September 9, 2017
Location: Weidner Field | Scottsdale, AZ

COLORADO SPRINGS FC 1-2 PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 50’, 19-Amadou Dia
COS: 83’, 36-Akwafei Ajeakwa (5-Josh Suggs)
PHX: 86’, 24-A.J. Gray (14-Jason Johnson)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 1’, 2-Doueugui Mala (yellow)
PHX: 45+’, 4-Blair Gavin (yellow)
PHX: 57’, 27-Kevon Lambert (yellow)
COS: 64’ 35-Kim Tae-Seong (yellow)
COS: 70’ 23-Shane Malcolm (yellow)
COS: 71’, 24-Tobenna Uzo (yellow)

 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 2-Doueugui Mala, 3-Kody Wakasa; 4-Blair Gavin (56’, 27-Kevon Lambert), 99-Sam Hamilton, 19-Amadou Dia, 28-Gladson Awako; 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (76’, 24-A.J. Gray); 23-Matt Hurlow-Paonessa (77’, 14-Jason Johnson)

Substitutions Not Used: 15-John Berner, 8-Matt Watson, 30-Eric Avila, 33-Jordan Stewart

Quote Sheet: Phoenix Rising FC 0-0 Orange County SC 9.06.17

Head Coach Patrice Carteron

On getting a point:
“I think both teams deserve this point tonight. We started the game as usual with many opportunities in the first 15 minutes. After, I think we were a little bit nervous till the end of the half. In the second half, we did push. We had the big opportunity to score in the last minute, but physically…it was a difficult one. It’s never easy to play as you can imagine, many games consecutively. I had the feeling tonight we didn’t have the same energy as a few days ago. But, it’s seven points from the nine (on the home stand); it’s not that bad. Another clean sheet, I’m just sad we didn’t score the opportunity at the end. It would have been fantastic to have the three points tonight and to have another win.”

 

On the performance of AJ Gray:
“He’s always fantastic. When he came in, he has a fire in the legs. Most of the time, he’s better when he comes in during the games than when he starts. He makes a difference. It was not easy because tactically the two teams were well organized tonight. I decided to be more patient tonight about the substitution. But, it’s a point, we have another game in three days in Colorado, but we want to qualify for the playoffs so we are going to give our best.”

On if the team was fatigued after Saturday night’s game:
“For sure. You could feel tonight many players did not have the same quality. We did our best for them to be ready. In that kind of circumstance as a coach you never know if you give your confidence to the players that played the game before very good, or if you have to change. I decided not to change too much for this game, but after the game tonight I can see physically that most of the players were tired. For the game in Colorado, I have to think about fresh players. That’s why we had a special training session before the game today for the rest of the team.”

On the play of Jordan Stewart:
“He was very good tonight. Jordan, I liked very much in the drill, anticipating, very good with the ball, good attitude. It’s the kind of game if you score in the first 15 minutes I’m sure that it would have been an easy game because mentally we would have felt stronger. At halftime I could tell most of the players were tired and nervous; I really want them to stay calm, be patient. We tried to use the substitution, but it didn’t work tonight.”

On the play of new player Gladson Awako:
“I’m just sad he couldn’t score his amazing opportunity. It would have been fantastic to play just 15 or 20minutes, and to score like he could have done. But, we are going to keep on working this way and try to have the best possible result.”

Defender Jordan Stewart

On his thoughts of the game:
“As I said before it’s like a stalemate, each team didn’t have a lot of chances. It was more of a battle for the midfield as you know so to get a clean sheet is always good but we’ve got the mindset that we always want to win, especially at home so there’s a bit of disappointment there.”

On adding Gladson Awako:
“He gotwacked on the first touch he had so I think that’s a thing to come, but he got in good positions. I think it’s going to take him a couple of games to get to know everyone and how we play, so he’s a great addition.”

On playing alongside Peter Ramage:
“I was saying before. There is a lot of talking going on and he helps me massively, he’s jumped on the leadership role while Didier’s been away and he’s a great captain and a great teammate to have beside me.”

On the upcoming trip to Colorado Springs:
“That’s the objective you know, we want to win as many games as possible and ultimately end up in the playoffs so it’s probably a no-no when you reflect on a game but we’ve got the mindset that we want to win all of our games. We’ve got a tough trip on the road against Colorado and obviously the altitude and that kind of stuff, but we’ve got a big squad so everyone needs to be ready and hopefully we can come home with three points.”

Midfielder Gladson Awako

On what he thought of his debut:
“To be part of this club, I think I really enjoyed myself this evening. Although we didn’t get the three points we needed plus we all knew it was going to be difficult and it was but we still have to keep pushing to win the next game to see how it goes.”

On his initial thoughts of the USL:
“Before we have different perceptions but I think now we are developing and its really good to be here and be part of. It’s professional and I like it.”

On reconnecting with head coach Patrice Carteron:
“It’s always been, should I say harder. He always wants the best from his boys. I’m glad, I’m happy to join him here. To work together.”

 

Head Coach Patrice Carteron

On getting a point:
“I think both teams deserve this point tonight. We started the game as usual with many opportunities in the first 15 minutes. After, I think we were a little bit nervous till the end of the half. In the second half, we did push. We had the big opportunity to score in the last minute, but physically…it was a difficult one. It’s never easy to play as you can imagine, many games consecutively. I had the feeling tonight we didn’t have the same energy as a few days ago. But, it’s seven points from the nine (on the home stand); it’s not that bad. Another clean sheet, I’m just sad we didn’t score the opportunity at the end. It would have been fantastic to have the three points tonight and to have another win.”

 

On the performance of AJ Gray:
“He’s always fantastic. When he came in, he has a fire in the legs. Most of the time, he’s better when he comes in during the games than when he starts. He makes a difference. It was not easy because tactically the two teams were well organized tonight. I decided to be more patient tonight about the substitution. But, it’s a point, we have another game in three days in Colorado, but we want to qualify for the playoffs so we are going to give our best.”

On if the team was fatigued after Saturday night’s game:
“For sure. You could feel tonight many players did not have the same quality. We did our best for them to be ready. In that kind of circumstance as a coach you never know if you give your confidence to the players that played the game before very good, or if you have to change. I decided not to change too much for this game, but after the game tonight I can see physically that most of the players were tired. For the game in Colorado, I have to think about fresh players. That’s why we had a special training session before the game today for the rest of the team.”

On the play of Jordan Stewart:
“He was very good tonight. Jordan, I liked very much in the drill, anticipating, very good with the ball, good attitude. It’s the kind of game if you score in the first 15 minutes I’m sure that it would have been an easy game because mentally we would have felt stronger. At halftime I could tell most of the players were tired and nervous; I really want them to stay calm, be patient. We tried to use the substitution, but it didn’t work tonight.”

On the play of new player Gladson Awako:
“I’m just sad he couldn’t score his amazing opportunity. It would have been fantastic to play just 15 or 20minutes, and to score like he could have done. But, we are going to keep on working this way and try to have the best possible result.”

Defender Jordan Stewart

On his thoughts of the game:
“As I said before it’s like a stalemate, each team didn’t have a lot of chances. It was more of a battle for the midfield as you know so to get a clean sheet is always good but we’ve got the mindset that we always want to win, especially at home so there’s a bit of disappointment there.”

On adding Gladson Awako:
“He gotwacked on the first touch he had so I think that’s a thing to come, but he got in good positions. I think it’s going to take him a couple of games to get to know everyone and how we play, so he’s a great addition.”

On playing alongside Peter Ramage:
“I was saying before. There is a lot of talking going on and he helps me massively, he’s jumped on the leadership role while Didier’s been away and he’s a great captain and a great teammate to have beside me.”

On the upcoming trip to Colorado Springs:
“That’s the objective you know, we want to win as many games as possible and ultimately end up in the playoffs so it’s probably a no-no when you reflect on a game but we’ve got the mindset that we want to win all of our games. We’ve got a tough trip on the road against Colorado and obviously the altitude and that kind of stuff, but we’ve got a big squad so everyone needs to be ready and hopefully we can come home with three points.”

Midfielder Gladson Awako

On what he thought of his debut:
“To be part of this club, I think I really enjoyed myself this evening. Although we didn’t get the three points we needed plus we all knew it was going to be difficult and it was but we still have to keep pushing to win the next game to see how it goes.”

On his initial thoughts of the USL:
“Before we have different perceptions but I think now we are developing and its really good to be here and be part of. It’s professional and I like it.”

On reconnecting with head coach Patrice Carteron:
“It’s always been, should I say harder. He always wants the best from his boys. I’m glad, I’m happy to join him here. To work together.”

 

RECAP: Phoenix Rising FC Jumps Into Playoff Spot Following 2-0 Win Over Seattle

PHOENIX (September 2, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC propelled itself into the final playoff spot of the Western Conference following a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC 2. As it stands now, Phoenix Rising sits in 8th place with 33 points. The win also extends the club’s unbeaten streak to five matches.

The match remained scoreless into the 78th minute despite several scoring chances from Rising FC throughout the night. On three separate occasions, Phoenix Rising forward Chris Cortez had a would-be headed goal denied by Sounders FC 2 goalkeeper Tyler Miller.

But it was eventually a header that downed Seattle. In the 78th minute, midfielder A.J. Gray sent a diagonal cross toward the far left post. As the ball hung in the air, midfielder Amadou Dia got into position, beating his defender to the spot. He had an easy header into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Sounders FC 2 pressured Phoenix Rising the rest of the match. Seattle’s best opportunity came two minutes into stoppage time when Zach Mathers sent a curling shot toward the far right post. Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen made a leaping finger-tip save to preserve the clean sheet.

Several minutes later, Phoenix Rising forward Jason Johnson beat the Sounders FC 2 goalkeeper as he tried to reach a loose ball out of the box. Johnson had nothing but open space between him and the goal and walked the ball in before smashing a shot into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Phoenix Rising will play the final match of its three-match homestand on Wednesday, September 6 against Orange County Soccer Club. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com
 

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Date: September 2, 2017
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-0 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 78’, 19-Amadou Dia (24-A.J. Gray)
PHX: 90+4’, 14-Jason Johnson

Disciplinary Summary:
SEA: 10’, 15-Tony Alfaro (yellow)
SEA: 29’, 99-Felix Chenkam (yellow)
PHX: 43’, 7-Chris Cortez (yellow)
SEA: 83’, 21-Jordy Delem (yellow)

 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 4-Blair Gavin (75’, 24-A.J. Gray), 14-Jason Johnson, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (69’, 16-Sam Hamilton,), 17-Alessandro Riggi (68’, 19-Amadou Dia); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 55-Nolan Wirth, 2-Doueugui Mala, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa, 30-Eric Avila

 

PHOENIX (September 2, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC propelled itself into the final playoff spot of the Western Conference following a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC 2. As it stands now, Phoenix Rising sits in 8th place with 33 points. The win also extends the club’s unbeaten streak to five matches.

The match remained scoreless into the 78th minute despite several scoring chances from Rising FC throughout the night. On three separate occasions, Phoenix Rising forward Chris Cortez had a would-be headed goal denied by Sounders FC 2 goalkeeper Tyler Miller.

But it was eventually a header that downed Seattle. In the 78th minute, midfielder A.J. Gray sent a diagonal cross toward the far left post. As the ball hung in the air, midfielder Amadou Dia got into position, beating his defender to the spot. He had an easy header into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Sounders FC 2 pressured Phoenix Rising the rest of the match. Seattle’s best opportunity came two minutes into stoppage time when Zach Mathers sent a curling shot toward the far right post. Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen made a leaping finger-tip save to preserve the clean sheet.

Several minutes later, Phoenix Rising forward Jason Johnson beat the Sounders FC 2 goalkeeper as he tried to reach a loose ball out of the box. Johnson had nothing but open space between him and the goal and walked the ball in before smashing a shot into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Phoenix Rising will play the final match of its three-match homestand on Wednesday, September 6 against Orange County Soccer Club. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com
 

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Date: September 2, 2017
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-0 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 78’, 19-Amadou Dia (24-A.J. Gray)
PHX: 90+4’, 14-Jason Johnson

Disciplinary Summary:
SEA: 10’, 15-Tony Alfaro (yellow)
SEA: 29’, 99-Felix Chenkam (yellow)
PHX: 43’, 7-Chris Cortez (yellow)
SEA: 83’, 21-Jordy Delem (yellow)

 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 4-Blair Gavin (75’, 24-A.J. Gray), 14-Jason Johnson, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (69’, 16-Sam Hamilton,), 17-Alessandro Riggi (68’, 19-Amadou Dia); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 55-Nolan Wirth, 2-Doueugui Mala, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa, 30-Eric Avila

 

QUOTE SHEET: Phoenix Rising FC 3-1 Sacramento Republic FC 8.26.17

Head Coach Patrice Carteron

On picking up the three points:

“Yeah, not easy for us because you know last night was the reserve…. for Oklahoma… and we won against Orange County so we know before this game that we have many game to play comparing to our opponent, but we need points if we want to be ready for the battle of the playoffs so it was very important for us to start this series of game home by…against a very good team of Sacramento. We know that, so I am very proud about the attitude of the players. We are not that…. the last game away. We drew two times. We could have won two times. We won in LA…. two points away, but we could’ve won those games. We lost players. Yellow card, red card, and two times we obtained two goals in the last minute, so really, I am so happy and proud tonight that we played with more confidence. We had some difficult moments but there was also a lot of quality in the game today, many good passes, many offensive interesting situations for us, Jason Johnson, Chris Cortez, Shaun Wright-Philips, Alessandro Riggi. All of them offensively were really good today. We could have scored more goals, and defensively we had good intensity as well so I am really happy for our fans because they deserve those three points tonight and they deserve that kind of game so we are progressing step by step and I am really proud tonight about our game.

On the current form of his team:

“I can variate, this season is not easy for the players because it is hard to know more from them and as they are to learn from me also so it takes time. Football is not that easy to change everything. Right now, I think we are on a positive vibe. We are playing better week after week and many players can play right now they are ready physically. Most of them are ready physically we can see that no matter Victor Vasquez is starting on the left side or Dia right now we have other player ready no so we are ready now, as I said we are ready now for the battle of the playoff and the defense I would have liked them to have a clean sheet, but anyways those three points are more important than anything else and we must keep on progressing like this.

On the play of goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski:

“Really, I am really lucky because we have two fantastic goalkeepers. Every day after training no matter if they start or if they are on the bench two of them are really fantastic, very good attitude. One has the experience, Carl, and one is very young; 24 years old for a goalkeeper is very young so Josh must keep on progressing, but he has an amazing potential so I really believe in the two of them and I am sure that the two of them will keep progressing. And that’s it.

On facing a team that had played a midweek game:

“We had to work, we had to work this week physically because we knew that it was a second game for them of the week so I really had the feeling that if we worked hard physically this week then we would be better than them physically that’s of course a detail we must consider to prepare the player to be ready and also its good experience for us because in a few days starting from next week we’ll play every few days. That’s why from now I have to pay attention. For example, tonight I decided that Blair Gavin, that was fantastic the last game, to let him rest on the bench because also the opportunity for Keven Lambert to start a game home 90 minutes. He did a great game or so-so. I am really happy because most of our players are progressing by getting better week after week and I need to do the rest to be one hundred percent.

On getting offensive contributions from new players:

“Sometimes when you have that kind of fantastic player like Didier (Drogba), the other players don’t realize that also themselves, they can prove that they are a good player so I am happy that the offensive players also have more confidence right now and understand that as Didier is not here we have to give more in order for us to be as good offensively as we are when Didier is playing, so I am happy about the result and the performance of most of them and it’s good for us of course. Mentally its fantastic for us to have those three points tonight and to be back in the top nine.”

On the upcoming schedule:

“This game, and after a few days, after Orange County and after, we know that we are the team that has the most games to play at the end, so we know that everything is in our hands. That’s why I could feel that the players were really motivated.”

 

Forward Chris Cortez

On getting the win:

“Yeah, absolutely. I think for us it’s also key to take advantage of the games in hand. I think that’s one of the biggest things for us as we spoke about it in the build-up to this and everything is just being able to use that to our advantage. The fact that we have games in hand on everyone and now we just need to take advantage and control our own destiny.”

On how he scored his goal:

“Yeah, no. Excellent delivery, it made my life really easy all I have to do was glance a header in. It’s tons of pace and exactly right on my head so I don’t have to do a lot on it.”

On having an advantage with Sacramento having played a midweek game:

“Yeah you know they’re on the road, they also played a game midweek and stuff like that so for us it was really to set the tone and also be able to set the tone at home. I think we’ve done very well to do that and I thought today was another great example of that.”

On meshing with other forwards:

“I think, you know, having played the last few games together and stuff and everything is all healthy you know. It’s just that things tend to click the more and more you play together and everything. Training during the week and working on patterns and different things and stuff like that and training together with everyone and then playing being able to play in games is kind of that final product and I think this kind of sums that all up.”

On having success after coming back from injury:

“No, pretty ideal, you know. Very happy to be able to help the team and helping us get results. You know grinding out some ties when we’re a man down on the road and then being able to get some wins you know away to Galaxy and then now. You know back here at home being able to come back after a long road trip and be able to get a win for the fans.

On his team relying on depth during four match unbeaten streak:

“Yeah, absolutely. I think we have a quality squad you know, I think we have great depth and we can really trust anyone coming on; I think we’ve seen that. We’ve had one or two changes in the lineup in the last couple games due to injuries or suspensions or different things and it’s been pretty seamless, the transition. It just comes down to style of play and stuff like that, but I think we have plenty of guys on the bench and around and that all creates competition for places and also when it comes to those games on Wednesday, Saturday or Wednesday, Sunday and stuff like that I think it’ll be great and we know we can definitely get a lot of results going in because we have the players for it.

On the performance of goalkeeper Carl Wosczcysnki:

“He’s taken advantage you know, he’s shown it before in years previous and we all know what he can do and you know that’s the life of a goalie is to kind of be patient sometimes and when your time comes to be able to come out and take advantage and I think he’s done well and really stepped up. Backline as well has been very solid for us and been able to really grind out results and hold onto stuff so I think they’ve all been doing very well and working really hard. You know and the team shape I think it reflects that as well.”

 

Forward Jason Johnson

On scoring a goal:

“That was the main focus. In the first half, (Chris) Cortez got us a really good start. We haven’t really sored that early from the start of the season, so that was a big push for us. For me to get a second goal so early in the second half that helped us a lot and the momentum of the team. As you could see, they scored one a few minutes after, but I think the momentum from that goal and from the first half was just too strong.  

On if head coach Patrice Carteron game planned to attack down the wings:

“No, I think that’s just the focus and the mindset for the players and the coaching staff as well. From training, we have carried out all the actions that our coaches wanted us to do. I think we have done them really well; we played as a team today. Especially that first half was just focus as a team.

On how he has turned his game around over the last month and a half:

“Failure can be one of your best teachers. I think I learned a lot from that Reno game. The team depends on me to give a lot of energy and I try to do that day in and day out and fortunate to do that today and hopefully every day from now, that will be a consistent performance.”

On meshing with the rest of the forwards:

“I think it’s just movement, the energy, the talking, the free flow football. Playing with each other day in and day out in training has helped a lot, so just understand each players’ attributes, their talents; it’s easier to play with them in games.

In getting the three home points:

“When next Tuesday comes, hopefully we will be saying we work harder in this training, to hopefully do even better next week.”

 

Head Coach Patrice Carteron

On picking up the three points:

“Yeah, not easy for us because you know last night was the reserve…. for Oklahoma… and we won against Orange County so we know before this game that we have many game to play comparing to our opponent, but we need points if we want to be ready for the battle of the playoffs so it was very important for us to start this series of game home by…against a very good team of Sacramento. We know that, so I am very proud about the attitude of the players. We are not that…. the last game away. We drew two times. We could have won two times. We won in LA…. two points away, but we could’ve won those games. We lost players. Yellow card, red card, and two times we obtained two goals in the last minute, so really, I am so happy and proud tonight that we played with more confidence. We had some difficult moments but there was also a lot of quality in the game today, many good passes, many offensive interesting situations for us, Jason Johnson, Chris Cortez, Shaun Wright-Philips, Alessandro Riggi. All of them offensively were really good today. We could have scored more goals, and defensively we had good intensity as well so I am really happy for our fans because they deserve those three points tonight and they deserve that kind of game so we are progressing step by step and I am really proud tonight about our game.

On the current form of his team:

“I can variate, this season is not easy for the players because it is hard to know more from them and as they are to learn from me also so it takes time. Football is not that easy to change everything. Right now, I think we are on a positive vibe. We are playing better week after week and many players can play right now they are ready physically. Most of them are ready physically we can see that no matter Victor Vasquez is starting on the left side or Dia right now we have other player ready no so we are ready now, as I said we are ready now for the battle of the playoff and the defense I would have liked them to have a clean sheet, but anyways those three points are more important than anything else and we must keep on progressing like this.

On the play of goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski:

“Really, I am really lucky because we have two fantastic goalkeepers. Every day after training no matter if they start or if they are on the bench two of them are really fantastic, very good attitude. One has the experience, Carl, and one is very young; 24 years old for a goalkeeper is very young so Josh must keep on progressing, but he has an amazing potential so I really believe in the two of them and I am sure that the two of them will keep progressing. And that’s it.

On facing a team that had played a midweek game:

“We had to work, we had to work this week physically because we knew that it was a second game for them of the week so I really had the feeling that if we worked hard physically this week then we would be better than them physically that’s of course a detail we must consider to prepare the player to be ready and also its good experience for us because in a few days starting from next week we’ll play every few days. That’s why from now I have to pay attention. For example, tonight I decided that Blair Gavin, that was fantastic the last game, to let him rest on the bench because also the opportunity for Keven Lambert to start a game home 90 minutes. He did a great game or so-so. I am really happy because most of our players are progressing by getting better week after week and I need to do the rest to be one hundred percent.

On getting offensive contributions from new players:

“Sometimes when you have that kind of fantastic player like Didier (Drogba), the other players don’t realize that also themselves, they can prove that they are a good player so I am happy that the offensive players also have more confidence right now and understand that as Didier is not here we have to give more in order for us to be as good offensively as we are when Didier is playing, so I am happy about the result and the performance of most of them and it’s good for us of course. Mentally its fantastic for us to have those three points tonight and to be back in the top nine.”

On the upcoming schedule:

“This game, and after a few days, after Orange County and after, we know that we are the team that has the most games to play at the end, so we know that everything is in our hands. That’s why I could feel that the players were really motivated.”

 

Forward Chris Cortez

On getting the win:

“Yeah, absolutely. I think for us it’s also key to take advantage of the games in hand. I think that’s one of the biggest things for us as we spoke about it in the build-up to this and everything is just being able to use that to our advantage. The fact that we have games in hand on everyone and now we just need to take advantage and control our own destiny.”

On how he scored his goal:

“Yeah, no. Excellent delivery, it made my life really easy all I have to do was glance a header in. It’s tons of pace and exactly right on my head so I don’t have to do a lot on it.”

On having an advantage with Sacramento having played a midweek game:

“Yeah you know they’re on the road, they also played a game midweek and stuff like that so for us it was really to set the tone and also be able to set the tone at home. I think we’ve done very well to do that and I thought today was another great example of that.”

On meshing with other forwards:

“I think, you know, having played the last few games together and stuff and everything is all healthy you know. It’s just that things tend to click the more and more you play together and everything. Training during the week and working on patterns and different things and stuff like that and training together with everyone and then playing being able to play in games is kind of that final product and I think this kind of sums that all up.”

On having success after coming back from injury:

“No, pretty ideal, you know. Very happy to be able to help the team and helping us get results. You know grinding out some ties when we’re a man down on the road and then being able to get some wins you know away to Galaxy and then now. You know back here at home being able to come back after a long road trip and be able to get a win for the fans.

On his team relying on depth during four match unbeaten streak:

“Yeah, absolutely. I think we have a quality squad you know, I think we have great depth and we can really trust anyone coming on; I think we’ve seen that. We’ve had one or two changes in the lineup in the last couple games due to injuries or suspensions or different things and it’s been pretty seamless, the transition. It just comes down to style of play and stuff like that, but I think we have plenty of guys on the bench and around and that all creates competition for places and also when it comes to those games on Wednesday, Saturday or Wednesday, Sunday and stuff like that I think it’ll be great and we know we can definitely get a lot of results going in because we have the players for it.

On the performance of goalkeeper Carl Wosczcysnki:

“He’s taken advantage you know, he’s shown it before in years previous and we all know what he can do and you know that’s the life of a goalie is to kind of be patient sometimes and when your time comes to be able to come out and take advantage and I think he’s done well and really stepped up. Backline as well has been very solid for us and been able to really grind out results and hold onto stuff so I think they’ve all been doing very well and working really hard. You know and the team shape I think it reflects that as well.”

 

Forward Jason Johnson

On scoring a goal:

“That was the main focus. In the first half, (Chris) Cortez got us a really good start. We haven’t really sored that early from the start of the season, so that was a big push for us. For me to get a second goal so early in the second half that helped us a lot and the momentum of the team. As you could see, they scored one a few minutes after, but I think the momentum from that goal and from the first half was just too strong.  

On if head coach Patrice Carteron game planned to attack down the wings:

“No, I think that’s just the focus and the mindset for the players and the coaching staff as well. From training, we have carried out all the actions that our coaches wanted us to do. I think we have done them really well; we played as a team today. Especially that first half was just focus as a team.

On how he has turned his game around over the last month and a half:

“Failure can be one of your best teachers. I think I learned a lot from that Reno game. The team depends on me to give a lot of energy and I try to do that day in and day out and fortunate to do that today and hopefully every day from now, that will be a consistent performance.”

On meshing with the rest of the forwards:

“I think it’s just movement, the energy, the talking, the free flow football. Playing with each other day in and day out in training has helped a lot, so just understand each players’ attributes, their talents; it’s easier to play with them in games.

In getting the three home points:

“When next Tuesday comes, hopefully we will be saying we work harder in this training, to hopefully do even better next week.”

 

RECAP: Phoenix Rising FC Begins Home Stand With 3-1 Win Over Sacramento

PHOENIX (August 26, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC forward Chris Cortez tallied a goal and two assists in a 3-1 Phoenix Rising FC win over Sacramento Republic FC. The win extends Phoenix Rising’s unbeaten streak to four matches.

"We had some difficult moments but there was also a lot of quality in the game today, many good passes, many offensive interesting situations for us," head coach Patrice Carteron said. "We could have scored more goals, and defensively we had good intensity as well so I am really happy for our fans because they deserve those three points tonight."

Cortez opened the match’s scoring in the 10th minute after he connected with a Shaun Wright-Phillips corner to make it 1-0.

"Excellent delivery, it made my life really easy; all I have to do was glance a header in," Cortez said. "It’s tons of pace and exactly right on my head so I don’t have to do a lot on it.”

Neither team found the back of the net for the rest of the half, but the scoring drought soon washed away with a flood of goals.

In the 48th minute, Jason Johnson sent a long pass out wide to the left flank for Cortez. On his first touch, Cortez sent the ball back toward an onrushing Johnson who smashed a shot inside the left post on his first touch to make it 2-0.

"For me to get a second goal so early in the second half that helped us a lot and the momentum of the team," Johnson said. "As you could see, they scored one a few minutes after, but I think the momentum from that goal and from the first half was just too strong."

Sacramento’s Trevin Caesar made things interesting two minutes later. Following a diving stop by goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski, Casear jumped on the rebound to cut the score in half, 2-1.

But Phoenix Rising (8-7-6) and Cortez weren’t finished. In the 52nd minute, following a cleared corner kick, Cortez sent the ball back toward the crowd of players. Defender Peter Ramage rose above the fray and smacked a header into the back of the net to make it 3-1.

"Right now, I think we are on a positive vibe. We are playing better week after week and many players can play right now. They are ready physically," Carteron said.

The win improves Rising FC’s place in the standings from 11th to 9th, just one place and three points out of the final playoff position. Sacramento Republic FC (10-8-5) remains in 5th place. This was also Rising FC’s first win over Sacramento Republic FC since the first time the clubs met back on April 19, 2014.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer complex on Saturday, September 2, against Sounders 2. Fans can still purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

PHOENIX RISING FC 3-1 SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 10’, 7-Chris Cortez (29-Shaun Wright-Phillips)
PHX: 48’, 14-Jason Johnson (7-Chirs Cortez)
SAC: 50’, 19-Trevin Caesar
PHX: 52’, 5-Peter Ramage (7-Chris Cortez)

Disciplinary Summary:
SAC: 37’, 32-Hayden Partain (yellow)
PHX: 38’, 3-Kody Wakasa (yellow)
PHX: 90’, 14-Jason Johnson (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 8-Matt Watson (84’, 16-Sam Hamilton), 14-Jason Johnson, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (89’, 19-Amadou Dia), 17-Alessandro Riggi (82’, 4-Blair Gavin); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 2-Doueugui Mala, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa, 30-Eric Avila

PHOENIX (August 26, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC forward Chris Cortez tallied a goal and two assists in a 3-1 Phoenix Rising FC win over Sacramento Republic FC. The win extends Phoenix Rising’s unbeaten streak to four matches.

“We had some difficult moments but there was also a lot of quality in the game today, many good passes, many offensive interesting situations for us,” head coach Patrice Carteron said. “We could have scored more goals, and defensively we had good intensity as well so I am really happy for our fans because they deserve those three points tonight.”

Cortez opened the match’s scoring in the 10th minute after he connected with a Shaun Wright-Phillips corner to make it 1-0.

“Excellent delivery, it made my life really easy; all I have to do was glance a header in,” Cortez said. “It’s tons of pace and exactly right on my head so I don’t have to do a lot on it.”

Neither team found the back of the net for the rest of the half, but the scoring drought soon washed away with a flood of goals.

In the 48th minute, Jason Johnson sent a long pass out wide to the left flank for Cortez. On his first touch, Cortez sent the ball back toward an onrushing Johnson who smashed a shot inside the left post on his first touch to make it 2-0.

“For me to get a second goal so early in the second half that helped us a lot and the momentum of the team,” Johnson said. “As you could see, they scored one a few minutes after, but I think the momentum from that goal and from the first half was just too strong.”

Sacramento’s Trevin Caesar made things interesting two minutes later. Following a diving stop by goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski, Casear jumped on the rebound to cut the score in half, 2-1.

But Phoenix Rising (8-7-6) and Cortez weren’t finished. In the 52nd minute, following a cleared corner kick, Cortez sent the ball back toward the crowd of players. Defender Peter Ramage rose above the fray and smacked a header into the back of the net to make it 3-1.

“Right now, I think we are on a positive vibe. We are playing better week after week and many players can play right now. They are ready physically,” Carteron said.

The win improves Rising FC’s place in the standings from 11th to 9th, just one place and three points out of the final playoff position. Sacramento Republic FC (10-8-5) remains in 5th place. This was also Rising FC’s first win over Sacramento Republic FC since the first time the clubs met back on April 19, 2014.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer complex on Saturday, September 2, against Sounders 2. Fans can still purchase tickets at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

PHOENIX RISING FC 3-1 SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 10’, 7-Chris Cortez (29-Shaun Wright-Phillips)
PHX: 48’, 14-Jason Johnson (7-Chirs Cortez)
SAC: 50’, 19-Trevin Caesar
PHX: 52’, 5-Peter Ramage (7-Chris Cortez)

Disciplinary Summary:
SAC: 37’, 32-Hayden Partain (yellow)
PHX: 38’, 3-Kody Wakasa (yellow)
PHX: 90’, 14-Jason Johnson (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 3-Kody Wakasa; 27-Kevon Lambert, 8-Matt Watson (84’, 16-Sam Hamilton), 14-Jason Johnson, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (89’, 19-Amadou Dia), 17-Alessandro Riggi (82’, 4-Blair Gavin); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 2-Doueugui Mala, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa, 30-Eric Avila

RECAP: Phoenix Rising FC Fights To 1-1 Draw With Orange County SC

PHOENIX (August 18, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC played down a man for half a match but managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Orange County Soccer Club. With the draw, Phoenix Rising ends its three-match road trip unbeaten with a 1-0-2 record.

Rising FC (7-7-6) took an early lead in the 18th minute. Forward Chris Cortez jumped on a loose ball after the Orange County goalkeeper lost control of a back pass. Cortez snuck in and smashed a shot into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Following the goal, it appeared the rest of the first half would be uneventful. But in the 42nd minute, defender AJ Gray was shown a straight red card and ejected following a tackle near the sidelines.

Down a man for the entire second half, Phoenix Rising’s defense battled an offensive onslaught from Orange County (7-6-8). In the final 45 minutes of the match, Rising FC faced 16 shots with half of them coming from inside the box.

Defender Peter Ramage headed a would-be goal off the line near the hour mark of the match. Later in the half, he cleared a cross destined for the back post and a possible goal. In the 73rd minute, goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski outjumped a crowded box to punch away a dangerous cross into the box.

And in the 81st minute, defenders blocked three consecutive shots inside the box to keep Orange County off the scoreboard.

But Orange County’s pressure finally broke through in the 89th minute. Jerry van Ewijk sent a right-to-left curling ball toward the far left side of the box and found the head of Sola Abolaji who headed his shot inside the post for the late equalizer.

With the draw, Phoenix Rising remains in 11th place with 27 points, just two points outside of the final playoff spot. The club returns home on Saturday, August 26, to face Sacramento Republic FC. The match will begin at 8:00 p.m. and fans can still purchase tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Orange County SC
Date: August 18, 2017
Location: Champion Park | Irvine, CA

ORANGE COUNTY SC 1-1 PHOENIX RISING FC
Scoring Summary:
PHX: 18’, 7-Chris Cortez
OC: 89’, 12-Sola Abolaji (11-Jerry van Ewijk)

Disciplinary Summary:
OC: 16’, 7-Richard Chadlow (yellow)
PHX: 42’, 24-A.J. Gray (red)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa, 24-A.J. Gray; 4-Blair Gavin (90+’, 16-Sam Hamilton), 8-Matt Watson, 14-Jason Johnson (69’, 13-Eder Arreola), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 17-Alessandro Riggi (64’, 27-Kevon Lambert); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 6-Miguel Timm, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa, 30-Eric Avila

PHOENIX (August 18, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC played down a man for half a match but managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Orange County Soccer Club. With the draw, Phoenix Rising ends its three-match road trip unbeaten with a 1-0-2 record.

Rising FC (7-7-6) took an early lead in the 18th minute. Forward Chris Cortez jumped on a loose ball after the Orange County goalkeeper lost control of a back pass. Cortez snuck in and smashed a shot into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Following the goal, it appeared the rest of the first half would be uneventful. But in the 42nd minute, defender AJ Gray was shown a straight red card and ejected following a tackle near the sidelines.

Down a man for the entire second half, Phoenix Rising’s defense battled an offensive onslaught from Orange County (7-6-8). In the final 45 minutes of the match, Rising FC faced 16 shots with half of them coming from inside the box.

Defender Peter Ramage headed a would-be goal off the line near the hour mark of the match. Later in the half, he cleared a cross destined for the back post and a possible goal. In the 73rd minute, goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski outjumped a crowded box to punch away a dangerous cross into the box.

And in the 81st minute, defenders blocked three consecutive shots inside the box to keep Orange County off the scoreboard.

But Orange County’s pressure finally broke through in the 89th minute. Jerry van Ewijk sent a right-to-left curling ball toward the far left side of the box and found the head of Sola Abolaji who headed his shot inside the post for the late equalizer.

With the draw, Phoenix Rising remains in 11th place with 27 points, just two points outside of the final playoff spot. The club returns home on Saturday, August 26, to face Sacramento Republic FC. The match will begin at 8:00 p.m. and fans can still purchase tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Orange County SC
Date: August 18, 2017
Location: Champion Park | Irvine, CA

ORANGE COUNTY SC 1-1 PHOENIX RISING FC
Scoring Summary:
PHX: 18’, 7-Chris Cortez
OC: 89’, 12-Sola Abolaji (11-Jerry van Ewijk)

Disciplinary Summary:
OC: 16’, 7-Richard Chadlow (yellow)
PHX: 42’, 24-A.J. Gray (red)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 25-Victor Vasquez, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa, 24-A.J. Gray; 4-Blair Gavin (90+’, 16-Sam Hamilton), 8-Matt Watson, 14-Jason Johnson (69’, 13-Eder Arreola), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 17-Alessandro Riggi (64’, 27-Kevon Lambert); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 6-Miguel Timm, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa, 30-Eric Avila

RECAP: Phoenix Rising FC Gives Up Stoppage-Time Goal in 1-1 Draw

PHOENIX (August 12, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC settled for a draw at Rio Grande Valley FC on Saturday, as the Toros scored a stoppage-time equalizer for a 1-1 result. Phoenix Rising forward Jason Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season from a first-half penalty kick to help Phoenix Rising pick up a point.

With Rising FC seemingly in line for a tough 1-0 win, Amadou Dia received his second yellow card of the match in the 86th minute, which sent him to the locker room and left Phoenix Rising to play with ten men.

Two minutes later, defender Doueugui Mala received a straight red card for a challenge from behind, forcing the club to play with just nine players for the final two minutes of the match and six minutes of stoppage time.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time,
Toros midfielder Todd Wharton headed a ball into the air, allowing his teammate Ivan Magalhaes to send his own header past Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Carl Woszyznski for the game-tying goal.

Prior to the red cards, Phoenix had allowed just two shots on target while scoring the match’s only goal.

Late in the first half, a Johnson cross into the box was blocked by the left hand of Toros’ defender Taylor Hunter, drawing a penalty. The Rising FC forward preceded to strike his spot kick past Rio Grande Valley goalkeeper Borja Angoitia.

Johnson had a chance to double the Phoenix Rising lead in the 59th
minute, when build-up passing from midfielders Alessandro Riggi and Shaun Wright-Phillips sprang him inside the Toros’ box. But a Rio Grande Valley defender recovered to block the close-range attempt.

Phoenix Rising FC concludes its three-match road trip next Friday
night, when it travels to Southern California to face Orange County SC. That match will kick off at 7:30 p.m.

The club returns home on August 26 to face Sacramento Republic FC. The match will begin at 8:00 p.m. and fans can still purchase tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Date: August 12, 2017
Location: H-E-B Park | Edinburg, Texas

RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC TOROS 1-1 PHOENIX RISING FC

 
Scoring Summary:
PHX: 41’, 14-Jason Johnson (PK)
RGV: 90+5’, 5-Ivan Magalhaes (14-Todd Wharton)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 30’, 15-Jordan Gibbons (yellow)
PHX: 34’, 4-Blair Gavin (yellow)
PHX: 59’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (yellow)
PHX: 67’, 19-Amadou Dia (yellow)
PHX: 84’, 17-Alessandro Riggi (yellow)
PHX: 86’, 19-Amadou Dia (second yellow, red)
PHX: 88’, 2-Doueugui Mala (red)
RGV: 90+4’, 10-Eric Bird (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage (C), 15-Jordan Gibbons (73’, 2-Doueugui Mala); 4-Blair Gavin, 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (77’, 23-Hurlow-Paonessa), 24-A.J. Gray (69’, 30-Eric Avila); 14-Jason Johnson

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 6-Miguel Timm, 3-Kody Wakasa, 11-Didier Drogba

PHOENIX (August 12, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC settled for a draw at Rio Grande Valley FC on Saturday, as the Toros scored a stoppage-time equalizer for a 1-1 result. Phoenix Rising forward Jason Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season from a first-half penalty kick to help Phoenix Rising pick up a point.

With Rising FC seemingly in line for a tough 1-0 win, Amadou Dia received his second yellow card of the match in the 86th minute, which sent him to the locker room and left Phoenix Rising to play with ten men.

Two minutes later, defender Doueugui Mala received a straight red card for a challenge from behind, forcing the club to play with just nine players for the final two minutes of the match and six minutes of stoppage time.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time,
Toros midfielder Todd Wharton headed a ball into the air, allowing his teammate Ivan Magalhaes to send his own header past Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Carl Woszyznski for the game-tying goal.

Prior to the red cards, Phoenix had allowed just two shots on target while scoring the match’s only goal.

Late in the first half, a Johnson cross into the box was blocked by the left hand of Toros’ defender Taylor Hunter, drawing a penalty. The Rising FC forward preceded to strike his spot kick past Rio Grande Valley goalkeeper Borja Angoitia.

Johnson had a chance to double the Phoenix Rising lead in the 59th
minute, when build-up passing from midfielders Alessandro Riggi and Shaun Wright-Phillips sprang him inside the Toros’ box. But a Rio Grande Valley defender recovered to block the close-range attempt.

Phoenix Rising FC concludes its three-match road trip next Friday
night, when it travels to Southern California to face Orange County SC. That match will kick off at 7:30 p.m.

The club returns home on August 26 to face Sacramento Republic FC. The match will begin at 8:00 p.m. and fans can still purchase tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Date: August 12, 2017
Location: H-E-B Park | Edinburg, Texas

RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC TOROS 1-1 PHOENIX RISING FC

 
Scoring Summary:
PHX: 41’, 14-Jason Johnson (PK)
RGV: 90+5’, 5-Ivan Magalhaes (14-Todd Wharton)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 30’, 15-Jordan Gibbons (yellow)
PHX: 34’, 4-Blair Gavin (yellow)
PHX: 59’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (yellow)
PHX: 67’, 19-Amadou Dia (yellow)
PHX: 84’, 17-Alessandro Riggi (yellow)
PHX: 86’, 19-Amadou Dia (second yellow, red)
PHX: 88’, 2-Doueugui Mala (red)
RGV: 90+4’, 10-Eric Bird (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage (C), 15-Jordan Gibbons (73’, 2-Doueugui Mala); 4-Blair Gavin, 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (77’, 23-Hurlow-Paonessa), 24-A.J. Gray (69’, 30-Eric Avila); 14-Jason Johnson

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 6-Miguel Timm, 3-Kody Wakasa, 11-Didier Drogba

RECAP: Didier Drogba Wonder Strike Helps Phoenix Rising FC Down Galaxy II, 2-0

CARSON, Calif. (August 5, 2017) — Forward Didier Drogba shocked the crowd with an unforgettable goal and midfielder Alessandro Riggi provided insurance in a 2-0 Phoenix Rising FC win over LA Galaxy II. It was the third win in three matches over Los Dos this season and it’s the second time in club history Phoenix Rising has swept the season series against LA.

The match’s most memorable moment came less than 20 minutes after kickoff. Standing 35 yards away from the box, Drogba smashed a right-footed rocket into the top right corner of the net, stunning the crowd and giving Phoenix Rising an early 1-0 lead.

Riggi helped finish the match off just before the end of the half. Midfielder Blair Gavin sent a rolling pass out wide to the right of the pitch. Riggi took off with the ball toward the net before juking to his left, then cutting to his right and creating space from his defender. He went into space and beat the goalkeeper to the far-left post to make it 2-0.

Phoenix Rising FC continues its three-match road trip next Saturday, August 12, when the club travels to Rio Grande Valley FC. The match will kickoff at 5:30 p.m.

Phoenix Rising FC’s next match at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex is on Saturday, August 26. The team squares off against Sacramento Republic FC and will kick off at 8:00 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com


Match: Phoenix Rising FC at LA Galaxy II
Date: August 5, 2017
Location: StubHub Center Track Stadium | Carson, CA

LA GALAXY II 0-2 PHOENIX RISING FC

 
Scoring Summary:
PHX: 13’, 11-Didier Drogba
PHX: 45’, 17-Alessandro Riggi (4-Blair Gavin)


Disciplinary Summary:
LA: 82', 69-Jeffrey Playeras (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 4-Blair Gavin, 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 11-Didier Drogba © (90’, 14-Jason Johnson), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (69’, 24-AJ Gray); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 3-Kody Wakasa, 6-Miguel Timm, 20-Romilio Hernandez, 30-Eric Avila

 

 

CARSON, Calif. (August 5, 2017) — Forward Didier Drogba shocked the crowd with an unforgettable goal and midfielder Alessandro Riggi provided insurance in a 2-0 Phoenix Rising FC win over LA Galaxy II. It was the third win in three matches over Los Dos this season and it’s the second time in club history Phoenix Rising has swept the season series against LA.

The match’s most memorable moment came less than 20 minutes after kickoff. Standing 35 yards away from the box, Drogba smashed a right-footed rocket into the top right corner of the net, stunning the crowd and giving Phoenix Rising an early 1-0 lead.

Riggi helped finish the match off just before the end of the half. Midfielder Blair Gavin sent a rolling pass out wide to the right of the pitch. Riggi took off with the ball toward the net before juking to his left, then cutting to his right and creating space from his defender. He went into space and beat the goalkeeper to the far-left post to make it 2-0.

Phoenix Rising FC continues its three-match road trip next Saturday, August 12, when the club travels to Rio Grande Valley FC. The match will kickoff at 5:30 p.m.

Phoenix Rising FC’s next match at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex is on Saturday, August 26. The team squares off against Sacramento Republic FC and will kick off at 8:00 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com


Match: Phoenix Rising FC at LA Galaxy II
Date: August 5, 2017
Location: StubHub Center Track Stadium | Carson, CA

LA GALAXY II 0-2 PHOENIX RISING FC

 
Scoring Summary:
PHX: 13’, 11-Didier Drogba
PHX: 45’, 17-Alessandro Riggi (4-Blair Gavin)


Disciplinary Summary:
LA: 82′, 69-Jeffrey Playeras (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 19-Amadou Dia, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 4-Blair Gavin, 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 11-Didier Drogba © (90’, 14-Jason Johnson), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (69’, 24-AJ Gray); 7-Chris Cortez

Substitutions Not Used: 18-Josh Cohen, 3-Kody Wakasa, 6-Miguel Timm, 20-Romilio Hernandez, 30-Eric Avila

 

 

RECAP: Phoenix Rising FC Falls After Late Penalty in 1-0 Loss

PHOENIX (July 29, 2017) — Despite a strong performance over 90 minutes, a penalty kick was the difference in Phoenix Rising FC’s 1-0 loss to San Antonio FC.

With time dwindling and the game headed toward a scoreless draw, San Antonio forward Cesar Elizondo drew a penalty after colliding with collided with Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen in the box.

The 5-foot-5 midfielder took his penalty calmly, sending Cohen diving to the right and slotting his kick down the middle of the goal to give San Antonio (11-1-7) their first victory since June 17.

“We have to accept when the referee gives a penalty so I don’t want to argue about it,” head coach Patrice Carteron said. “I’m really sad for the boys because I had the feeling it was our best game since I’ve been here. We (had) a great performance today. I think we deserved today at least a draw. If we keep working like this and if we keep progressing like this, I’m sure step by step we can have better results and have more points.”

Rising FC (6-7-4) had chances to equalize in the dying moments, as the club drew fouls two different times just outside the San Antonio box. In the 89th minute, forward Didier Drogba sent in a curling free kick effort that forced a save from San Antonio goalkeeper Diego Restrepo. Minutes later, Drogba again tried to go for the game tying goal from another free
kick, but placed his shot narrowly wide of the post.

Rising FC opened the match on the front foot, as Drogba had a sternly hit shot saved by Restrepo in the 10th minute. Three minutes later, midfielder Chris Cortez, in his first game back from
a near two-month long knee injury, used a crisp step over dribble to free himself to deliver a pinpoint cross to Drogba, who connected on his header but was denied by Restrepo.

In the 69th minute, Cortez found space once more, ripping a shot goal-bound only to see it headed off the line by San Antonio defender Ben Newnam.

Alessandro Riggi saw his first game action since a May 13 knee injury and he didn’t take long to get into the action following his 73rd-minute substitution. While running with the ball just outside the visitors’ box, Riggi was brought down by San Antonio midfielder Kris Tyrpak in the 75th minute, sparking a heated scuffle between the two, and prompting the official to issue each a yellow card.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the road on Saturday, August 5, to take on Los Angeles Galaxy II. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and fans can head to the club’s official watch party at the Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, August 26, to take on Sacramento Republic FC. The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com


Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ
Date: July 29, 2017
Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs San Antonio FC
Attendance: 5,463

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 0-1 SAN ANTONIO FC 

Scoring Summary:
SA: 85’, 16-Rafa Castillo (PK)
Disciplinary Summary:
SA: 27’, 21-Nikongho O’Ojong (yellow)
SA: 37’, 16-Rafael Castillo (yellow)
PHX: 49’, 14-Jason Johnson (yellow)
PHX: 50’ 5-Peter Ramage (yellow)
PHX: 75’ 17-Alessandro Riggi (yellow)
SA: 75’ 19-Kris Tyrpak (yellow)
PHX: 76’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (yellow)
SA: 79’, 10-Cesar Elizondo (yellow)
PHX: 90+3’, 15-Stephen McCarthy (yellow)
PHX: 90+4’, 11-Didier Drogba (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 14-Jason Johnson, 4-Blair Gavin, 30-Eric Avila (66’, 8-Matt Watson), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 7-Chris Cortez (73’, 17-Alessandro Riggi); 11-Didier Drogba ©

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 9-Omar Bravo, 3-Kody Wakasa, 13-Eder Arreola, 24-AJ Gray

 

PHOENIX (July 29, 2017) — Despite a strong performance over 90 minutes, a penalty kick was the difference in Phoenix Rising FC’s 1-0 loss to San Antonio FC.

With time dwindling and the game headed toward a scoreless draw, San Antonio forward Cesar Elizondo drew a penalty after colliding with collided with Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen in the box.

The 5-foot-5 midfielder took his penalty calmly, sending Cohen diving to the right and slotting his kick down the middle of the goal to give San Antonio (11-1-7) their first victory since June 17.

“We have to accept when the referee gives a penalty so I don’t want to argue about it,” head coach Patrice Carteron said. “I’m really sad for the boys because I had the feeling it was our best game since I’ve been here. We (had) a great performance today. I think we deserved today at least a draw. If we keep working like this and if we keep progressing like this, I’m sure step by step we can have better results and have more points.”

Rising FC (6-7-4) had chances to equalize in the dying moments, as the club drew fouls two different times just outside the San Antonio box. In the 89th minute, forward Didier Drogba sent in a curling free kick effort that forced a save from San Antonio goalkeeper Diego Restrepo. Minutes later, Drogba again tried to go for the game tying goal from another free
kick, but placed his shot narrowly wide of the post.

Rising FC opened the match on the front foot, as Drogba had a sternly hit shot saved by Restrepo in the 10th minute. Three minutes later, midfielder Chris Cortez, in his first game back from
a near two-month long knee injury, used a crisp step over dribble to free himself to deliver a pinpoint cross to Drogba, who connected on his header but was denied by Restrepo.

In the 69th minute, Cortez found space once more, ripping a shot goal-bound only to see it headed off the line by San Antonio defender Ben Newnam.

Alessandro Riggi saw his first game action since a May 13 knee injury and he didn’t take long to get into the action following his 73rd-minute substitution. While running with the ball just outside the visitors’ box, Riggi was brought down by San Antonio midfielder Kris Tyrpak in the 75th minute, sparking a heated scuffle between the two, and prompting the official to issue each a yellow card.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the road on Saturday, August 5, to take on Los Angeles Galaxy II. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and fans can head to the club’s official watch party at the Thirsty Lion in Tempe Marketplace.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, August 26, to take on Sacramento Republic FC. The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com


Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ
Date: July 29, 2017
Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs San Antonio FC
Attendance: 5,463

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 0-1 SAN ANTONIO FC 

Scoring Summary:
SA: 85’, 16-Rafa Castillo (PK)
Disciplinary Summary:
SA: 27’, 21-Nikongho O’Ojong (yellow)
SA: 37’, 16-Rafael Castillo (yellow)
PHX: 49’, 14-Jason Johnson (yellow)
PHX: 50’ 5-Peter Ramage (yellow)
PHX: 75’ 17-Alessandro Riggi (yellow)
SA: 75’ 19-Kris Tyrpak (yellow)
PHX: 76’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (yellow)
SA: 79’, 10-Cesar Elizondo (yellow)
PHX: 90+3’, 15-Stephen McCarthy (yellow)
PHX: 90+4’, 11-Didier Drogba (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 19-Amadou Dia, 5-Peter Ramage, 33-Jordan Stewart, 15-Jordan Gibbons; 14-Jason Johnson, 4-Blair Gavin, 30-Eric Avila (66’, 8-Matt Watson), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 7-Chris Cortez (73’, 17-Alessandro Riggi); 11-Didier Drogba ©

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 9-Omar Bravo, 3-Kody Wakasa, 13-Eder Arreola, 24-AJ Gray

 

RECAP: Phoenix Rising FC Falls 3-0 to Tulsa Roughnecks FC

PHOENIX (July 22, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC couldn’t overcome a pair of first-half goals from Tulsa Roughnecks FC, as the club lost 3-0 on the road at ONEOK Field.

Tulsa opened the scoring less than 20 minutes into the match when a Juan Pablo Caffa corner was headed into the net by Roughnecks FC’s leading scorer Ian Svantesson in the 14th minute.

Rising FC (6-6-4) responded with a couple of chances, as defender Peter Ramage headed a Didier Drogba free kick just wide of the goal in the 16th minute. Moments later, Drogba nearly scored on a free kick but it was turned aside by Tulsa goalkeeper Fabian Cerda.

Tulsa (8-8-1) doubled its lead minutes before the half when midfielder Jacori Hayes picked up a loose ball in the Rising FC box and slotted home a low shot past Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Josh Cohen to make it 2-0.

A pair of halftime substitutes sparked the Rising FC attack back to life early in the second half. Forward Jason Johnson, last week’s USL Player of the Week, and midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips, led several chances from open play.

Wright-Phillips ripped a shot on target from the top of the box in the 65th minute but was denied. Later, Drogba tried to meet a Wright-Phillips corner with a high-leaping header, but just missed the service. Johnson had three shot attempts in the second half, but couldn’t notch a goal.

Tulsa found the back of the net for a third time in the 85th minute when substitute Christian Thierjung picked up a bouncing ball just inside the box and beat Cohen with a well-placed shot into the lower right corner.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, July 29, to take on San Antonio FC. The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com


Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Date: July 22, 2017
Location: ONEOK Field | Tulsa, OK

TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC 3-0 PHOENIX RISING FC

 
Scoring Summary:
TUL: 15’, 19-Ian Svantesson (10-Juan Pablo Caffa)
TUL: 44’, 3-Jacori Hayes
TUL: 85’, 20-Christian Thierjung


Disciplinary Summary:
TUL: 28’, 3-Jacori Hayes (yellow)
TUL: 28’, 3-Jacori Hayes (yellow)
PHX: 65’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (yellow)
PHX: 68’, 8-Matt Watson (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez (65’, 24-A.J. Gray), 19-Amadou Dia, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa; 6-Miguel Timm (46’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillps), 4-Blair Gavin, 8-Matt Watson, 30-Eric Avila; 25-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa (46’, 14-Jason Johnson), 11-Didier Drogba ©

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 9-Omar Bravo, 13-Eder Arreola, 34-Jordan Stewart

PHOENIX (July 22, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC couldn’t overcome a pair of first-half goals from Tulsa Roughnecks FC, as the club lost 3-0 on the road at ONEOK Field.

Tulsa opened the scoring less than 20 minutes into the match when a Juan Pablo Caffa corner was headed into the net by Roughnecks FC’s leading scorer Ian Svantesson in the 14th minute.

Rising FC (6-6-4) responded with a couple of chances, as defender Peter Ramage headed a Didier Drogba free kick just wide of the goal in the 16th minute. Moments later, Drogba nearly scored on a free kick but it was turned aside by Tulsa goalkeeper Fabian Cerda.

Tulsa (8-8-1) doubled its lead minutes before the half when midfielder Jacori Hayes picked up a loose ball in the Rising FC box and slotted home a low shot past Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Josh Cohen to make it 2-0.

A pair of halftime substitutes sparked the Rising FC attack back to life early in the second half. Forward Jason Johnson, last week’s USL Player of the Week, and midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips, led several chances from open play.

Wright-Phillips ripped a shot on target from the top of the box in the 65th minute but was denied. Later, Drogba tried to meet a Wright-Phillips corner with a high-leaping header, but just missed the service. Johnson had three shot attempts in the second half, but couldn’t notch a goal.

Tulsa found the back of the net for a third time in the 85th minute when substitute Christian Thierjung picked up a bouncing ball just inside the box and beat Cohen with a well-placed shot into the lower right corner.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, July 29, to take on San Antonio FC. The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets by heading to www.www.phxrisingfc.com


Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Date: July 22, 2017
Location: ONEOK Field | Tulsa, OK

TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC 3-0 PHOENIX RISING FC

 
Scoring Summary:
TUL: 15’, 19-Ian Svantesson (10-Juan Pablo Caffa)
TUL: 44’, 3-Jacori Hayes
TUL: 85’, 20-Christian Thierjung


Disciplinary Summary:
TUL: 28’, 3-Jacori Hayes (yellow)
TUL: 28’, 3-Jacori Hayes (yellow)
PHX: 65’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips (yellow)
PHX: 68’, 8-Matt Watson (yellow)


PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez (65’, 24-A.J. Gray), 19-Amadou Dia, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa; 6-Miguel Timm (46’, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillps), 4-Blair Gavin, 8-Matt Watson, 30-Eric Avila; 25-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa (46’, 14-Jason Johnson), 11-Didier Drogba ©

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 9-Omar Bravo, 13-Eder Arreola, 34-Jordan Stewart

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