Match Recap

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, July 3) – Phoenix Rising FC kicked off its Independence Day celebration and with an emphatic 3-0 win against LA Galaxy II tonight at Wild Horse Pass.

Despite windy and rainy conditions, Rising set a new club attendance record with 8,815 fans at its new venue. Tate Schmitt, Solomon Asnate and Santi Moar provided the first fireworks of the weekend with a goal each before the night sky light up in honor of Independence Day.

The match began with Asante earning a corner kick for Rising in the 19th minute. Aodhan Quinn walked to the flag to put in a dangerous left-footed cross and with the wind whipping hard towards the South end, Quinn managed to bend a high cross into the gale. The ball dropped onto the left heel of Schmitt, who redirected a shot by the goalkeeper and into the back corner to make it 1-0.

In the 23rd minute, David Egbo found Asante in alone in the center of the area with a cross. Phoenix’s No. 20 picked up his head and beat LA goalkeeper Justin vom Steeg to his right side but had his shot deflect off the outside of the bar

Just one minute into the second half, Rising took a 2-0 lead when Schmitt ripped a cross through the area. Asante brought down the pass perfect and was in on goal against vom Steeg. The goalkeeper came off his line to cut out the captain’s angle, but Asante went to the end line and cut a low shot through the tiniest of windows to beat vom Steeg low to the back post.

Santi Moar made it 3-0 Rising in the 66th minute when he poked a loose ball beyond the last Galaxy II defender and was off to the races following a LA free kick. In alone against vom Steeg from 70 yards out, Moar had minutes to size up the goalkeeper before choosing to chip a shot over the California native for his seventh of the season.

Scoring:

PHX –Tate Schmitt (Aodhan Quinn) 19
PHX – Solomon Asante (Tate Schmitt) 46

Discipline:

LA – Jesus Vázquez (caution) 58
PHX – Jon Bakero (caution)  90+2

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Andre Rawls, Tate Schmitt, James Musa, Tobi Adewole, Darnell King, Aodhan Quinn (Jon Bakero 82 ), Kevon Lambert (Ryan Flood 90+1), Arturo Rodriguez (Joey Calistri 90+1), Santi Moar (Ivan Gutierrez 67), David Egbo (Rufat Dadashov 82), Solomon Asante.

Substitutes Not Used: Ben Lundt, Prince Saydee.

LA Galaxy II –  Justin vom Steeg, Owen Lamb, Josh Drack, Bawa, Jesus Vázquez (Felix Barajas 85), Carlos Harvey (Victor Valdez 82), Taylor Davila (Marcus Ferkranus 64), Daniel Aguirre, Preston Judd, Remi Cabral (Axel Picazo 45), Jorge Hernández.

Substitutes Not Used: Eric López.

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, July 3) – Phoenix Rising FC kicked off its Independence Day celebration and with an emphatic 3-0 win against LA Galaxy II tonight at Wild Horse Pass.

Despite windy and rainy conditions, Rising set a new club attendance record with 8,815 fans at its new venue. Tate Schmitt, Solomon Asnate and Santi Moar provided the first fireworks of the weekend with a goal each before the night sky light up in honor of Independence Day.

The match began with Asante earning a corner kick for Rising in the 19th minute. Aodhan Quinn walked to the flag to put in a dangerous left-footed cross and with the wind whipping hard towards the South end, Quinn managed to bend a high cross into the gale. The ball dropped onto the left heel of Schmitt, who redirected a shot by the goalkeeper and into the back corner to make it 1-0.

In the 23rd minute, David Egbo found Asante in alone in the center of the area with a cross. Phoenix’s No. 20 picked up his head and beat LA goalkeeper Justin vom Steeg to his right side but had his shot deflect off the outside of the bar

Just one minute into the second half, Rising took a 2-0 lead when Schmitt ripped a cross through the area. Asante brought down the pass perfect and was in on goal against vom Steeg. The goalkeeper came off his line to cut out the captain’s angle, but Asante went to the end line and cut a low shot through the tiniest of windows to beat vom Steeg low to the back post.

Santi Moar made it 3-0 Rising in the 66th minute when he poked a loose ball beyond the last Galaxy II defender and was off to the races following a LA free kick. In alone against vom Steeg from 70 yards out, Moar had minutes to size up the goalkeeper before choosing to chip a shot over the California native for his seventh of the season.

Scoring:

PHX –Tate Schmitt (Aodhan Quinn) 19
PHX – Solomon Asante (Tate Schmitt) 46

Discipline:

LA – Jesus Vázquez (caution) 58
PHX – Jon Bakero (caution)  90+2

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Andre Rawls, Tate Schmitt, James Musa, Tobi Adewole, Darnell King, Aodhan Quinn (Jon Bakero 82 ), Kevon Lambert (Ryan Flood 90+1), Arturo Rodriguez (Joey Calistri 90+1), Santi Moar (Ivan Gutierrez 67), David Egbo (Rufat Dadashov 82), Solomon Asante.

Substitutes Not Used: Ben Lundt, Prince Saydee.

LA Galaxy II –  Justin vom Steeg, Owen Lamb, Josh Drack, Bawa, Jesus Vázquez (Felix Barajas 85), Carlos Harvey (Victor Valdez 82), Taylor Davila (Marcus Ferkranus 64), Daniel Aguirre, Preston Judd, Remi Cabral (Axel Picazo 45), Jorge Hernández.

Substitutes Not Used: Eric López.

SACRAMENTO, California (Saturday, May 29) – Phoenix Rising FC improved to 4-1-0 on the year with a 1-0 win against Sacramento Republic tonight at Heart Health Park. Santi Moar scored in his fifth straight match to lead the way for Rising, which picked up its first win in six attempts all-time in Sacramento.

The Pacific Division leaders return to Wild Hose Pass next Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. vs. San Diego Loyal SC. That match will be Rising’s first full-capacity match at its new home. Tickets are still available for that match at www.phxrisingfc.com

Jon Bakero and Santi Moar combined to set the table for Solomon Asante in the 18th minute of the match. Moar split a pair of Sacramento defenders with a sharp pass across the top of the area and Asante had time to settle the ball before firing a shot that looked destined for the back post, but a Republic defender jumped in front of the shot to keep the match level, 0-0.

Rufat Dadashov did very well to get his volley attempt on target in the 23rd minute, when Asante served in a lofted pass to the near post. Phoenix’s No. 9 stretched out and around a defender to poke a shot on goal, but Sacramento goalkeeper Tomas Gomez got up, high to his left side to make the save.

Sacramento fired back just before halftime when Shannon Gomez crossed the ball into the area for Kharlton Belmar. The Republic striker tried to pick out the far side netting, but fortunately for Rising, Tobi Adewole was alert and able to jump in front of the shot to block a sure goal for the home side.

The match opened up at the start of the second half and both teams had chances to take the lead by the 50th minute. Rising’s other center back, James Musa headed away a second opportunity Sacramento had to go ahead in the 50th minute when Dariusz Formella tried to pick out the inside of the back post.

Ryan Flood sent a sharp pass to Aodhan Quinn to start a counterattack for Rising in the 62nd minute. Quinn opted to fire a shot from distance, pulling Sacramento’s goalkeeper off his line to make a diving save to his right. The rebound fell to Asante who centered the ball to Moar for the one-touch finish to break the deadlock.

Phoenix’s defense closed out its first road win of the of the season by allowing zero shots on goal through the full 90 minutes.

Scoring:
PHX – Santi Moar (Solomon Asante) 62

Discipline:
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (caution) 35
PHX – Santi Moar (caution) 48
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 67

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Ben Lundt, Ryan Flood, James Musa, Tobi Adewole, Darnell King, Aodhan Quinn (Seyi Adekoya 89), Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Joey Calistri 76), Santi Moar (Prince Saydee 69), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Joe Farrell 89).

Substitutes Not Used: Andre Rawls, Jeremy Kelly, Arturo Rodriguez.

Sacramento Republic – Tomas Gomez, Shannon Gomez (Jordan McCrary 70), Mitchell Taintor, Dan Casey, Fatai Alashe (Cameron Iwasa 70), Petteri Pennanen, Kharlton Belmar (Julian Chavez 87), Dariusz Formella (Tucker Bone 69), Lacroix, Wheeler-Omiunu, Luis Felipe.

Substitutes Not Used: Hayden Sargis, Rafael Diaz, Nabilai Kibunguchy.

SACRAMENTO, California (Saturday, May 29) – Phoenix Rising FC improved to 4-1-0 on the year with a 1-0 win against Sacramento Republic tonight at Heart Health Park. Santi Moar scored in his fifth straight match to lead the way for Rising, which picked up its first win in six attempts all-time in Sacramento.

The Pacific Division leaders return to Wild Hose Pass next Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. vs. San Diego Loyal SC. That match will be Rising’s first full-capacity match at its new home. Tickets are still available for that match at www.phxrisingfc.com

Jon Bakero and Santi Moar combined to set the table for Solomon Asante in the 18th minute of the match. Moar split a pair of Sacramento defenders with a sharp pass across the top of the area and Asante had time to settle the ball before firing a shot that looked destined for the back post, but a Republic defender jumped in front of the shot to keep the match level, 0-0.

Rufat Dadashov did very well to get his volley attempt on target in the 23rd minute, when Asante served in a lofted pass to the near post. Phoenix’s No. 9 stretched out and around a defender to poke a shot on goal, but Sacramento goalkeeper Tomas Gomez got up, high to his left side to make the save.

Sacramento fired back just before halftime when Shannon Gomez crossed the ball into the area for Kharlton Belmar. The Republic striker tried to pick out the far side netting, but fortunately for Rising, Tobi Adewole was alert and able to jump in front of the shot to block a sure goal for the home side.

The match opened up at the start of the second half and both teams had chances to take the lead by the 50th minute. Rising’s other center back, James Musa headed away a second opportunity Sacramento had to go ahead in the 50th minute when Dariusz Formella tried to pick out the inside of the back post.

Ryan Flood sent a sharp pass to Aodhan Quinn to start a counterattack for Rising in the 62nd minute. Quinn opted to fire a shot from distance, pulling Sacramento’s goalkeeper off his line to make a diving save to his right. The rebound fell to Asante who centered the ball to Moar for the one-touch finish to break the deadlock.

Phoenix’s defense closed out its first road win of the of the season by allowing zero shots on goal through the full 90 minutes.

Scoring:
PHX – Santi Moar (Solomon Asante) 62

Discipline:
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (caution) 35
PHX – Santi Moar (caution) 48
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 67

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Ben Lundt, Ryan Flood, James Musa, Tobi Adewole, Darnell King, Aodhan Quinn (Seyi Adekoya 89), Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Joey Calistri 76), Santi Moar (Prince Saydee 69), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Joe Farrell 89).

Substitutes Not Used: Andre Rawls, Jeremy Kelly, Arturo Rodriguez.

Sacramento Republic – Tomas Gomez, Shannon Gomez (Jordan McCrary 70), Mitchell Taintor, Dan Casey, Fatai Alashe (Cameron Iwasa 70), Petteri Pennanen, Kharlton Belmar (Julian Chavez 87), Dariusz Formella (Tucker Bone 69), Lacroix, Wheeler-Omiunu, Luis Felipe.

Substitutes Not Used: Hayden Sargis, Rafael Diaz, Nabilai Kibunguchy.

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, May 22) – Phoenix Rising FC downed Las Vegas Lights FC, 5-1, tonight at Wild Horse Pass.

Rufat Davdashov found the back of the net twice to lead the way for Rising. Joe Farrell, Santi Moar and Solomon Asante also made their way onto the scoresheet. The defending Western Conference Champions improve to 3-1-0 on the season and will open up to 100% capacity for its next home match, a Saturday, June 5 tilt with San Diego Loyal SC. 

Rising got on the board in just the second minute when Noah Billingsley, making his first start of the season at right back, centered a pass to Dadashov in the center of the box. The pass was played in on the ground and Phoenix’s No. 9 had time to collect the ball and strike a spinning shot past Lights FC goalkeeper Alexander Rando.

Las Vegas fired back in the 11th minute, when a turnover opened the door for Lights FC’s Caleb Jennings. The striker sprinted towards the back post before firing a low shot towards Rising goalkeeper Andre Rawls’ left side, but the goalkeeper got enough on the shot to send it over the bar.

Dadashov nearly got his second of the match in the 13th minute, smashing a hard shot off the back post for the second time this season, but once again, a turnover in a bad spot gave Vegas’ Jennings a chance to equalize. This time the striker took advantage, lobbing a shot over Rawls’ left arm to make it 1-1 in the 22nd minute.

Also making his first start of the season, Farrell put Rising up 2-1 just before halftime when Asante curled a corner kick to the near post. Farrell was there and rose above the crowd to head a shot past Rando.

Rising stepped on the gas in the second half and quickly added three more goals by the 63rd minute. The first came from Moar, just six minutes into the half, when a clearance attempt by Vegas was popped up into the air at the back post. Moar settled under it and laced a volley around a Vegas defender that caught the far side netting.

Dadashov added his second in the 54th minute following a Rising throw-in on the right flank. Jon Bakero got the ball to Dadashov in the center. With his back to goal, the Azerbaijan international moved to his left and found an opening to rip a shot into the top of the net to make it 4-1.

Solomon Asante sent Rando the wrong direction on a penalty kick, which was earned by Ryan Flood in the 63rd minute to make it a 5-1 final.

Scoring:
PHX –Rufat Dadashov (Noah Billingsley) 2
LVL – Caleb Jennings 22
PHX – Joe Farrell (Solomon Asante) 39
PHX – Santi Moar 51
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Jon Bakero) 54
PHX – Solomon Asante (PK) 63

Discipline:
PHX – Kevon Lambert 45+1

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Andre Rawls, Ryan Flood, James Musa, Joe Farrell, Noah Billingsley (Darnell King 46), Aodhan Quinn, Kevon Lambert (Jeremy Kelly 62), Jon Bakero (Joey Calistri 61), Santi Moar (Ivan Gutierrez 76), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Prince Saydee 80).

Substitutes Not Used: Edward Delgado, Tobi Adewole.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Alexander Rendo, Tony Leone (Diego Rosales 77), Mohammed Traore (Paul Son 64), CC Uche, Nathan Sepulveda (Frank Daroma 51), Danny Chrisostomo, Julian Gaines, Bryce Duke, Roberto Molina (Christian Torres 64), Caleb Jennings.

Substitutes Not Used: Duncan Turnbull, Armendo Avila, Mauricio Gutierrez.

Head Coach Rick Schantz

General thoughts on the match…

When we play with confidence it’s a pretty special group of players. We started well. That was the idea, to get after them fast. We made some silly mistakes after that and lost our confidence for a bit in the first half.

I talked to them at half about being more intelligent. Kevon [Lambert], Aodhan [Quinn] and Jon [Bakero] were picking up the ball in the wrong places. After we had that talk, we did a much better job.

On Rufat’s two-goal performance…

It’s funny. I promised him he would score if he made front-post runs. The plan was to get as many crosses in as we could. I was so happy for him.

On Las Vegas…

Credit to Vegas and LAFC, they play a very attacking style of football. We wanted to press them. We wanted to try and make it difficult for them. Defensively for us, we put a lot of pressure on them to handle difficult moments. Vegas does the same, but we were just able to capitalize.

On his halftime talk to the team…

They knew I was disappointed. We practiced all week on not playing any short corner and I think we took four in the first half. I told them they need to listen and trust us. The possession… We had to drop our six a little deeper to be able to play through the lines. We needed to not play into the middle as often as we were doing. We went around them. Ryan [Flood] and Darnell [King]… What a pro Darnell was [coming off the bench at half]. Both were fantastic.

Defender Joe Farrell

On scoring in his first start of the season…

Anytime we get the opportunity to play in front of our home fans is great. I felt blessed to be able to be on the field tonight and to get the win. I would have liked the shutout to go with it but the goal feels nice as well.

On being the leading scorer for a Rising FC defender all-time…

I just try and get myself in good positions. I know with the quality of our team, the ball is going to be in a good place. I just try and get in front of the defenders or the goalkeeper and make it hard for them to clear it. I have a little experience in college playing striker so I kind of try to cause as much havoc as I can. Thankfully I was able to get my head on one and get a goal.

Goalkeeper Andre Rawls

On making big first-half saves to keep Rising in the match…

That’s just how we play. It’s the role of the ‘keeper as well. We need to make sure the guys have confidence in us. It starts in training. We’re all together in training, working during the week to make sure they have confidence in us on gameday.   

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, May 22) – Phoenix Rising FC downed Las Vegas Lights FC, 5-1, tonight at Wild Horse Pass.

Rufat Davdashov found the back of the net twice to lead the way for Rising. Joe Farrell, Santi Moar and Solomon Asante also made their way onto the scoresheet. The defending Western Conference Champions improve to 3-1-0 on the season and will open up to 100% capacity for its next home match, a Saturday, June 5 tilt with San Diego Loyal SC. 

Rising got on the board in just the second minute when Noah Billingsley, making his first start of the season at right back, centered a pass to Dadashov in the center of the box. The pass was played in on the ground and Phoenix’s No. 9 had time to collect the ball and strike a spinning shot past Lights FC goalkeeper Alexander Rando.

Las Vegas fired back in the 11th minute, when a turnover opened the door for Lights FC’s Caleb Jennings. The striker sprinted towards the back post before firing a low shot towards Rising goalkeeper Andre Rawls’ left side, but the goalkeeper got enough on the shot to send it over the bar.

Dadashov nearly got his second of the match in the 13th minute, smashing a hard shot off the back post for the second time this season, but once again, a turnover in a bad spot gave Vegas’ Jennings a chance to equalize. This time the striker took advantage, lobbing a shot over Rawls’ left arm to make it 1-1 in the 22nd minute.

Also making his first start of the season, Farrell put Rising up 2-1 just before halftime when Asante curled a corner kick to the near post. Farrell was there and rose above the crowd to head a shot past Rando.

Rising stepped on the gas in the second half and quickly added three more goals by the 63rd minute. The first came from Moar, just six minutes into the half, when a clearance attempt by Vegas was popped up into the air at the back post. Moar settled under it and laced a volley around a Vegas defender that caught the far side netting.

Dadashov added his second in the 54th minute following a Rising throw-in on the right flank. Jon Bakero got the ball to Dadashov in the center. With his back to goal, the Azerbaijan international moved to his left and found an opening to rip a shot into the top of the net to make it 4-1.

Solomon Asante sent Rando the wrong direction on a penalty kick, which was earned by Ryan Flood in the 63rd minute to make it a 5-1 final.

Scoring:
PHX –Rufat Dadashov (Noah Billingsley) 2
LVL – Caleb Jennings 22
PHX – Joe Farrell (Solomon Asante) 39
PHX – Santi Moar 51
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Jon Bakero) 54
PHX – Solomon Asante (PK) 63

Discipline:
PHX – Kevon Lambert 45+1

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Andre Rawls, Ryan Flood, James Musa, Joe Farrell, Noah Billingsley (Darnell King 46), Aodhan Quinn, Kevon Lambert (Jeremy Kelly 62), Jon Bakero (Joey Calistri 61), Santi Moar (Ivan Gutierrez 76), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Prince Saydee 80).

Substitutes Not Used: Edward Delgado, Tobi Adewole.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Alexander Rendo, Tony Leone (Diego Rosales 77), Mohammed Traore (Paul Son 64), CC Uche, Nathan Sepulveda (Frank Daroma 51), Danny Chrisostomo, Julian Gaines, Bryce Duke, Roberto Molina (Christian Torres 64), Caleb Jennings.

Substitutes Not Used: Duncan Turnbull, Armendo Avila, Mauricio Gutierrez.

Head Coach Rick Schantz

General thoughts on the match…

When we play with confidence it’s a pretty special group of players. We started well. That was the idea, to get after them fast. We made some silly mistakes after that and lost our confidence for a bit in the first half.

I talked to them at half about being more intelligent. Kevon [Lambert], Aodhan [Quinn] and Jon [Bakero] were picking up the ball in the wrong places. After we had that talk, we did a much better job.

On Rufat’s two-goal performance…

It’s funny. I promised him he would score if he made front-post runs. The plan was to get as many crosses in as we could. I was so happy for him.

On Las Vegas…

Credit to Vegas and LAFC, they play a very attacking style of football. We wanted to press them. We wanted to try and make it difficult for them. Defensively for us, we put a lot of pressure on them to handle difficult moments. Vegas does the same, but we were just able to capitalize.

On his halftime talk to the team…

They knew I was disappointed. We practiced all week on not playing any short corner and I think we took four in the first half. I told them they need to listen and trust us. The possession… We had to drop our six a little deeper to be able to play through the lines. We needed to not play into the middle as often as we were doing. We went around them. Ryan [Flood] and Darnell [King]… What a pro Darnell was [coming off the bench at half]. Both were fantastic.

Defender Joe Farrell

On scoring in his first start of the season…

Anytime we get the opportunity to play in front of our home fans is great. I felt blessed to be able to be on the field tonight and to get the win. I would have liked the shutout to go with it but the goal feels nice as well.

On being the leading scorer for a Rising FC defender all-time…

I just try and get myself in good positions. I know with the quality of our team, the ball is going to be in a good place. I just try and get in front of the defenders or the goalkeeper and make it hard for them to clear it. I have a little experience in college playing striker so I kind of try to cause as much havoc as I can. Thankfully I was able to get my head on one and get a goal.

Goalkeeper Andre Rawls

On making big first-half saves to keep Rising in the match…

That’s just how we play. It’s the role of the ‘keeper as well. We need to make sure the guys have confidence in us. It starts in training. We’re all together in training, working during the week to make sure they have confidence in us on gameday.   

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, October 24) – Phoenix Rising advanced to the USL Championship Final via a 4-2 victory in penalty kicks, following a 1-1 draw against El Paso Locomotive FC tonight at Casino Arizona Field.

Jordan Schweitzer scored the lone goal for Rising in the first half after starting his first playoff game. El Paso tied the match in the second half, but Phoenix goalkeeper Zac Lubin made a diving save to his right side on Locomotive FC’s Nick Ross in the second round on penalty kicks. El Paso’s Josue Aaron Gomez missed wide to the left in the fourth round to make the final, 4-2, as Rising’s Jon Bakero, Corey Whelan, Joey Farrell and Santi Moar scored on all four shots Phoenix attempted.

Rising will now travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Rowdies in the league final on Sunday, November 1.

The match started as it would end as Lubin stood very tall for Rising in the 15th minute of the match, when El Paso combined to set up Louis Herrera with an outstanding chance, one-one-one with the goalkeeper. Lubin read the play perfectly and was on Herrera as soon as he received the pass. The goalkeeper sprawled out and got enough of the shot to deflect it down before smothering the loose ball.

Santi Moar made a run down the left flank, cut inside, and got the ball to Jordan Schweitzer, who was making his first start of the postseason. The midfielder immediately recognized he was in space and quickly leaned into a shot 25-yards from goal. The low strike took an epic deflection off an El Paso defender, shot up and over the head of El Paso goalkeeper Logan Ketterer and spinning backwards, caught the underside of the crossbar and settled into the back of the net to give Rising a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.  

Just before halftime, Phoenix nearly took a two-goal lead when a corner kick played into the area was won in the center of the box by Kevon Lambert. The midfielder’s powerful header had Ketterer beat but the shot rattled off the woodwork behind the goalkeeper and the match went into halftime, 1-0.

Lubin stood tall again to begin the second half as a half-blocked shot caromed towards goal in the 55th minute. With no time to react, Lubin threw his whole body at the ball and managed to knock it up and over the crossbar to preserve the one-goal lead.

El Paso leveled the match in the 59th minute, when a square ball played across the top of the box created confusion between a pair of Rising defenders. The loose ball sat up perfectly for late-arriving Bryam Rebellon to rip a shot hard to the back post. Lubin was screened by a wall of defenders and was helpless to try and keep the point-blank shot out of the back of the net.

Sam Stanton earned Rising earned a free kick in a dangerous area in the 63rd minute. Solomon Asante stepped up the try and curl a shot over the wall of defenders but the shot was too low and was deflected away from danger.

Lubin stopped another sure goal in the 77th minute when El Paso’s Richie Ryan came free at the back post. Ryan walked towards goal and set up a chance for Josue Aaron Gomez, but once again, Lubin read the play and took the ball off the foot of the attacker to keep the match tied, 1-1.

Rising started the first overtime period on the front foot. Asante forced a save out of Ketterer, low and to the goalkeeper’s left side, just five minutes into overtime. Moar earned a free kick a few seconds later on Rising’s left flank and the ensuing scramble nearly produced a goal by defender Joey Farrell.

Phoenix closed out the overtime session with a header from Rufat Dadashov floating just inches over the crossbar on a cross played in by Moar.

Asante was denied by Ketterer in the 111th minute with a save, low to the goalkeeper’s left side. Moments later Dadashov finished off a chance in the 115th minute, but the assistant referee ruled the forward was in an offsides position and the goal was overturned.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Jordan Schweitzer (Santi Moar) 18
EP – Bryam Rebellon (Leandro Carrijo) 59

Lineups:

Phoenix – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, Joey Farrell, Damion Lowe, Corey Whelan, Sam Stanton (Joey Calistri 105), Kevon Lambert, Jordan Schweitzer (Jon Bakero 69), Santi Moar, Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Lagos Kunga, Jon Bakero, AJ Cochran, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Jose Aguinaga.

El Paso Locomotive – Logan Ketterer, Macauley King (Guillermo Diaz 98), Louis Herrera (Nick Ross), Mechack Jerome, Borelli Cap, Richie Ryan, Dylan Mares, Yuma Monsalvez, Aaron Gómez, Carrijo Silva, Bryam Rebellion.

Substitutes not used: Moses Makinde, Jermaine Fordoh, Andrew Fox, Saeed Robinson, Matt Bahner.

Misconduct Summary:
EP – Yuma Monsalvez (caution) 4
EP – Macauley King (caution) 54
PHX – Joey Fasrrell (caution) 95
EP – Guillermo Diaz (caution) 106
PHX – Solomon Asante (caution) 109
EP – Leanardo Carrijo (caution) 111
PHX – Damion Lowe (caution) 113

Referees:

REF: Elton Garcia
AR1: Diego Blas
AR2: Walt Heatherly
4TH: Matt Thompson

Weather: Partly Cloudy, 79

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, October 24) – Phoenix Rising advanced to the USL Championship Final via a 4-2 victory in penalty kicks, following a 1-1 draw against El Paso Locomotive FC tonight at Casino Arizona Field.

Jordan Schweitzer scored the lone goal for Rising in the first half after starting his first playoff game. El Paso tied the match in the second half, but Phoenix goalkeeper Zac Lubin made a diving save to his right side on Locomotive FC’s Nick Ross in the second round on penalty kicks. El Paso’s Josue Aaron Gomez missed wide to the left in the fourth round to make the final, 4-2, as Rising’s Jon Bakero, Corey Whelan, Joey Farrell and Santi Moar scored on all four shots Phoenix attempted.

Rising will now travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Rowdies in the league final on Sunday, November 1.

The match started as it would end as Lubin stood very tall for Rising in the 15th minute of the match, when El Paso combined to set up Louis Herrera with an outstanding chance, one-one-one with the goalkeeper. Lubin read the play perfectly and was on Herrera as soon as he received the pass. The goalkeeper sprawled out and got enough of the shot to deflect it down before smothering the loose ball.

Santi Moar made a run down the left flank, cut inside, and got the ball to Jordan Schweitzer, who was making his first start of the postseason. The midfielder immediately recognized he was in space and quickly leaned into a shot 25-yards from goal. The low strike took an epic deflection off an El Paso defender, shot up and over the head of El Paso goalkeeper Logan Ketterer and spinning backwards, caught the underside of the crossbar and settled into the back of the net to give Rising a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.  

Just before halftime, Phoenix nearly took a two-goal lead when a corner kick played into the area was won in the center of the box by Kevon Lambert. The midfielder’s powerful header had Ketterer beat but the shot rattled off the woodwork behind the goalkeeper and the match went into halftime, 1-0.

Lubin stood tall again to begin the second half as a half-blocked shot caromed towards goal in the 55th minute. With no time to react, Lubin threw his whole body at the ball and managed to knock it up and over the crossbar to preserve the one-goal lead.

El Paso leveled the match in the 59th minute, when a square ball played across the top of the box created confusion between a pair of Rising defenders. The loose ball sat up perfectly for late-arriving Bryam Rebellon to rip a shot hard to the back post. Lubin was screened by a wall of defenders and was helpless to try and keep the point-blank shot out of the back of the net.

Sam Stanton earned Rising earned a free kick in a dangerous area in the 63rd minute. Solomon Asante stepped up the try and curl a shot over the wall of defenders but the shot was too low and was deflected away from danger.

Lubin stopped another sure goal in the 77th minute when El Paso’s Richie Ryan came free at the back post. Ryan walked towards goal and set up a chance for Josue Aaron Gomez, but once again, Lubin read the play and took the ball off the foot of the attacker to keep the match tied, 1-1.

Rising started the first overtime period on the front foot. Asante forced a save out of Ketterer, low and to the goalkeeper’s left side, just five minutes into overtime. Moar earned a free kick a few seconds later on Rising’s left flank and the ensuing scramble nearly produced a goal by defender Joey Farrell.

Phoenix closed out the overtime session with a header from Rufat Dadashov floating just inches over the crossbar on a cross played in by Moar.

Asante was denied by Ketterer in the 111th minute with a save, low to the goalkeeper’s left side. Moments later Dadashov finished off a chance in the 115th minute, but the assistant referee ruled the forward was in an offsides position and the goal was overturned.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Jordan Schweitzer (Santi Moar) 18
EP – Bryam Rebellon (Leandro Carrijo) 59

Lineups:

Phoenix – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, Joey Farrell, Damion Lowe, Corey Whelan, Sam Stanton (Joey Calistri 105), Kevon Lambert, Jordan Schweitzer (Jon Bakero 69), Santi Moar, Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Lagos Kunga, Jon Bakero, AJ Cochran, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Jose Aguinaga.

El Paso Locomotive – Logan Ketterer, Macauley King (Guillermo Diaz 98), Louis Herrera (Nick Ross), Mechack Jerome, Borelli Cap, Richie Ryan, Dylan Mares, Yuma Monsalvez, Aaron Gómez, Carrijo Silva, Bryam Rebellion.

Substitutes not used: Moses Makinde, Jermaine Fordoh, Andrew Fox, Saeed Robinson, Matt Bahner.

Misconduct Summary:
EP – Yuma Monsalvez (caution) 4
EP – Macauley King (caution) 54
PHX – Joey Fasrrell (caution) 95
EP – Guillermo Diaz (caution) 106
PHX – Solomon Asante (caution) 109
EP – Leanardo Carrijo (caution) 111
PHX – Damion Lowe (caution) 113

Referees:

REF: Elton Garcia
AR1: Diego Blas
AR2: Walt Heatherly
4TH: Matt Thompson

Weather: Partly Cloudy, 79

RENO, Nevada (Saturday, October 17) – Phoenix Rising FC advanced to the Western Conference Finals with a 5-4 win in penalty kicks vs. Reno 1868 tonight at Greater Nevada Field. The shootout followed a 2-2 draw in which 120 minutes of regulation and overtime could not separate the sides.

Phoenix had fallen behind, 2-0, to open the game but came back to tie the match, 2-2, with goals by Kevon Lambert and Solomon Asante. Rising will now host the Western Conference Finals next Saturday, October 24 at Casino Arizona Field (7:30 p.m.)   
 
Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin was called upon in just the fifth minute of the match to make a diving save, low to his right side on Reno forward Corey Hertzog. Lubin did well to get down and slap away the attempt but on the goal kick that followed shortly after, the goalkeeper failed to spot Hertzog, who was lurking on the edge of the area. The forward picked off a short pass and went straight to goal, chipping a simple pass into the back of the net to make it 1-0 Reno in the sixth minute.

A long buildup by Phoenix produced a goal-scoring opportunity for Darnell King in the 19th minute. The final exchange between Kevon Lambert and King, gave a ladder space to fire a low, hard shot towards the corner of the goal from just outside the area. Fortunately for Reno, goalkeeper Ben Beaury was alert and made a diving save to his right save to preserve the one-goal lead.

Lubin stepped in front of a cross and quickly unleased a Rising counter attack through Jon Bakero in the 27th minute. Bakero quickly got the ball to Soloman Asante, who found Rufat Dadashov in the center of the area. Dadashov stepped to his right and fired a shot, but the attempt was blocked away by a Reno defender.

Reno took a 2-0 lead in the 40th minute, when a half-cleared ball landed between two Rising defenders in the area. Reno’s Kevin Partida didn’t hesitate and stole the lose ball and quickly ran at goal, knocking a low shot into the corner of the goal.

Kevon Lambert pulled a goal back for Rising just before halftime. Santi Moar did the tough work to set up the chance after grabbing the ball 35 yards from goal and sprinting towards the net. Moar turned left, around a defender and got off a low shot that caromed off a Reno defender and landed at the feet of Lambert. The defensive midfielder did well to calmly trap the ball and put a low shot into the corner of the next to make it, 2-1, at halftime.

Lubin once again started off the half with a huge save, charging off his line to cut down on the angle taken by Reno’s top scorer, Foster Langsdorf, who was in alone on goal. Langsdorf cut to his right and tried to beat Lubin low, but the goalkeeper read it perfectly and took the ball off his foot to keep the match at 2-1.

The wide-open match continued end-to-end through the 65th minute, with Phoenix outshooting Reno 19-16.

Asante nearly leveled the match in the 69th minute, when a long ball played forward from Damian Lowe to Dadashov popped into the path of the 2019 MVP. Asante stepped through a pair of defenders before firing a shot inches over the crossbar.

Seconds later, at the opposite end. Lubin made his third huge stop of the match, denying Tucker Bone of an insurance goal after he broke free of his defender.
Asante broke through for Phoenix in the 71st minute after Sam Stanton gave everything he had to win a 50-50 ball in the center of the field. Asante used his first touch to expertly push the ball into space and collected it on the other side of the defender going to goal. Rounding the corner on the defender, Asante struck a hard shot to the back post that beat Beaury, over his right shoulder to make it 2-2.

Lubin remained consistent. He made another point-blank save to open the first overtime session. Neither team could test either goalkeeper following Reno’s chance in the beginning of overtime and the match went to penalty kicks.

Both teams traded goals through the first four rounds of kicks from the spot, but Lubin rose, high to his right side in the fifth round, pushing a well-placed shot from Reno’s captain wide of the post with his fingertips. Dadashov closed out the match with a low shot into the corner of the net to make it a 5-4 final.

Scoring Summary:
RENO – Corey Hertzog 6
RENO – Kevin Partida 40
PHX – Kevon Lambert 45+2
PHX – Soloman Asante (Sam Stanton) 71

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, AJ Cochran (Damion Lowe 54), Joey Farrell, Corey Whelan, Sam Stanton (Jose Aguinaga 100), Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Jordan Schweitzer 54), Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 109), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Owusu-Ansuh Kontoh 112).

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Lagos Kunga.

Reno 1868 FC – Ben Beaury, Brent Richards, Thomas Janjigian (Tony Alfaro 46), Jared Timmer, Sam Gleadle, Sergio Rivas (Younes Boudadi 93), Tucker Bone, Foster Langsdorf (Aidan Apodaca 83), Christiano François, Corey Hertzog, Kevin Partida (Emilio Ycaza 83).

Substitutes not used: Eric De La Cerda, Jesus Enriquez, Benjamin Kikanovic.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnel King (caution) 23
RENO – Thomas Janjigian (caution) 29
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 51
RENO – Tucker Bone (caution) 57
PHX – Damion Lowe (caution) 65
RENO – Foster Langsdorf (caution) 79
RENO – Emilio Ycaza (caution) 90+4
PHX – Santi Moar (caution) 94
RENO – Younes Boudadi (caution) 119

Referees:

REF: Kevin Broadley
AR1: Ryan Graves
AR2: Justin Howard
4TH: Brandon Stevis

Weather: Clear, 79

RENO, Nevada (Saturday, October 17) – Phoenix Rising FC advanced to the Western Conference Finals with a 5-4 win in penalty kicks vs. Reno 1868 tonight at Greater Nevada Field. The shootout followed a 2-2 draw in which 120 minutes of regulation and overtime could not separate the sides.

Phoenix had fallen behind, 2-0, to open the game but came back to tie the match, 2-2, with goals by Kevon Lambert and Solomon Asante. Rising will now host the Western Conference Finals next Saturday, October 24 at Casino Arizona Field (7:30 p.m.)   
 
Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin was called upon in just the fifth minute of the match to make a diving save, low to his right side on Reno forward Corey Hertzog. Lubin did well to get down and slap away the attempt but on the goal kick that followed shortly after, the goalkeeper failed to spot Hertzog, who was lurking on the edge of the area. The forward picked off a short pass and went straight to goal, chipping a simple pass into the back of the net to make it 1-0 Reno in the sixth minute.

A long buildup by Phoenix produced a goal-scoring opportunity for Darnell King in the 19th minute. The final exchange between Kevon Lambert and King, gave a ladder space to fire a low, hard shot towards the corner of the goal from just outside the area. Fortunately for Reno, goalkeeper Ben Beaury was alert and made a diving save to his right save to preserve the one-goal lead.

Lubin stepped in front of a cross and quickly unleased a Rising counter attack through Jon Bakero in the 27th minute. Bakero quickly got the ball to Soloman Asante, who found Rufat Dadashov in the center of the area. Dadashov stepped to his right and fired a shot, but the attempt was blocked away by a Reno defender.

Reno took a 2-0 lead in the 40th minute, when a half-cleared ball landed between two Rising defenders in the area. Reno’s Kevin Partida didn’t hesitate and stole the lose ball and quickly ran at goal, knocking a low shot into the corner of the goal.

Kevon Lambert pulled a goal back for Rising just before halftime. Santi Moar did the tough work to set up the chance after grabbing the ball 35 yards from goal and sprinting towards the net. Moar turned left, around a defender and got off a low shot that caromed off a Reno defender and landed at the feet of Lambert. The defensive midfielder did well to calmly trap the ball and put a low shot into the corner of the next to make it, 2-1, at halftime.

Lubin once again started off the half with a huge save, charging off his line to cut down on the angle taken by Reno’s top scorer, Foster Langsdorf, who was in alone on goal. Langsdorf cut to his right and tried to beat Lubin low, but the goalkeeper read it perfectly and took the ball off his foot to keep the match at 2-1.

The wide-open match continued end-to-end through the 65th minute, with Phoenix outshooting Reno 19-16.

Asante nearly leveled the match in the 69th minute, when a long ball played forward from Damian Lowe to Dadashov popped into the path of the 2019 MVP. Asante stepped through a pair of defenders before firing a shot inches over the crossbar.

Seconds later, at the opposite end. Lubin made his third huge stop of the match, denying Tucker Bone of an insurance goal after he broke free of his defender.
Asante broke through for Phoenix in the 71st minute after Sam Stanton gave everything he had to win a 50-50 ball in the center of the field. Asante used his first touch to expertly push the ball into space and collected it on the other side of the defender going to goal. Rounding the corner on the defender, Asante struck a hard shot to the back post that beat Beaury, over his right shoulder to make it 2-2.

Lubin remained consistent. He made another point-blank save to open the first overtime session. Neither team could test either goalkeeper following Reno’s chance in the beginning of overtime and the match went to penalty kicks.

Both teams traded goals through the first four rounds of kicks from the spot, but Lubin rose, high to his right side in the fifth round, pushing a well-placed shot from Reno’s captain wide of the post with his fingertips. Dadashov closed out the match with a low shot into the corner of the net to make it a 5-4 final.

Scoring Summary:
RENO – Corey Hertzog 6
RENO – Kevin Partida 40
PHX – Kevon Lambert 45+2
PHX – Soloman Asante (Sam Stanton) 71

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, AJ Cochran (Damion Lowe 54), Joey Farrell, Corey Whelan, Sam Stanton (Jose Aguinaga 100), Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Jordan Schweitzer 54), Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 109), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Owusu-Ansuh Kontoh 112).

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Lagos Kunga.

Reno 1868 FC – Ben Beaury, Brent Richards, Thomas Janjigian (Tony Alfaro 46), Jared Timmer, Sam Gleadle, Sergio Rivas (Younes Boudadi 93), Tucker Bone, Foster Langsdorf (Aidan Apodaca 83), Christiano François, Corey Hertzog, Kevin Partida (Emilio Ycaza 83).

Substitutes not used: Eric De La Cerda, Jesus Enriquez, Benjamin Kikanovic.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnel King (caution) 23
RENO – Thomas Janjigian (caution) 29
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 51
RENO – Tucker Bone (caution) 57
PHX – Damion Lowe (caution) 65
RENO – Foster Langsdorf (caution) 79
RENO – Emilio Ycaza (caution) 90+4
PHX – Santi Moar (caution) 94
RENO – Younes Boudadi (caution) 119

Referees:

REF: Kevin Broadley
AR1: Ryan Graves
AR2: Justin Howard
4TH: Brandon Stevis

Weather: Clear, 79

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, October 10) – Phoenix Rising FC advanced to the conference semifinals with a 1-0 extra time victory tonight at Casino Arizona Field thanks to a goal by captain Solomon Asante in the 114th minute.

The latest game-winning goal in club history was set up by Santi Moar, who did the heavy lifting for Asante after receiving the pass on the left side. Moar cut in and around two Republic defenders before firing a shot towards the middle of the goal. In the scrum in front of goal, the ball deflected off Asante, sending Sacramento goalkeeper Rafael Diaz the wrong way and the ball over the goal line.

Rising now faces Reno 1868 away next Saturday, October 17, at 6 p.m. Should Phoenix win that match, the club would host both the conference final and league final based on points earned during the regular season.   

Rising began the match on the attack. After winning the ball back near midfield, they quickly pushed the ball forward into Sacramento’s defensive third of the pitch. There, Asante tried to thread a pass to Moar but the left wing was fouled on the play, to hand Phoenix a free kick opportunity just outside the area. Asante stepped to the free kick and cracked a hard shot, high to the near post that rattled off the woodwork before skipping over the end line for a goal kick.

Zac Lubin made his best save of the season for Rising in the 26th minute after Sacramento worked the ball up the right flank and centered a pass into the middle of the area. A group of players came together to challenge for the ball in the box but the pass skipped through the crowd to a wide-open Dariusz Formella. Sacramento’s leading goal scorer tried to beat Lubin, low to the left side, but the goalkeeper made an instant kick-save with his left foot to parry the ball off the goal line and preserve the shutout.

Coming out of the locker room following halftime, Phoenix controlled the match and held a 68-32 edge in possession through the 70th minute of the match, but could not break down the back line of Sacramento.

Asante picked off a pass in Rising’s defensive third and pushed the ball forward to Sam Stanton in the 87th minute. Stanton ran at the back line before returning the ball to Asante near the top of the box. The 2019 league MVP beat his man with an inside-out move but was pulled down by the defender to earn a free kick in a dangerous area and the fourth caution for Republic. Nothing came of the chance for Rising but the home side continued to press in search of a game-winning goal, outshooting the visitors 14-8 at the end of regulation. 

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Solomon Asante (Santi Moar) 114

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, Joey Farrell, AJ Cochran, Corey Whelan, Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 81), Sam Stanton (Jordan Schweitzer 105), Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 116), Rufat Dadashov (Damion Lowe 118), Solomon Asante (Lagos Kunga 120). 

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Rafael Diaz, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Dekel Keinan, Shannon Gomez (Matthew Mahoney 56), Jordan McCrary, Rodrigo Lopez (Drew Skundrich 56), Jaime Villarreal, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Frank Lopez 116), Villyan Bijev, Dariusz Formella, Kharlton Belmar (Cameron Iwasa 116).

Substitutes not used: Hayden Sargis, Rafael Jauregio, Brady Scott.

Misconduct Summary:
SR – Dariusz Formella (caution) 12 
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (caution) 44
SR – Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 45
SR –  Tomas Hilliard-Arce (caution) 74
SR – Jordan McCrary (caution) 87
SR – Dekel Keinan (caution) 90+1
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 109

Referees:
REF: Elvis Osmanovic
AR1: Christian Lara
AR2: Stephen McGonagle
4TH: Isaiah Vlad

Weather: Clear, 86

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, October 10) – Phoenix Rising FC advanced to the conference semifinals with a 1-0 extra time victory tonight at Casino Arizona Field thanks to a goal by captain Solomon Asante in the 114th minute.

The latest game-winning goal in club history was set up by Santi Moar, who did the heavy lifting for Asante after receiving the pass on the left side. Moar cut in and around two Republic defenders before firing a shot towards the middle of the goal. In the scrum in front of goal, the ball deflected off Asante, sending Sacramento goalkeeper Rafael Diaz the wrong way and the ball over the goal line.

Rising now faces Reno 1868 away next Saturday, October 17, at 6 p.m. Should Phoenix win that match, the club would host both the conference final and league final based on points earned during the regular season.   

Rising began the match on the attack. After winning the ball back near midfield, they quickly pushed the ball forward into Sacramento’s defensive third of the pitch. There, Asante tried to thread a pass to Moar but the left wing was fouled on the play, to hand Phoenix a free kick opportunity just outside the area. Asante stepped to the free kick and cracked a hard shot, high to the near post that rattled off the woodwork before skipping over the end line for a goal kick.

Zac Lubin made his best save of the season for Rising in the 26th minute after Sacramento worked the ball up the right flank and centered a pass into the middle of the area. A group of players came together to challenge for the ball in the box but the pass skipped through the crowd to a wide-open Dariusz Formella. Sacramento’s leading goal scorer tried to beat Lubin, low to the left side, but the goalkeeper made an instant kick-save with his left foot to parry the ball off the goal line and preserve the shutout.

Coming out of the locker room following halftime, Phoenix controlled the match and held a 68-32 edge in possession through the 70th minute of the match, but could not break down the back line of Sacramento.

Asante picked off a pass in Rising’s defensive third and pushed the ball forward to Sam Stanton in the 87th minute. Stanton ran at the back line before returning the ball to Asante near the top of the box. The 2019 league MVP beat his man with an inside-out move but was pulled down by the defender to earn a free kick in a dangerous area and the fourth caution for Republic. Nothing came of the chance for Rising but the home side continued to press in search of a game-winning goal, outshooting the visitors 14-8 at the end of regulation. 

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Solomon Asante (Santi Moar) 114

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, Joey Farrell, AJ Cochran, Corey Whelan, Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 81), Sam Stanton (Jordan Schweitzer 105), Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 116), Rufat Dadashov (Damion Lowe 118), Solomon Asante (Lagos Kunga 120). 

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Rafael Diaz, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Dekel Keinan, Shannon Gomez (Matthew Mahoney 56), Jordan McCrary, Rodrigo Lopez (Drew Skundrich 56), Jaime Villarreal, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Frank Lopez 116), Villyan Bijev, Dariusz Formella, Kharlton Belmar (Cameron Iwasa 116).

Substitutes not used: Hayden Sargis, Rafael Jauregio, Brady Scott.

Misconduct Summary:
SR – Dariusz Formella (caution) 12 
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (caution) 44
SR – Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 45
SR –  Tomas Hilliard-Arce (caution) 74
SR – Jordan McCrary (caution) 87
SR – Dekel Keinan (caution) 90+1
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 109

Referees:
REF: Elvis Osmanovic
AR1: Christian Lara
AR2: Stephen McGonagle
4TH: Isaiah Vlad

Weather: Clear, 86

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, October 3) – Phoenix Rising FC (11-3-2) downed LA Galaxy II, 4-1, tonight at Casino Arizona Field thanks to a two-goal game by midfielder Sam Stanton.

Defender AJ Cochran and midfielder Santi Moar added goals for Rising, who will now host Sacramento Republic FC (7-2-6) in a first-round playoff match next Saturday, October 10 (7:30 p.m.). Tickets for that match will be available to the general public and will go on sale this Tuesday, October 6. 

Tonight, LA Galaxy II struck first in the sixth minute when they sent the ball out wide to Iván Gutiérrez on the left flank. Gutiérrez took a touch and fired in a pin-point accurate cross to Agustine Williams. The forward slowed down in the middle of the six-yard box and headed a shot past Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin to make it 1-0.  

Santi Moar took it upon himself to make it 1-1 in the 10th minute. The forward took a throw-in from defender Darnell King on the left flank, cut inside across the top of the box and around multiple defenders before bending a shot towards the back post. The ball curled perfectly past LA Galalxy II goalkeeper Abaraham Romero and into the far side-netting to level the match at one goal apiece.  

Phoenix took a 2-1 lead in the 27th minute when King sent a cross to the back post for Solomon Asante. The 2019 USL MVP quickly played a ball backwards, into the path of a late-arriving Sam Stanton. Forward Rufat Dadashov also played a part in the setup, acting as a decoy until Stanton was in position to strike the ball with his first touch. Stanton cracked the ball with his left foot, sending a line-drive shot into the far corner of the net.

Defender Joey Farrell nearly netted his first goal of the season, twice before the end of the half. His first chance came from distance. The center back did well to keep his shot low and hard, testing Romero at his near post. The goalkeeper made a diving save through traffic, pushing the shot wide of the post to his left side.

Farrell’s second chance came from the boot of Jon Bareko. Phoenix’s No. 10 curled a cross high to the back post where Farrell headed a shot, back across the face of goal. Romero laid out to his left side and tapped the shot clear of the back post with his left hand to keep the match at 2-1 heading into halftime.

Rising made it 3-1 just after halftime when two defenders combined to score on a corner kick from the left side. Bakero skied a ball, high towards the opposite corner of the area, where Farrell headed a pass back into the mixer. There, AJ Cochran rose above the crowd to head a shot low to the right side of Romero. The shot slipped just inside the post for Cochran’s second goal of the match.

Phoenix took a three-goal lead in the 57th minute when a half-cleared ball fell to the feet of Asante. The forward turned quickly and smacked a shot low, off the post. The ball ricocheted back to the feet of Stanton, who buried his second goal of the match to make it 4-1.

Phoenix interim head coach Blair Gavin brought on 14-year-old academy product Ansu Kanneh for King to close out the match. The youngest player in Rising history (14 years and 305 days) made his debut for the club in the 87th minute. 

Scoring Summary:
LA – Augustine Williams  (Iván Gutiérrez) 6
PHX – Santi Moar (Darnell King) 10
PHX – Sam Stanton (Solomon Asante) 27
PHX – AJ Cochran (Joey Farrell) 51
PHX – Sam Stanton 57

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King (Ansu Kanneh 87), Joey Farrell, AJ Cochran, Corey Whelan, Jordan Schweitzer, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 73), Sam Stanton, Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 73), Rufat Dadashov (Lagos Kunga 87), Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Kyle Bjornrthun.

LA Galaxy II – Abaraham Romero (Anthony Ramos 62), Jesus Vazquez (Marcus Ferkranus 62), Isaac Bawa (Adrián Vera), Jalen Neal, Mauricio Cuevas, Alejandro Alvarado, Jorge Hernandez, Adrian Gonzalez, Victor Valdez (Jonathan Perez 46) Ivan Gutierrez, Augustine Williams (Carson Klein 63).

Substitutes not used: Sebastian Nava, Adam Saldana.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnell King (caution) 12 
LA – Mauricio Cuevas (caution) 28
LA – Isaac Brown (caution) 40
LA – Marcus Ferkranus (caution) 74

Referees:
REF: Ricardo Fierro
AR1: Nicholas Gastelum
AR2: Mark Novosel
4TH: Alan Martinez

Weather: Clear, 93

PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, October 3) – Phoenix Rising FC (11-3-2) downed LA Galaxy II, 4-1, tonight at Casino Arizona Field thanks to a two-goal game by midfielder Sam Stanton.

Defender AJ Cochran and midfielder Santi Moar added goals for Rising, who will now host Sacramento Republic FC (7-2-6) in a first-round playoff match next Saturday, October 10 (7:30 p.m.). Tickets for that match will be available to the general public and will go on sale this Tuesday, October 6. 

Tonight, LA Galaxy II struck first in the sixth minute when they sent the ball out wide to Iván Gutiérrez on the left flank. Gutiérrez took a touch and fired in a pin-point accurate cross to Agustine Williams. The forward slowed down in the middle of the six-yard box and headed a shot past Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin to make it 1-0.  

Santi Moar took it upon himself to make it 1-1 in the 10th minute. The forward took a throw-in from defender Darnell King on the left flank, cut inside across the top of the box and around multiple defenders before bending a shot towards the back post. The ball curled perfectly past LA Galalxy II goalkeeper Abaraham Romero and into the far side-netting to level the match at one goal apiece.  

Phoenix took a 2-1 lead in the 27th minute when King sent a cross to the back post for Solomon Asante. The 2019 USL MVP quickly played a ball backwards, into the path of a late-arriving Sam Stanton. Forward Rufat Dadashov also played a part in the setup, acting as a decoy until Stanton was in position to strike the ball with his first touch. Stanton cracked the ball with his left foot, sending a line-drive shot into the far corner of the net.

Defender Joey Farrell nearly netted his first goal of the season, twice before the end of the half. His first chance came from distance. The center back did well to keep his shot low and hard, testing Romero at his near post. The goalkeeper made a diving save through traffic, pushing the shot wide of the post to his left side.

Farrell’s second chance came from the boot of Jon Bareko. Phoenix’s No. 10 curled a cross high to the back post where Farrell headed a shot, back across the face of goal. Romero laid out to his left side and tapped the shot clear of the back post with his left hand to keep the match at 2-1 heading into halftime.

Rising made it 3-1 just after halftime when two defenders combined to score on a corner kick from the left side. Bakero skied a ball, high towards the opposite corner of the area, where Farrell headed a pass back into the mixer. There, AJ Cochran rose above the crowd to head a shot low to the right side of Romero. The shot slipped just inside the post for Cochran’s second goal of the match.

Phoenix took a three-goal lead in the 57th minute when a half-cleared ball fell to the feet of Asante. The forward turned quickly and smacked a shot low, off the post. The ball ricocheted back to the feet of Stanton, who buried his second goal of the match to make it 4-1.

Phoenix interim head coach Blair Gavin brought on 14-year-old academy product Ansu Kanneh for King to close out the match. The youngest player in Rising history (14 years and 305 days) made his debut for the club in the 87th minute. 

Scoring Summary:
LA – Augustine Williams  (Iván Gutiérrez) 6
PHX – Santi Moar (Darnell King) 10
PHX – Sam Stanton (Solomon Asante) 27
PHX – AJ Cochran (Joey Farrell) 51
PHX – Sam Stanton 57

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King (Ansu Kanneh 87), Joey Farrell, AJ Cochran, Corey Whelan, Jordan Schweitzer, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 73), Sam Stanton, Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 73), Rufat Dadashov (Lagos Kunga 87), Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Kyle Bjornrthun.

LA Galaxy II – Abaraham Romero (Anthony Ramos 62), Jesus Vazquez (Marcus Ferkranus 62), Isaac Bawa (Adrián Vera), Jalen Neal, Mauricio Cuevas, Alejandro Alvarado, Jorge Hernandez, Adrian Gonzalez, Victor Valdez (Jonathan Perez 46) Ivan Gutierrez, Augustine Williams (Carson Klein 63).

Substitutes not used: Sebastian Nava, Adam Saldana.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnell King (caution) 12 
LA – Mauricio Cuevas (caution) 28
LA – Isaac Brown (caution) 40
LA – Marcus Ferkranus (caution) 74

Referees:
REF: Ricardo Fierro
AR1: Nicholas Gastelum
AR2: Mark Novosel
4TH: Alan Martinez

Weather: Clear, 93

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Saturday, September 5) – Phoenix Rising FC (7-2-2) extended its lead in the Group B standings to five points thanks to a 2-0 win on the road vs. Lights FC tonight at Cashman Field. Junior Flemmings scored his league-leading 11th goal of the season and Rufat Dadashov put the match to bed with his eighth of the year just before the final whistle.

Rising returns home to Casino Arizona Field next Friday, September 11, where it will welcome fans back for the first time since March 7.

Both teams felt one another out through a defensive first half. Phoenix controlled large portions of the first 45 minutes and held a 58-42 advantage in possession but was unable to create any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

Dadashov finally unlocked Vegas’ defense with a one-touch pass to Flemmings in first-half stoppage time. The golden boot leader took the pass and darted through the middle of the Lights FC defense before being hauled down from behind by defender Mobi Fehr, who happily accepted a yellow card for the tactical, goal-saving foul.     
 
Solomon Asante drove a cross into the area from Phoenix’s right flank, just seven minutes into the second half. The pass appeared to be on target to a teammate making a run towards the back post, but Vegas defender Bryan de la Fuente attempted to intercept the pass in the middle of the area. Unfortunately for de la Fuente, the ball skipped up on the wet turf and clearly caught the defender’s left arm, forcing referee William Hoffman to point to the spot.

Flemmings stepped up to take the penalty, opting to shoot low to the goalkeeper’s left side. Vegas goalkeeper Thomas Olsen guessed correctly and got a hand to the shot, but could not keep it out of the net. The ball deflected up, off the post and shot back across goal into the opposite side netting to make it 1-0.

Vegas made two changes in the 67th minute and nearly leveled the match on a corner kick in the 69th minute. Fehr played a cross to the back post for Rashawn Dally. The forward picked out the far side netting and headed a textbook shot low but Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin got across his line to push the attempt wide of the post.

Vegas pushed forward in search of a goal late but Asante broke free on a counter attack deep into stoppage time. Asante cut into the six-yard box with the ball but pushed his shot wide of the post after a challenge from behind forced the 2019 league MVP to hurry his attempt.

Rufat Dadashov put the game away a moment later. On the ensuing goal kick for Vegas, Jordan Schweitzer stepped up to win the 50/50 ball and quickly passed it forward to Dadashov. Phoenix’s No. 9 didn’t hesitate at all, turning and firing a hard shot low and to Olsen’s right side to make it a 2-0 final.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Junior Flemmings (PK) 53
PHX – Rufat Dadashov 90+5
 
Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, AJ Cochran, Joey Farrell, Corey Whelan, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 74), Kevon Lambert, Sam Stanton (Jordan Schweitzer 74), Junior Flemmings, Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Joey Calistri, Jack Barmby, Santi Moar, Kyle Bjornethun.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Thomas Olsen, Jaiden Waggoner, Seth Moses, Torre Howell, Johnny Fenwick, Grant Robinson (Jose Carrera Garcia 86), Mobi Fehr, Junior Sandoval Lopez (Blake Frischknecht 67), Bryan de la Fuente (Quincy Amarikwa 67), Yamikani Chester (Junior Burgos 70), Rashawn Dally (Raul Mendiola 86).

Substitutes not used: Edward Delgado, Noah Billingsey.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnell King (caution) 14
LV – Mobi Fehr (caution) 45+1
LV – Junior Sandoval (caution) 50
LV – Bryan de la Fuente (caution) 52
PHX – AJ Cochran (caution) 73
PHX – Jon Bakero (caution) 82

Referees:

REF: William Hoffman
AR1: Matthew Rodman
AR2: Matthew Schwartz
4TH: Alejandro Aguilera Jr

Weather: Clear, 107

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Saturday, September 5) – Phoenix Rising FC (7-2-2) extended its lead in the Group B standings to five points thanks to a 2-0 win on the road vs. Lights FC tonight at Cashman Field. Junior Flemmings scored his league-leading 11th goal of the season and Rufat Dadashov put the match to bed with his eighth of the year just before the final whistle.

Rising returns home to Casino Arizona Field next Friday, September 11, where it will welcome fans back for the first time since March 7.

Both teams felt one another out through a defensive first half. Phoenix controlled large portions of the first 45 minutes and held a 58-42 advantage in possession but was unable to create any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

Dadashov finally unlocked Vegas’ defense with a one-touch pass to Flemmings in first-half stoppage time. The golden boot leader took the pass and darted through the middle of the Lights FC defense before being hauled down from behind by defender Mobi Fehr, who happily accepted a yellow card for the tactical, goal-saving foul.     
 
Solomon Asante drove a cross into the area from Phoenix’s right flank, just seven minutes into the second half. The pass appeared to be on target to a teammate making a run towards the back post, but Vegas defender Bryan de la Fuente attempted to intercept the pass in the middle of the area. Unfortunately for de la Fuente, the ball skipped up on the wet turf and clearly caught the defender’s left arm, forcing referee William Hoffman to point to the spot.

Flemmings stepped up to take the penalty, opting to shoot low to the goalkeeper’s left side. Vegas goalkeeper Thomas Olsen guessed correctly and got a hand to the shot, but could not keep it out of the net. The ball deflected up, off the post and shot back across goal into the opposite side netting to make it 1-0.

Vegas made two changes in the 67th minute and nearly leveled the match on a corner kick in the 69th minute. Fehr played a cross to the back post for Rashawn Dally. The forward picked out the far side netting and headed a textbook shot low but Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin got across his line to push the attempt wide of the post.

Vegas pushed forward in search of a goal late but Asante broke free on a counter attack deep into stoppage time. Asante cut into the six-yard box with the ball but pushed his shot wide of the post after a challenge from behind forced the 2019 league MVP to hurry his attempt.

Rufat Dadashov put the game away a moment later. On the ensuing goal kick for Vegas, Jordan Schweitzer stepped up to win the 50/50 ball and quickly passed it forward to Dadashov. Phoenix’s No. 9 didn’t hesitate at all, turning and firing a hard shot low and to Olsen’s right side to make it a 2-0 final.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Junior Flemmings (PK) 53
PHX – Rufat Dadashov 90+5
 
Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, AJ Cochran, Joey Farrell, Corey Whelan, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 74), Kevon Lambert, Sam Stanton (Jordan Schweitzer 74), Junior Flemmings, Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Joey Calistri, Jack Barmby, Santi Moar, Kyle Bjornethun.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Thomas Olsen, Jaiden Waggoner, Seth Moses, Torre Howell, Johnny Fenwick, Grant Robinson (Jose Carrera Garcia 86), Mobi Fehr, Junior Sandoval Lopez (Blake Frischknecht 67), Bryan de la Fuente (Quincy Amarikwa 67), Yamikani Chester (Junior Burgos 70), Rashawn Dally (Raul Mendiola 86).

Substitutes not used: Edward Delgado, Noah Billingsey.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnell King (caution) 14
LV – Mobi Fehr (caution) 45+1
LV – Junior Sandoval (caution) 50
LV – Bryan de la Fuente (caution) 52
PHX – AJ Cochran (caution) 73
PHX – Jon Bakero (caution) 82

Referees:

REF: William Hoffman
AR1: Matthew Rodman
AR2: Matthew Schwartz
4TH: Alejandro Aguilera Jr

Weather: Clear, 107

RENO, Nevada (Saturday, August 29) – Phoenix Rising FC (6-2-2) dropped a 2-1 decision tonight to Reno 1868 FC at Greater Nevada Field. Rufat Dadashov scored the lone goal of the match for Phoenix in the 77th minute. Rising FC travels to Las Vegas next week before returning to Casino Arizona Field on Friday, Sept. 11.

Rising FC earned its first corner kick of the evening near the seventh minute of the match but the teams paused and walked to midfield to stand in unity around the center circle in support of the fight against social injustice and racism. Players from both teams paused for 1:46 seconds before resuming play.

Rising earned a free kick in a dangerous area following the corner. Solomon Asante stepped up to take the set piece from just outside the area in the center of the pitch. The 2019 league MVP tested Reno’s Ben Beaury to his right side but the goalkeeper made a diving save to keep the match level, 0-0.

Reno’s best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute, when Sergio Rivas had a go from distance. The right-footed blast was on target but Phoenix goalkeeper Zac Lubin was in good position and knocked down the shot with ease.

The home side controlled possession between the 27th and 40th minute and finished the half with a 63-37 edge, but Rising had the better chances, outshooting Reno, 6-5. Rising’s best look came on a corner in the 31st minute. Asante lobbed a ball into the area where Kevon Lambert redirected a header off the crossbar from close range.

Joey Calistri made a strong run up the right flank in the 50th minute and got off a hard shot from just outside the corner of the six-yard box. Beaury stood his ground for Reno and make a good save at the front post.

Reno took a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute when a turnover in Phoenix’s end found the feet of 1868 forward Corey Hertzog. Hertzog ran wide towards the right flank before playing a centering pass for Foster Langsdorf. The Reno forward beat his marker to the pass and chipped a shot past Lubin to make it 1-0.

Rising leveled the match in the 77th minute when Lambert collected a deflected pass in the middle of the pitch and quickly got the ball to second-half substitute Rufat Dadashov. The striker found some space and hit a low shot into the corner of the net to make it 1-1.

Just two minutes later, Hertzog came free once again on Phoenix’s left side. The forward faked a shot and cut inside before firing a left-footed shot into the far side-netting to make it 2-1 in favor of Reno.  

Dadashov nearly found his second of the match in stoppage-time of the second half after Asante hit a lobbed cross to the back post, but the forward’s left-footed chance went well over the bar.

Jack Barmby nearly leveled the match deep into stoppage time but Beaury tracked the ball well and made an outstanding diving save to his right side to preserve the 2-1 win for the home side.

Scoring Summary:
RENO – Foster Langsdorf (Corey Hertzog) 62
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Kevon Lambert) 77
RENO – Corey Hertzog 79

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, Corey Whelan, AJ Cochran (Joey Farrell 90+2), Joey Calistri, Sam Stanton (Jack Barmby 83), Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Jordan Schweitzer 83), Santi Moar (Rufat Dadashov 64), Junior Flemmings, Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Jose Aguinaga, Kyle Bjornethun.

Reno 1868 FC – Ben Beaury, Brent Richards, Thomas Janjigian, Jared Timmer, Sam Gleadle, Kevin Partida (Mo Dabo 83), Sergio Rivas, Tucker Bone (Jesús Enríquez 70), Foster Langsdorf (Aidan Apodaca 70), Christiano François, Corey Hertzog.

Substitutes not used: Eric De La Cerda, Younes Boudadi, Younes Boudadi, Emilio Ycaza, Benji Kikanovic.

Misconduct Summary:
RENO – Thomas Janjigian (caution) 42
PHX – Joey Calistri (caution) 81
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 87

Referees:
REF: Elijio Arreguin
AR1: Stephen McGonagle
AR2: Conrado Garcia
4TH: Hannah Geitner

Weather: Clear, 89

RENO, Nevada (Saturday, August 29) – Phoenix Rising FC (6-2-2) dropped a 2-1 decision tonight to Reno 1868 FC at Greater Nevada Field. Rufat Dadashov scored the lone goal of the match for Phoenix in the 77th minute. Rising FC travels to Las Vegas next week before returning to Casino Arizona Field on Friday, Sept. 11.

Rising FC earned its first corner kick of the evening near the seventh minute of the match but the teams paused and walked to midfield to stand in unity around the center circle in support of the fight against social injustice and racism. Players from both teams paused for 1:46 seconds before resuming play.

Rising earned a free kick in a dangerous area following the corner. Solomon Asante stepped up to take the set piece from just outside the area in the center of the pitch. The 2019 league MVP tested Reno’s Ben Beaury to his right side but the goalkeeper made a diving save to keep the match level, 0-0.

Reno’s best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute, when Sergio Rivas had a go from distance. The right-footed blast was on target but Phoenix goalkeeper Zac Lubin was in good position and knocked down the shot with ease.

The home side controlled possession between the 27th and 40th minute and finished the half with a 63-37 edge, but Rising had the better chances, outshooting Reno, 6-5. Rising’s best look came on a corner in the 31st minute. Asante lobbed a ball into the area where Kevon Lambert redirected a header off the crossbar from close range.

Joey Calistri made a strong run up the right flank in the 50th minute and got off a hard shot from just outside the corner of the six-yard box. Beaury stood his ground for Reno and make a good save at the front post.

Reno took a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute when a turnover in Phoenix’s end found the feet of 1868 forward Corey Hertzog. Hertzog ran wide towards the right flank before playing a centering pass for Foster Langsdorf. The Reno forward beat his marker to the pass and chipped a shot past Lubin to make it 1-0.

Rising leveled the match in the 77th minute when Lambert collected a deflected pass in the middle of the pitch and quickly got the ball to second-half substitute Rufat Dadashov. The striker found some space and hit a low shot into the corner of the net to make it 1-1.

Just two minutes later, Hertzog came free once again on Phoenix’s left side. The forward faked a shot and cut inside before firing a left-footed shot into the far side-netting to make it 2-1 in favor of Reno.  

Dadashov nearly found his second of the match in stoppage-time of the second half after Asante hit a lobbed cross to the back post, but the forward’s left-footed chance went well over the bar.

Jack Barmby nearly leveled the match deep into stoppage time but Beaury tracked the ball well and made an outstanding diving save to his right side to preserve the 2-1 win for the home side.

Scoring Summary:
RENO – Foster Langsdorf (Corey Hertzog) 62
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Kevon Lambert) 77
RENO – Corey Hertzog 79

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, Corey Whelan, AJ Cochran (Joey Farrell 90+2), Joey Calistri, Sam Stanton (Jack Barmby 83), Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero (Jordan Schweitzer 83), Santi Moar (Rufat Dadashov 64), Junior Flemmings, Solomon Asante.

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Jose Aguinaga, Kyle Bjornethun.

Reno 1868 FC – Ben Beaury, Brent Richards, Thomas Janjigian, Jared Timmer, Sam Gleadle, Kevin Partida (Mo Dabo 83), Sergio Rivas, Tucker Bone (Jesús Enríquez 70), Foster Langsdorf (Aidan Apodaca 70), Christiano François, Corey Hertzog.

Substitutes not used: Eric De La Cerda, Younes Boudadi, Younes Boudadi, Emilio Ycaza, Benji Kikanovic.

Misconduct Summary:
RENO – Thomas Janjigian (caution) 42
PHX – Joey Calistri (caution) 81
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 87

Referees:
REF: Elijio Arreguin
AR1: Stephen McGonagle
AR2: Conrado Garcia
4TH: Hannah Geitner

Weather: Clear, 89

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Saturday, August 22) – Phoenix Rising FC (6-1-2) earned a point on the road tonight at Cashman Field, thanks to goals from Rufat Dadashov, Junior Flemmings and Solomon Asante.

Phoenix took a 1-0 lead in just the fifth minute of the match when Darnell King pushed the ball up the right flank. King got the ball to Asante, who spun his defender around before delivering a cross in to the feet of target striker, Dadashov. Phoenix’s No. 9 brought the ball down in a crowd of defenders and beat goalkeeper Edward Delgado low to his right side.

Vegas controlled the middle portion of the match and outshot Rising, 12-5. Despite the disadvantage, Phoenix’s defense was able to block five shots and suppress the Vegas attack. Rising held the home side to zero shots on goal through the first 45 minutes.  

Leading the league in goals heading into the match, Flemmings nearly made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute when King once again unlocked the Las Vegas defense with a long run up the center of the pitch. Flemmings recovered the ball near the left corner flag, cut back towards the middle and fired a shot that went inches wide of the post.

Just a minute later, Flemmings forced Delgado to make a kick-save at his front post to keep the deficit at a single goal.

Delgado started the second half where he left off, robbing Flemmings of a goal with a diving save to his left side in the 60th minute. Owusu-Ansah Kontoh helped to set up the chance for Phoenix, but Flemmings did the heavy lifting. The Jamaican turned his defender with a spin move to the inside that left his marker lying face-down on the pitch.

Flemmings scored his league-leading 10th goal of the season in the 68th minute when he beat two defenders to a loose ball and tapped it past them into space. The forward turned on the jets to put himself in-alone against Delgado. The goalkeeper charged off his line to cut down the angle, but Flemmings chipped a shot over the sprawling goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Las Vegas pulled a goal back in the 80th minute when second-half substitute Yamikani Chester put a header past Rising FC goalkeeper Eric Dick. Rashawn Dally set up the chance with a strong run down the left flank. His centering pass skipped up, off Blake Frischknecht and popped up perfectly for Chester to flick a header on goal from short range.

Sam Stanton earned a penalty kick for Phoenix in the 89th minute when he and a Vegas defender came together awkwardly in the box. Asante stepped up to take the spot kick and beat Delgado, hard into the side netting to the right side of the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

Vegas, once again made it a one-goal game deep into stoppage time when Jaiden Waggoner swung in a cross from the left flank. An attempted header from Vegas took a deflection and caught the knee of Rising defender AJ Cochran. Before the defender could react, the ball skipped past Dick and into the back of the net to make it 3-2.

More than double the amount of added extra time had passed when a long ball played in from a free kick at midfield was headed away by a Rising defender. The clearance attempt struck a Vegas player in the back of the head and landed at the feet of Blake Frischknecht. Frischknecht back-heeled a pass into a swarm of players at the back post and Vegas captain Ramon Martin Del Campo won the battle, knocking a shot into the back of the net to make it a 3-3 final.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Solomon Asante) 5
PHX – Junior Flemmings 68
LV – Yamikani Chester 80
PHX – Solomon Asante (PK) 90
LV – Own Goal (AJ Cochran)
LV – Ramon Martin Del Campo (Blake Frischknecht) 90+9
 
Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Eric Dick, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Corey Whelan (Joey Farrell 90+4), AJ Cochran, Darnell King, Jon Bakero (Jordan Schweitzer 69), Kevon Lambert, Sam Stanton (Jack Barmby 90+4), Junior Flemmings (Santi Moar 69), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Logoas Kunga 90+3).

Substitutes not used: Zac Lubin, Joey Calistri.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Edward Delgado, Ramon Martin Del Campo, Johnny Fenwick, Mobi Fehr, Jordan Murrell, Junior Sandoval (Junior Burgos 71), Jose Carrera (Grant Robinson 72), Bryan de la Fuente (Brian Frischknecht 71), Seth Moses, Raul Mendiola (Yamikani Chester 32), Rashawn Dally (Jaiden Waggoner 83).

Substitutes not used: Thomas Olsen, Billingsey.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnell King (caution) 22
PHX – Owusu-Ansah Kontoh (caution) 59
PHX – Sam Stanton (caution) 74
LV – Seth Moses (caution) 84

Referees:

REF: Malik Badawi
AR1: Salma Perez
AR2: Matthew Schwartz
4TH: Alejandro Aguilera Jr

Weather: Clear, 100
 

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Saturday, August 22) – Phoenix Rising FC (6-1-2) earned a point on the road tonight at Cashman Field, thanks to goals from Rufat Dadashov, Junior Flemmings and Solomon Asante.

Phoenix took a 1-0 lead in just the fifth minute of the match when Darnell King pushed the ball up the right flank. King got the ball to Asante, who spun his defender around before delivering a cross in to the feet of target striker, Dadashov. Phoenix’s No. 9 brought the ball down in a crowd of defenders and beat goalkeeper Edward Delgado low to his right side.

Vegas controlled the middle portion of the match and outshot Rising, 12-5. Despite the disadvantage, Phoenix’s defense was able to block five shots and suppress the Vegas attack. Rising held the home side to zero shots on goal through the first 45 minutes.  

Leading the league in goals heading into the match, Flemmings nearly made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute when King once again unlocked the Las Vegas defense with a long run up the center of the pitch. Flemmings recovered the ball near the left corner flag, cut back towards the middle and fired a shot that went inches wide of the post.

Just a minute later, Flemmings forced Delgado to make a kick-save at his front post to keep the deficit at a single goal.

Delgado started the second half where he left off, robbing Flemmings of a goal with a diving save to his left side in the 60th minute. Owusu-Ansah Kontoh helped to set up the chance for Phoenix, but Flemmings did the heavy lifting. The Jamaican turned his defender with a spin move to the inside that left his marker lying face-down on the pitch.

Flemmings scored his league-leading 10th goal of the season in the 68th minute when he beat two defenders to a loose ball and tapped it past them into space. The forward turned on the jets to put himself in-alone against Delgado. The goalkeeper charged off his line to cut down the angle, but Flemmings chipped a shot over the sprawling goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Las Vegas pulled a goal back in the 80th minute when second-half substitute Yamikani Chester put a header past Rising FC goalkeeper Eric Dick. Rashawn Dally set up the chance with a strong run down the left flank. His centering pass skipped up, off Blake Frischknecht and popped up perfectly for Chester to flick a header on goal from short range.

Sam Stanton earned a penalty kick for Phoenix in the 89th minute when he and a Vegas defender came together awkwardly in the box. Asante stepped up to take the spot kick and beat Delgado, hard into the side netting to the right side of the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

Vegas, once again made it a one-goal game deep into stoppage time when Jaiden Waggoner swung in a cross from the left flank. An attempted header from Vegas took a deflection and caught the knee of Rising defender AJ Cochran. Before the defender could react, the ball skipped past Dick and into the back of the net to make it 3-2.

More than double the amount of added extra time had passed when a long ball played in from a free kick at midfield was headed away by a Rising defender. The clearance attempt struck a Vegas player in the back of the head and landed at the feet of Blake Frischknecht. Frischknecht back-heeled a pass into a swarm of players at the back post and Vegas captain Ramon Martin Del Campo won the battle, knocking a shot into the back of the net to make it a 3-3 final.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Solomon Asante) 5
PHX – Junior Flemmings 68
LV – Yamikani Chester 80
PHX – Solomon Asante (PK) 90
LV – Own Goal (AJ Cochran)
LV – Ramon Martin Del Campo (Blake Frischknecht) 90+9
 
Lineups:

Phoenix Rising FC – Eric Dick, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Corey Whelan (Joey Farrell 90+4), AJ Cochran, Darnell King, Jon Bakero (Jordan Schweitzer 69), Kevon Lambert, Sam Stanton (Jack Barmby 90+4), Junior Flemmings (Santi Moar 69), Rufat Dadashov, Solomon Asante (Logoas Kunga 90+3).

Substitutes not used: Zac Lubin, Joey Calistri.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Edward Delgado, Ramon Martin Del Campo, Johnny Fenwick, Mobi Fehr, Jordan Murrell, Junior Sandoval (Junior Burgos 71), Jose Carrera (Grant Robinson 72), Bryan de la Fuente (Brian Frischknecht 71), Seth Moses, Raul Mendiola (Yamikani Chester 32), Rashawn Dally (Jaiden Waggoner 83).

Substitutes not used: Thomas Olsen, Billingsey.

Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Darnell King (caution) 22
PHX – Owusu-Ansah Kontoh (caution) 59
PHX – Sam Stanton (caution) 74
LV – Seth Moses (caution) 84

Referees:

REF: Malik Badawi
AR1: Salma Perez
AR2: Matthew Schwartz
4TH: Alejandro Aguilera Jr

Weather: Clear, 100