Match Preview

PHOENIX, Arizona (Wednesday, September 16) – Phoenix Rising FC has signed Jamaican defender Damion Lowe, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

Lowe started four of five matches and scored the game-winning goal in the 56th minute of a 3-2 win for Jamaica vs. Honduras in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. The Reggae Boyz went on to win their group and advanced to the tournament semifinals before falling, 3-1, to the U.S. Lowe also played every minute for Jamaica during the 2017 Gold Cup, where the team shut out three of its six opponents in route to a berth in the finals. He has 22 Caps and two goals for his country.

“Junior [Flemmings] and Kevon [Lambert] both know him from the national team,” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. “He has played at a high level. He has been successful in USL. If he plays to the level he is capable of… he’s bigger, stronger and faster than almost anyone we have. This creates a rotation for us at center back since, right now, all three of our center backs have been on the field at the same time. He gives us three players for two positions there in the middle, which is important heading into playoffs.”

Lowe was selected eighth overall by Seattle Sounders FC in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Sounders FC loaned Lowe to Tacoma and Minnesota United, where he made 47 combined appearances in the second division, before signing with Tampa Bay in 2017. Lowe scored once for the Rowdies in 16 appearances before signing with Norwegian first division side, IK Start. Since 2017, Lowe has appeared in 51 matches as a defender and has scored three goals for the Eliteserien side.   

Rising hosts San Diego Loyal at Casino Arizona Field this Saturday, September 19. That match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on CW61 Arizona and ESPN+.

Transaction: Phoenix signs defender Damion Lowe
Number: 31
Height: 6-2
Weight: 174
Position: Defender
DOB: May 5, 1993 (27)
Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica

PHOENIX, Arizona (Wednesday, September 16) – Phoenix Rising FC has signed Jamaican defender Damion Lowe, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

Lowe started four of five matches and scored the game-winning goal in the 56th minute of a 3-2 win for Jamaica vs. Honduras in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. The Reggae Boyz went on to win their group and advanced to the tournament semifinals before falling, 3-1, to the U.S. Lowe also played every minute for Jamaica during the 2017 Gold Cup, where the team shut out three of its six opponents in route to a berth in the finals. He has 22 Caps and two goals for his country.

“Junior [Flemmings] and Kevon [Lambert] both know him from the national team,” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. “He has played at a high level. He has been successful in USL. If he plays to the level he is capable of… he’s bigger, stronger and faster than almost anyone we have. This creates a rotation for us at center back since, right now, all three of our center backs have been on the field at the same time. He gives us three players for two positions there in the middle, which is important heading into playoffs.”

Lowe was selected eighth overall by Seattle Sounders FC in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Sounders FC loaned Lowe to Tacoma and Minnesota United, where he made 47 combined appearances in the second division, before signing with Tampa Bay in 2017. Lowe scored once for the Rowdies in 16 appearances before signing with Norwegian first division side, IK Start. Since 2017, Lowe has appeared in 51 matches as a defender and has scored three goals for the Eliteserien side.   

Rising hosts San Diego Loyal at Casino Arizona Field this Saturday, September 19. That match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on CW61 Arizona and ESPN+.

Transaction: Phoenix signs defender Damion Lowe
Number: 31
Height: 6-2
Weight: 174
Position: Defender
DOB: May 5, 1993 (27)
Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Saturday, September 11) – Phoenix Rising FC (8-2-2) improved to 6-0-0 at Casino Arizona Field tonight in front of 979 socially-distanced Season Ticket Members.

Rufat Dadashov (10) scored twice to pull within two goals of league leader Junior Flemmings (12). Rising now ranks first and second in the golden boot race.   

Phoenix held a 59-41 edge in possession through the first 20 minutes of the match, earning three corners by pressing Las Vegas deep into its defensive third of the pitch. Las Vegas stayed in its defensive shell until Corey Whelan came forward from his right back position and got off a deadly cross in the 26th minute of the match. Rufat Dadashov redirected the cross on net but Vegas goalkeeper Thomas Olsen got a hand to the shot to push it out for a corner kick.

On the ensuing corner, Kevon Lambert rose above the crowd to win the first ball, nodding a pass back across six-yard box. Phoenix’s No. 9 was there to bury his ninth of the season by beating Olsen with a sharp header into the corner of the net to make it, 1-0.

Lights FC’s best chance of the half came in the 44th minute when Seth Moses got the ball to Quincy Amarikwa. The MLS veteran turned to his outside and struck a hard shot on goal but Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin was in position and made a solid punch-save to preserve the one-goal lead.

Immediately after, Rising went up 2-0, when Junior Flemmings unlocked Vegas’ defense. The Golden Boot leader switched to provider and slipped a perfectly weighted pass in-behind the Lights FC back line. Santi Moar collected the pass and was in on goal with Dadashov to his left side with only the goalkeeper to beat. Moar did well to draw the attention of Olsen before knocking a pass into the path of Dadashov, who hit a first-touch shot past the goalkeeper for his second strike of the night.   

Darnell King made a great defensive effort to win a pivotal throw-in for Rising in the 55th minute. King quickly grabbed the ball the tossed it to Dadashov to send Phoenix in on a odd-man rush. Dadashov dished a pass to Flemmings, who spun at the top of the box and fired a low shot to the back post that Olsen could not get a hand on, putting the home side up, 3-0.

Two-minutes later, Flemmings played a quick pass into Sam Stanton, who was making a run at the top left corner of the area. Stanton’s first touch was brilliant. It put him past his defender and into space inside the area, where he fired another low shot past Olsen, and into the back of the net to make it 4-0, in the 57th minute.  

Moar drew a foul in the box in the 70th minute and, wearing the captain’s arm band due to Solomon Asante being out of the lineup, Jon Bakero stepped up to take the spot kick. Bakero beat Olsen low to his right side to make it 5-0 in the 72nd minute.

Las Vegas pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute when Grant Robinson found Bryan de la Fuente at the top of the box. De la Fuente turned and struck a low shot that curled just inside the front post for Lights FC’s lone goal of the evening.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Kevon Lambert) 27
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Santi Moar) 44
PHX – Junior Flemmings (Rufat Dadashov) 55
PHX – Sam Stanton (Junir Flemmings) 57
PHX – Jon Bakero (PK) 72
LV – Bryan de la Fuente (Grant Robinson) 82
 
Lineups:
Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, AJ Cochran, Joey Farrell, Corey Whelan, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 77), Kevon Lambert (Jordan Schweitzer 85), Sam Stanton (Jack Barmby 77), Junior Flemmings, Rufat Dadashov (Lagos Kunga 86), Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 90).

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Kyle Bjornethun.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Thomas Olsen, Jaiden Waggoner, Seth Moses, Javan Torre, Johnny Fenwick, Noah Billingsey, Jose Carrera Garcia (Grant Robinson 64), Junior Burgos, Quincy Amarikwa (Blake Frischknecht 64), Rashawn Dally, Raul Mendiola (Bryan de la Fuente 64).

Substitutes not used: Edward Delgado, Yamikani Chester, Junior Sandoval Lopez, Mobi Feur.

Misconduct Summary:
LV – Seth Moses (caution) 41
LV – Jonny Fenwick (caution) 74
PHX – Joey Farrell (caution) 90+2


Referees:
REF: Isaiah Vlad
AR1: Eric Wood
AR2: Mark Novosel
4TH: Jordan Vlad

Weather: Clear, 86

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Saturday, September 11) – Phoenix Rising FC (8-2-2) improved to 6-0-0 at Casino Arizona Field tonight in front of 979 socially-distanced Season Ticket Members.

Rufat Dadashov (10) scored twice to pull within two goals of league leader Junior Flemmings (12). Rising now ranks first and second in the golden boot race.   

Phoenix held a 59-41 edge in possession through the first 20 minutes of the match, earning three corners by pressing Las Vegas deep into its defensive third of the pitch. Las Vegas stayed in its defensive shell until Corey Whelan came forward from his right back position and got off a deadly cross in the 26th minute of the match. Rufat Dadashov redirected the cross on net but Vegas goalkeeper Thomas Olsen got a hand to the shot to push it out for a corner kick.

On the ensuing corner, Kevon Lambert rose above the crowd to win the first ball, nodding a pass back across six-yard box. Phoenix’s No. 9 was there to bury his ninth of the season by beating Olsen with a sharp header into the corner of the net to make it, 1-0.

Lights FC’s best chance of the half came in the 44th minute when Seth Moses got the ball to Quincy Amarikwa. The MLS veteran turned to his outside and struck a hard shot on goal but Rising goalkeeper Zac Lubin was in position and made a solid punch-save to preserve the one-goal lead.

Immediately after, Rising went up 2-0, when Junior Flemmings unlocked Vegas’ defense. The Golden Boot leader switched to provider and slipped a perfectly weighted pass in-behind the Lights FC back line. Santi Moar collected the pass and was in on goal with Dadashov to his left side with only the goalkeeper to beat. Moar did well to draw the attention of Olsen before knocking a pass into the path of Dadashov, who hit a first-touch shot past the goalkeeper for his second strike of the night.   

Darnell King made a great defensive effort to win a pivotal throw-in for Rising in the 55th minute. King quickly grabbed the ball the tossed it to Dadashov to send Phoenix in on a odd-man rush. Dadashov dished a pass to Flemmings, who spun at the top of the box and fired a low shot to the back post that Olsen could not get a hand on, putting the home side up, 3-0.

Two-minutes later, Flemmings played a quick pass into Sam Stanton, who was making a run at the top left corner of the area. Stanton’s first touch was brilliant. It put him past his defender and into space inside the area, where he fired another low shot past Olsen, and into the back of the net to make it 4-0, in the 57th minute.  

Moar drew a foul in the box in the 70th minute and, wearing the captain’s arm band due to Solomon Asante being out of the lineup, Jon Bakero stepped up to take the spot kick. Bakero beat Olsen low to his right side to make it 5-0 in the 72nd minute.

Las Vegas pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute when Grant Robinson found Bryan de la Fuente at the top of the box. De la Fuente turned and struck a low shot that curled just inside the front post for Lights FC’s lone goal of the evening.

Scoring Summary:
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Kevon Lambert) 27
PHX – Rufat Dadashov (Santi Moar) 44
PHX – Junior Flemmings (Rufat Dadashov) 55
PHX – Sam Stanton (Junir Flemmings) 57
PHX – Jon Bakero (PK) 72
LV – Bryan de la Fuente (Grant Robinson) 82
 
Lineups:
Phoenix Rising FC – Zac Lubin, Darnell King, AJ Cochran, Joey Farrell, Corey Whelan, Jon Bakero (Jose Aguinaga 77), Kevon Lambert (Jordan Schweitzer 85), Sam Stanton (Jack Barmby 77), Junior Flemmings, Rufat Dadashov (Lagos Kunga 86), Santi Moar (Joey Calistri 90).

Substitutes not used: Eric Dick, Kyle Bjornethun.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Thomas Olsen, Jaiden Waggoner, Seth Moses, Javan Torre, Johnny Fenwick, Noah Billingsey, Jose Carrera Garcia (Grant Robinson 64), Junior Burgos, Quincy Amarikwa (Blake Frischknecht 64), Rashawn Dally, Raul Mendiola (Bryan de la Fuente 64).

Substitutes not used: Edward Delgado, Yamikani Chester, Junior Sandoval Lopez, Mobi Feur.

Misconduct Summary:
LV – Seth Moses (caution) 41
LV – Jonny Fenwick (caution) 74
PHX – Joey Farrell (caution) 90+2


Referees:
REF: Isaiah Vlad
AR1: Eric Wood
AR2: Mark Novosel
4TH: Jordan Vlad

Weather: Clear, 86

PHOENIX, Arizona (Friday, September 4) – Phoenix Rising FC announced today that it will welcome fans back to Casino Arizona Field in a limited capacity for matches beginning Friday, September 11, when it hosts Las Vegas Lights FC at 7:30 p.m.

“The health and safety of our players, staff, fans and community remains our top priority,” said Phoenix Rising FC General Manager, Bobby Dulle. “We have consulted with state and local officials as well as health specialists throughout this process. We feel we can now safely allow a limited number of season ticket members to attend matches by implementing several key safety protocols.”

Rising has obtained safety certification by HealthyVerify, a private company that specializes in the implementation of disease-reducing procedures. Per their recommendations, Rising will allow fewer than 1,000 season-ticket members to attend next Friday’s match. All fans and staff members will be required to wear facemasks at all times. The limited-capacity seating chart for all fans will provide ample room for the recommended social-distancing measures to remain in place throughout the match.

Fans will not be permitted to carry a bag into the stadium. All tickets will be digital. Fans will enter and exit at separate gates depending on their designated seating areas. Updated parking procedures will ensure fans remain at a safe social distance, including before and after match. As always, no tailgating will be permitted in the parking lots at Casino Arizona Field.  

Rising will continue to consult with government health officials, along with the United Soccer League to monitor the local health situation in regard to the presence of fans at Casino Arizona Field.

More information will be communicated directly to the season-ticket members selected to attend next week’s match in the coming days. Seating availability for those fans will be selected based on priority number.

About Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history and the 2019 USL Regular Season Title Winners. The club also holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history at 20 matches. The club is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club governor Berke Bakay, and an impressive collection of business leaders and international celebrities. Established in 2016, Phoenix Rising FC plays in the USL Championship, the largest Division 2 professional league in the world. The team also owns FC Tucson, which brings USL League One professional soccer to Southern Arizona. For season tickets or more information call 623-594-9606 or visit www.www.phxrisingfc.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play.

About HealthyVerify
The HealthyVerify Certification team is comprised of academic, research and medical experts. No certification process is alike as each assessment supports the implementation of customized operational safety measures. The HealthyVerify Certification is the only independent certification in the U.S. that provides business operators a year’s worth of counsel and support based on data, reviewed and guided by infectious disease experts at Barrow’s Neurological Institute and employee training for businesses created in collaboration with the most innovative university in the country, Arizona State University. The approach aims to help businesses maintain high safety standards that reduce risk and give consumers and employees confidence and peace of mind following COVID-19 forced closures. The Arizona-based company was co-founded by Jordan Rose and Court Rich of Rose Law Group.

PHOENIX, Arizona (Friday, September 4) – Phoenix Rising FC announced today that it will welcome fans back to Casino Arizona Field in a limited capacity for matches beginning Friday, September 11, when it hosts Las Vegas Lights FC at 7:30 p.m.

“The health and safety of our players, staff, fans and community remains our top priority,” said Phoenix Rising FC General Manager, Bobby Dulle. “We have consulted with state and local officials as well as health specialists throughout this process. We feel we can now safely allow a limited number of season ticket members to attend matches by implementing several key safety protocols.”

Rising has obtained safety certification by HealthyVerify, a private company that specializes in the implementation of disease-reducing procedures. Per their recommendations, Rising will allow fewer than 1,000 season-ticket members to attend next Friday’s match. All fans and staff members will be required to wear facemasks at all times. The limited-capacity seating chart for all fans will provide ample room for the recommended social-distancing measures to remain in place throughout the match.

Fans will not be permitted to carry a bag into the stadium. All tickets will be digital. Fans will enter and exit at separate gates depending on their designated seating areas. Updated parking procedures will ensure fans remain at a safe social distance, including before and after match. As always, no tailgating will be permitted in the parking lots at Casino Arizona Field.  

Rising will continue to consult with government health officials, along with the United Soccer League to monitor the local health situation in regard to the presence of fans at Casino Arizona Field.

More information will be communicated directly to the season-ticket members selected to attend next week’s match in the coming days. Seating availability for those fans will be selected based on priority number.

About Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history and the 2019 USL Regular Season Title Winners. The club also holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history at 20 matches. The club is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club governor Berke Bakay, and an impressive collection of business leaders and international celebrities. Established in 2016, Phoenix Rising FC plays in the USL Championship, the largest Division 2 professional league in the world. The team also owns FC Tucson, which brings USL League One professional soccer to Southern Arizona. For season tickets or more information call 623-594-9606 or visit www.www.phxrisingfc.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play.

About HealthyVerify
The HealthyVerify Certification team is comprised of academic, research and medical experts. No certification process is alike as each assessment supports the implementation of customized operational safety measures. The HealthyVerify Certification is the only independent certification in the U.S. that provides business operators a year’s worth of counsel and support based on data, reviewed and guided by infectious disease experts at Barrow’s Neurological Institute and employee training for businesses created in collaboration with the most innovative university in the country, Arizona State University. The approach aims to help businesses maintain high safety standards that reduce risk and give consumers and employees confidence and peace of mind following COVID-19 forced closures. The Arizona-based company was co-founded by Jordan Rose and Court Rich of Rose Law Group.

Phoenix Rising looks to close out its longest road trip of the 2020 season with three points and a side of revenge this Saturday, September 5, vs. Las Vegas Lights FC (7:30 p.m. PT on CW61 Arizona & ESPN+). 

“We gave the final five minutes to Vegas [on August 22],” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz on Tuesday. “We were not focused. Right now, the team feels like caged-up tigers. They are backed up into a corner. They’re ready to go. All the players want to prove to the fans that they’re better than what they’ve shown.”

Despite the setbacks suffered in its last two outings, Rising (6-2-2, 20 points) remains in first place of the Group A standings. Orange County (5-1-3, 18 points) is alone in second place with LA Galaxy II (5-4-0, 15 points) in third. OC and Los Dos play each other one more time this weekend, which will provide a much clearer playoff picture when the dust settles Saturday night. Whichever way the three-team dance goes this week, Phoenix will be in a favorable position with four of its final five matches set to be played at Casino Arizona Field.

 But first, Rising is concentrating on rectifying its pedestrian 1-2-2 record on the road this season.

“We have some payback for Vegas,” said Schantz. “We felt like they took two points from us after we played well on the road. We are not going to let it happen again. The only way to ensure that is to go out there right from the start, put the pedal to the metal and get after them. Let’s make it the most difficult game they’ve ever played. Let’s not worry about how many extra overtime minutes there are, let’s just make sure we’ve killed the game off.

From Vegas, we expect to see a lot of direct balls from wide areas. We need to be willing to defend crosses. That has been a challenge for us. We’ll throw a few wrinkles in there as well. We need to make it a little different just so it’s not completely predictable. If they play those long balls, we need to win all the second balls. If we can turn around and attack them in waves, we’ll be extremely successful. It’s all about work rate and desire right now.”

Phoenix Rising looks to close out its longest road trip of the 2020 season with three points and a side of revenge this Saturday, September 5, vs. Las Vegas Lights FC (7:30 p.m. PT on CW61 Arizona & ESPN+). 

“We gave the final five minutes to Vegas [on August 22],” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz on Tuesday. “We were not focused. Right now, the team feels like caged-up tigers. They are backed up into a corner. They’re ready to go. All the players want to prove to the fans that they’re better than what they’ve shown.”

Despite the setbacks suffered in its last two outings, Rising (6-2-2, 20 points) remains in first place of the Group A standings. Orange County (5-1-3, 18 points) is alone in second place with LA Galaxy II (5-4-0, 15 points) in third. OC and Los Dos play each other one more time this weekend, which will provide a much clearer playoff picture when the dust settles Saturday night. Whichever way the three-team dance goes this week, Phoenix will be in a favorable position with four of its final five matches set to be played at Casino Arizona Field.

 But first, Rising is concentrating on rectifying its pedestrian 1-2-2 record on the road this season.

“We have some payback for Vegas,” said Schantz. “We felt like they took two points from us after we played well on the road. We are not going to let it happen again. The only way to ensure that is to go out there right from the start, put the pedal to the metal and get after them. Let’s make it the most difficult game they’ve ever played. Let’s not worry about how many extra overtime minutes there are, let’s just make sure we’ve killed the game off.

From Vegas, we expect to see a lot of direct balls from wide areas. We need to be willing to defend crosses. That has been a challenge for us. We’ll throw a few wrinkles in there as well. We need to make it a little different just so it’s not completely predictable. If they play those long balls, we need to win all the second balls. If we can turn around and attack them in waves, we’ll be extremely successful. It’s all about work rate and desire right now.”

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising FC is BACK, returning 126 days since announcing the suspension, on March 12
• Rising's longest-active winning streak vs. any opponent is on the line this week. Phoenix has beaten Los Dos in seven consecutive matches dating back to April 8, 2017.
• Rufat Dadashov netted a hat-trick in the season-opener on March 7. He leads the league in goalscoring (3).

THIS WEEK
Saturday, July 11 —vs. LA Galaxy II @ 7:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN Deportes & CW61 Arizona
Stream: ESPN+
Radio: Arizona Sports 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC re-opens the 2020 season at Casino Arizona Field against LA Galaxy II this Saturday, July 11. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

The first of three matches (2 home, 1 away) vs. Los Dos this season, Rising will be looking to move atop the Group B table. Group B is currently led by San Diego Loyal (1-0-1, 4PTS), who managed to play two matches prior to the league suspension due to COVID-19. Rising (1-0-0, 3PTS) sits in second above LA Galaxy II (1-0-0, 3PTS), Las Vegas Lights (0-0-1, 1PT) and Orange County (0-0-1, 1PT). Group B combined to collect 12 points prior to the suspension, by far the most in the league. Group E, consisting of Saint Louis, Indy Eleven, Louisville City and Sporting Kansas City II combined for the next-highest total of nine points, prior to the suspension.

In what seems like a different world, Rising began the season with a thorough, 6-1 throttling of Portland Timbers 2 in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,585 at Casino Arizona Field on Saturday, March 7. Newcomer Rufat Dadashov scored a hat trick while the defending USL MVP, Solomon Asante, notched two assists and a goal.

Rising came into the season following a successful preseason run that included three wins (out of four matches) against Major League Soccer sides. Phoenix Rising went 4-3-1 overall in its eight preseason matches and were led by Junior Flemmings, who had four goals.

Last season, Phoenix Rising won the 2019 USL regular-season title after setting league records for most wins (24), points (78), and goals (89) in a season. The club also set the league and North American professional outdoor soccer record for most consecutive wins (20). The streak is also the longest in Phoenix professional sports history.

PHX vs. Los Dos Series

• PHX is 10-5-2 against Los Dos all-time

• PHX has won its last seven regular-season matches against LA Galaxy II

• PHX has out-scored Los Dos 18-8 during the streak

• Four of the eight wins have been by one goal (2-1, 2-1, 4-3 & 3-2)

• LA’s last win came on Aug. 31, 2016 (2-1)

• LA won all three matches that season (2-0, 4-1 & 2-1)

About Los Dos

• Last season: 12-12-10, -3 GD

• YOUTH: The club’s oldest player is 24 and Los Dos has more players under 20 (7) than over (6)

• LA throttled RGV Toros FC, 5-1, at RGV to open the season on March 8

• Kai Koreniuk led the goal-scoring with a brace

About Phoenix Rising

• Solomon Asante is the defending USL league MVP after leading the league in goals (22) and assists (17).

• LA took a 2-0 lead vs. PHX on Aug. 3 but Rising prevailed 3-2

• PHX downed LA, 4-1, the last time Los Dos played at Casino Arizona Field

• Asante (2), Flemmings (3), Calistri and Ben Spencer scored vs. Los Dos in 2019

• The club signed ten new players ahead of the 2020 season.

BEST RISING TEAM EVER?
It will be difficult to say at the end of a shortened season, let alone at the beginning – but head coach Rick Schantz has described the depth of the 2020 squad as "the best we've had in three years."

HELLO, MY NAME IS…
Phoenix entered the home-opener (3/7) with 10 players who could make their Rising debuts: Jack Barmby, Landon Carter, Rufat Dadashov, Eric Dick, Darnell King, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Lagos Kunga, Santi Moar, Jordan Schweitzer, and Sam Stanton. Six players did: Dadashov, King, Kontoh, Kunga, Schweitzer and Stanton. Four are vying for the chance to make their debut on July 11.

THERE IN SPIRIT
Rising hosted a Drive-Through & Drop-Off event at Casino Arizona Field on Thursday to collect fan-created posters. A total of 68 posters were collected and placed in the stadium to represent the fans that were unable to attend the match due to precautions surrounding COVID-19. Fans were also able to donate $25 to charity in exchange for a cardboard cutout to be created and placed in the stands with a photo of their choosing. By Wednesday, Rising collected over 200 cutouts.

SMALL-SIDED TRAINING
When the USL Championship allowed teams to begin training in groups of four on Monday, May 11 – Rising used the time to work on technical training (fitness, shooting, passing and dribbling). When the restrictions eased again on June 9, Rising began to focus on tactical training (group play, formations, etc).

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising FC is BACK, returning 126 days since announcing the suspension, on March 12
• Rising’s longest-active winning streak vs. any opponent is on the line this week. Phoenix has beaten Los Dos in seven consecutive matches dating back to April 8, 2017.
• Rufat Dadashov netted a hat-trick in the season-opener on March 7. He leads the league in goalscoring (3).

THIS WEEK
Saturday, July 11 —vs. LA Galaxy II @ 7:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN Deportes & CW61 Arizona
Stream: ESPN+
Radio: Arizona Sports 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC re-opens the 2020 season at Casino Arizona Field against LA Galaxy II this Saturday, July 11. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

The first of three matches (2 home, 1 away) vs. Los Dos this season, Rising will be looking to move atop the Group B table. Group B is currently led by San Diego Loyal (1-0-1, 4PTS), who managed to play two matches prior to the league suspension due to COVID-19. Rising (1-0-0, 3PTS) sits in second above LA Galaxy II (1-0-0, 3PTS), Las Vegas Lights (0-0-1, 1PT) and Orange County (0-0-1, 1PT). Group B combined to collect 12 points prior to the suspension, by far the most in the league. Group E, consisting of Saint Louis, Indy Eleven, Louisville City and Sporting Kansas City II combined for the next-highest total of nine points, prior to the suspension.

In what seems like a different world, Rising began the season with a thorough, 6-1 throttling of Portland Timbers 2 in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,585 at Casino Arizona Field on Saturday, March 7. Newcomer Rufat Dadashov scored a hat trick while the defending USL MVP, Solomon Asante, notched two assists and a goal.

Rising came into the season following a successful preseason run that included three wins (out of four matches) against Major League Soccer sides. Phoenix Rising went 4-3-1 overall in its eight preseason matches and were led by Junior Flemmings, who had four goals.

Last season, Phoenix Rising won the 2019 USL regular-season title after setting league records for most wins (24), points (78), and goals (89) in a season. The club also set the league and North American professional outdoor soccer record for most consecutive wins (20). The streak is also the longest in Phoenix professional sports history.

PHX vs. Los Dos Series

• PHX is 10-5-2 against Los Dos all-time

• PHX has won its last seven regular-season matches against LA Galaxy II

• PHX has out-scored Los Dos 18-8 during the streak

• Four of the eight wins have been by one goal (2-1, 2-1, 4-3 & 3-2)

• LA’s last win came on Aug. 31, 2016 (2-1)

• LA won all three matches that season (2-0, 4-1 & 2-1)

About Los Dos

• Last season: 12-12-10, -3 GD

• YOUTH: The club’s oldest player is 24 and Los Dos has more players under 20 (7) than over (6)

• LA throttled RGV Toros FC, 5-1, at RGV to open the season on March 8

• Kai Koreniuk led the goal-scoring with a brace

About Phoenix Rising

• Solomon Asante is the defending USL league MVP after leading the league in goals (22) and assists (17).

• LA took a 2-0 lead vs. PHX on Aug. 3 but Rising prevailed 3-2

• PHX downed LA, 4-1, the last time Los Dos played at Casino Arizona Field

• Asante (2), Flemmings (3), Calistri and Ben Spencer scored vs. Los Dos in 2019

• The club signed ten new players ahead of the 2020 season.

BEST RISING TEAM EVER?
It will be difficult to say at the end of a shortened season, let alone at the beginning – but head coach Rick Schantz has described the depth of the 2020 squad as “the best we’ve had in three years.”

HELLO, MY NAME IS…
Phoenix entered the home-opener (3/7) with 10 players who could make their Rising debuts: Jack Barmby, Landon Carter, Rufat Dadashov, Eric Dick, Darnell King, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Lagos Kunga, Santi Moar, Jordan Schweitzer, and Sam Stanton. Six players did: Dadashov, King, Kontoh, Kunga, Schweitzer and Stanton. Four are vying for the chance to make their debut on July 11.

THERE IN SPIRIT
Rising hosted a Drive-Through & Drop-Off event at Casino Arizona Field on Thursday to collect fan-created posters. A total of 68 posters were collected and placed in the stadium to represent the fans that were unable to attend the match due to precautions surrounding COVID-19. Fans were also able to donate $25 to charity in exchange for a cardboard cutout to be created and placed in the stands with a photo of their choosing. By Wednesday, Rising collected over 200 cutouts.

SMALL-SIDED TRAINING
When the USL Championship allowed teams to begin training in groups of four on Monday, May 11 – Rising used the time to work on technical training (fitness, shooting, passing and dribbling). When the restrictions eased again on June 9, Rising began to focus on tactical training (group play, formations, etc).

What You Need To Know
•    Phoenix Rising is 1-2-2 in season openers and in home openers.
•    This is just the second time in club history the team has opened the season at home.
•    Phoenix Rising comes into the match with 22 consecutive sellouts in USL competitions.

THIS WEEK
Saturday, Match 7th —vs. Portland Timbers 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
Stream: ESPN+; ABC15 app (Arizona residents only)
TV: CW61 Arizona
Radio: Arizona Sports 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC opens the 2020 season at Casino Arizona Field against Portland Timbers 2 this Saturday, March 7th. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6:00 p.m. The first 3,500 fans who arrive will receive a regular season schedule magnet courtesy of Equality Health.

The club comes into the regular season following a successful preseason run that included three wins (out of four matches) against Major League Soccer sides. Phoenix Rising went 4-3-1 overall in its eight preseason matches and were led by Junior Flemmings and his four goals.

Last season, Phoenix Rising won the 2019 USL regular season title after setting league records for most wins (24), points (78), and goals (89) in a season. The club also set the league and North American professional outdoor soccer record for most consecutive wins (20). The streak is also the longest in Phoenix professional sports history.

Fans can purchase tickets for the home opener by going to www.phxrisingfc.com.

PHX vs. POR Series

• PHX is 5-5-1 against POR all time
• PHX has won four of its last five regular season matches against POR
• PHX has scored four or more goals four times in its five wins against POR
• PHX swept the season series in 2019 with a 4-2 win at home and a 5-3 win on the road.
• POR’s last win in Phoenix came on September 13, 2016, when PHX was known as Arizona United SC

A little bit about Portland Timbers 2

• Fifth in the league last season for most goals per game
• Finished eight points out of playoff position last season.
• Oregon native, Carlos Anguiano, was named 2019 USL 20 Under 20 last season 

A little bit about Phoenix Rising

• Solomon Asante is the defending USL league MVP after leading the league in goals (22) and assists (17).
• Asante was also a first-team All-League selection.
• Defender A.J. Cochran and goalkeeper Zac Lubin were second-team All-League selections.
• The club signed ten new players ahead of the 2020 season.

Let’s just get this over with
The very start of the season has not been kind to the club. Since 2015, the club is 1-2-2 all time in home and season openers. This will also be just the second time in club history that the season begins at home. The other time was the grand opener of Casino Arizona Field in 2017. PHX lost that match to Toronto FC II, 1-0.

Hello! My name is…
PHX enters the home opener with ten players who could make their Phoenix Rising debuts: Jack Barmby, Landon Carter, Rufat Dadashov, Eric Dick, Darnell King, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Lagos Kunga, Santi Moar, Jordan Schweitzer, and Sam Stanton

Lost firepower? We should be good
Returning players accounted for 55 of PHX’s 89 goals last season: a 34-goal deficit. But, the six new additions to the club scored a total of 30 goals combined in their most recent seasons.

A full house (almost) always wins
PHX enters the match having had 22 straight sellouts dating back to the 2018 playoffs. In those 22 matches, the club has lost just three times to two different teams. Defending USL champions Real Monarchs won twice at Casino Arizona Field in 2019. The only other club to win in Arizona during the sellout streak: Portland Timbers 2.

What You Need To Know
•    Phoenix Rising is 1-2-2 in season openers and in home openers.
•    This is just the second time in club history the team has opened the season at home.
•    Phoenix Rising comes into the match with 22 consecutive sellouts in USL competitions.

THIS WEEK
Saturday, Match 7th —vs. Portland Timbers 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
Stream: ESPN+; ABC15 app (Arizona residents only)
TV: CW61 Arizona
Radio: Arizona Sports 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC opens the 2020 season at Casino Arizona Field against Portland Timbers 2 this Saturday, March 7th. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6:00 p.m. The first 3,500 fans who arrive will receive a regular season schedule magnet courtesy of Equality Health.

The club comes into the regular season following a successful preseason run that included three wins (out of four matches) against Major League Soccer sides. Phoenix Rising went 4-3-1 overall in its eight preseason matches and were led by Junior Flemmings and his four goals.

Last season, Phoenix Rising won the 2019 USL regular season title after setting league records for most wins (24), points (78), and goals (89) in a season. The club also set the league and North American professional outdoor soccer record for most consecutive wins (20). The streak is also the longest in Phoenix professional sports history.

Fans can purchase tickets for the home opener by going to www.phxrisingfc.com.

PHX vs. POR Series

• PHX is 5-5-1 against POR all time
• PHX has won four of its last five regular season matches against POR
• PHX has scored four or more goals four times in its five wins against POR
• PHX swept the season series in 2019 with a 4-2 win at home and a 5-3 win on the road.
• POR’s last win in Phoenix came on September 13, 2016, when PHX was known as Arizona United SC

A little bit about Portland Timbers 2

• Fifth in the league last season for most goals per game
• Finished eight points out of playoff position last season.
• Oregon native, Carlos Anguiano, was named 2019 USL 20 Under 20 last season 

A little bit about Phoenix Rising

• Solomon Asante is the defending USL league MVP after leading the league in goals (22) and assists (17).
• Asante was also a first-team All-League selection.
• Defender A.J. Cochran and goalkeeper Zac Lubin were second-team All-League selections.
• The club signed ten new players ahead of the 2020 season.

Let’s just get this over with
The very start of the season has not been kind to the club. Since 2015, the club is 1-2-2 all time in home and season openers. This will also be just the second time in club history that the season begins at home. The other time was the grand opener of Casino Arizona Field in 2017. PHX lost that match to Toronto FC II, 1-0.

Hello! My name is…
PHX enters the home opener with ten players who could make their Phoenix Rising debuts: Jack Barmby, Landon Carter, Rufat Dadashov, Eric Dick, Darnell King, Owusu-Ansah Kontoh, Lagos Kunga, Santi Moar, Jordan Schweitzer, and Sam Stanton

Lost firepower? We should be good
Returning players accounted for 55 of PHX’s 89 goals last season: a 34-goal deficit. But, the six new additions to the club scored a total of 30 goals combined in their most recent seasons.

A full house (almost) always wins
PHX enters the match having had 22 straight sellouts dating back to the 2018 playoffs. In those 22 matches, the club has lost just three times to two different teams. Defending USL champions Real Monarchs won twice at Casino Arizona Field in 2019. The only other club to win in Arizona during the sellout streak: Portland Timbers 2.

What You Need To Know
•    Phoenix Rising lost it’s only other meeting with Real Salt Lake
•    Phoenix Rising is currently 3-2-0 in five preseason matches in 2020
•    Phoenix Rising won its last match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, 2-1, over Sporting KC

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 19th —W, 2-1 vs. Sporting KC 
Saturday, February 22nd — vs. Real Salt Lake @ 7:00 p.m.
Stream: www.phxrisingfc.com
TV: CW61
Radio: N/A 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC finishes up play in the Visit Tucson Sun Cup with a Saturday night matchup against Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake tomorrow night at Casino Arizona Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Rising FC comes into the match following a 2-1 win over MLS side Sporting KC on Wednesday night, After falling behind 1-0 just before the hour mark, forwards Santi Moar and Joey Calistri each scored a goal to secure the club’s second win over an MLS squad in preseason play. Moar’s goal was his first as a member of Phoenix Rising.

The club also has a shot at winning the 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup, but will need a little help. First, Rising FC needs to beat Real Salt Lake tomorrow night and then needs the Houston Dynamo vs. Columbus Crew match to end in a draw.

Real Salt Lake has gone 0-1-1 in its two Visit Tucson Sun Cup matches. The club opened the preseason tournament with a 0-0 draw against Sporting KC last Saturday. On Wednesday, Real Salt Lake fell to the Houston Dynamo, 4-0.

Gates for tomorrow’s match open at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

PHX vs. RSL Series
•    PHX is 0-1-0 against Real Salt Lake

A Little Bit About Real Salt Lake
•    RSL is 1-1-1 in preseason play
•    Giuseppe Rossi has scored two of the club’s three goals this preseason. Kyle Beckerman has the other one.
•    Drew 0-0 with Sporting KC in its first match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup and lost 4-0 to the Houston Dynamo in its second match.
•    4-4-7 in 15 all-time matches in the Sun Cup
•    Won the Sun Cup in 2015

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising
•    3-2-0 in preseason play
•    Rising’s three preseason wins is the most wins in preseason for the club since 2015 when it also won three matches.
•    In its third season of player two or more MLS clubs in preseason, this is the first time PHX has won two matches against MLS clubs.
•    Junior Flemmings leads the team with three preseason goals
•    3-7-1 in 11 all-time matches in the Sun Cup

What You Need To Know
•    Phoenix Rising lost it’s only other meeting with Real Salt Lake
•    Phoenix Rising is currently 3-2-0 in five preseason matches in 2020
•    Phoenix Rising won its last match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, 2-1, over Sporting KC

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 19th —W, 2-1 vs. Sporting KC 
Saturday, February 22nd — vs. Real Salt Lake @ 7:00 p.m.
Stream: www.phxrisingfc.com
TV: CW61
Radio: N/A 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC finishes up play in the Visit Tucson Sun Cup with a Saturday night matchup against Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake tomorrow night at Casino Arizona Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Rising FC comes into the match following a 2-1 win over MLS side Sporting KC on Wednesday night, After falling behind 1-0 just before the hour mark, forwards Santi Moar and Joey Calistri each scored a goal to secure the club’s second win over an MLS squad in preseason play. Moar’s goal was his first as a member of Phoenix Rising.

The club also has a shot at winning the 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup, but will need a little help. First, Rising FC needs to beat Real Salt Lake tomorrow night and then needs the Houston Dynamo vs. Columbus Crew match to end in a draw.

Real Salt Lake has gone 0-1-1 in its two Visit Tucson Sun Cup matches. The club opened the preseason tournament with a 0-0 draw against Sporting KC last Saturday. On Wednesday, Real Salt Lake fell to the Houston Dynamo, 4-0.

Gates for tomorrow’s match open at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

PHX vs. RSL Series
•    PHX is 0-1-0 against Real Salt Lake

A Little Bit About Real Salt Lake
•    RSL is 1-1-1 in preseason play
•    Giuseppe Rossi has scored two of the club’s three goals this preseason. Kyle Beckerman has the other one.
•    Drew 0-0 with Sporting KC in its first match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup and lost 4-0 to the Houston Dynamo in its second match.
•    4-4-7 in 15 all-time matches in the Sun Cup
•    Won the Sun Cup in 2015

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising
•    3-2-0 in preseason play
•    Rising’s three preseason wins is the most wins in preseason for the club since 2015 when it also won three matches.
•    In its third season of player two or more MLS clubs in preseason, this is the first time PHX has won two matches against MLS clubs.
•    Junior Flemmings leads the team with three preseason goals
•    3-7-1 in 11 all-time matches in the Sun Cup

What You Need To Know
•    Phoenix Rising is 0-2-0 in two previous matches with Sporting KC
•    Phoenix Rising is currently 2-2-0 in four preseason matches in 2020
•    Phoenix Rising lost its opening match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, 1-0, to Columbus Crew SC

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 19th —vs. Sporting KC @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 22nd — vs. Real Salt Lake @ 7:00 p.m.
Stream: www.phxrisingfc.com
TV: N/A
Radio: N/A 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC continues its Visit Tucson Sun Cup run with a matchup against Major League Soccer side Sporting KC tomorrow night at Casino Arizona Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Rising FC matched up well with MLS side Columbus Crew SC in its first Sun Cup match last Saturday, holding the club scoreless for over an hour before Gyasi Zardes scored the match’s lone goal to give Columbus the win.

Forwards Junior Flemmings and Rufat Dadashov had the evening’s best chances to score but were unable to find the back of the net. Despite giving up a goal in the second half, goalkeeper Eric Dick had the night’s two best highlights for Phoenix Rising. He made two diving stops to prevent long-range goals for Columbus.

Sporting KC comes into the match off a 0-0 draw with Real Salt Lake in its first Sun Cup match in Tucson, Ariz. Sporting winger Johnny Russel made the biggest impact of the scoreless match, creating a scoring opportunity in the 49th minute thanks to an impressive run through the defense. Then he had a curling shot that was all but assured a goal until the RSL goalkeeper made a diving stop at the last moment.

Gates for tomorrow’s match open at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

PHX vs. SKC Series
•    PHX is 0-2-0 against Sporting KC all time

A Little Bit About Sporting KC
•    SKC is 2-1-1 in preseason play
•    Three players lead the team with two goals each in the preseason (Daniel Salloi, Gianluca Busio, and Wilson Harris)
•    Drew 0-0 with Real Salt Lake in its first match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup
•    4-4-7 in 15 all-time matches in the Sun Cup

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising
•    2-2-0 in preseason play
•    Junior Flemmings leads the team with three preseason goals
•    2-7-1 in ten all-time matches in the Sun Cup

What You Need To Know
•    Phoenix Rising is 0-2-0 in two previous matches with Sporting KC
•    Phoenix Rising is currently 2-2-0 in four preseason matches in 2020
•    Phoenix Rising lost its opening match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, 1-0, to Columbus Crew SC

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 19th —vs. Sporting KC @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 22nd — vs. Real Salt Lake @ 7:00 p.m.
Stream: www.phxrisingfc.com
TV: N/A
Radio: N/A 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC continues its Visit Tucson Sun Cup run with a matchup against Major League Soccer side Sporting KC tomorrow night at Casino Arizona Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Rising FC matched up well with MLS side Columbus Crew SC in its first Sun Cup match last Saturday, holding the club scoreless for over an hour before Gyasi Zardes scored the match’s lone goal to give Columbus the win.

Forwards Junior Flemmings and Rufat Dadashov had the evening’s best chances to score but were unable to find the back of the net. Despite giving up a goal in the second half, goalkeeper Eric Dick had the night’s two best highlights for Phoenix Rising. He made two diving stops to prevent long-range goals for Columbus.

Sporting KC comes into the match off a 0-0 draw with Real Salt Lake in its first Sun Cup match in Tucson, Ariz. Sporting winger Johnny Russel made the biggest impact of the scoreless match, creating a scoring opportunity in the 49th minute thanks to an impressive run through the defense. Then he had a curling shot that was all but assured a goal until the RSL goalkeeper made a diving stop at the last moment.

Gates for tomorrow’s match open at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

PHX vs. SKC Series
•    PHX is 0-2-0 against Sporting KC all time

A Little Bit About Sporting KC
•    SKC is 2-1-1 in preseason play
•    Three players lead the team with two goals each in the preseason (Daniel Salloi, Gianluca Busio, and Wilson Harris)
•    Drew 0-0 with Real Salt Lake in its first match of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup
•    4-4-7 in 15 all-time matches in the Sun Cup

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising
•    2-2-0 in preseason play
•    Junior Flemmings leads the team with three preseason goals
•    2-7-1 in ten all-time matches in the Sun Cup

What You Need To Know
•    This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams
•    Phoenix Rising is currently 2-1-0 in three preseason matches in 2020
•    Phoenix Rising comes into the match having outscored its last two opponents 8-3

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 12th — W, 2-1 vs. New York Red Bulls
Saturday, February 15th — vs. Columbus Crew SC @ 7:00 p.m.
Stream: www.phxrisingfc.com
TV: N/A
Radio: N/A 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC begins its 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup slate with a matchup against Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew SC tomorrow night at Casino Arizona Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets by going to clicking here.

Last Wednesday, Phoenix Rising traveled to Oro Valley, Ariz., for a match against MLS side New York Red Bulls. Thanks to goals from Lagos Kunga and Joey Farrell, the club came away with a 2-1 win.

Last Saturday, the club traveled to Grand Canyon University for a match with the GCU men’s soccer team and won 6-2. Junior Flemmings scored three goals while Jack Barmby and Solomon Asante added goals of their own. A trialist for the team also scored.

Columbus comes into the match off a 2-0 shutout win over Sporting KC in its lone Arizona friendly prior to the Visit Tucson Sun Cup. Gyasi Zardes and Pedro Santos scored the Crew’s two goals.

Gates for tomorrow’s match open at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at clicking here.

PHX vs. CLB Series
•    This is the first meeting between the two clubs

A Little Bit About Columbus Crew SC
•    Unbeaten in preseason play: 3-0-1
•    Outscored opponents 12-3 in preseason play
•    Pedro Santos leads the team with four preseason goals
•    No other player on the team has more than one goal.
•    0-1-3 in four all-time matches in the Sun Cup (only appearance in 2016)

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising
•    2-1-0 in preseason play
•    Junior Flemmings leads the team with three preseason goals
•    2-6-1 in nine all-time matches in the Sun Cup
 

What You Need To Know
•    This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams
•    Phoenix Rising is currently 2-1-0 in three preseason matches in 2020
•    Phoenix Rising comes into the match having outscored its last two opponents 8-3

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 12th — W, 2-1 vs. New York Red Bulls
Saturday, February 15th — vs. Columbus Crew SC @ 7:00 p.m.
Stream: www.phxrisingfc.com
TV: N/A
Radio: N/A 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phoenix Rising FC begins its 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup slate with a matchup against Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew SC tomorrow night at Casino Arizona Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets by going to clicking here.

Last Wednesday, Phoenix Rising traveled to Oro Valley, Ariz., for a match against MLS side New York Red Bulls. Thanks to goals from Lagos Kunga and Joey Farrell, the club came away with a 2-1 win.

Last Saturday, the club traveled to Grand Canyon University for a match with the GCU men’s soccer team and won 6-2. Junior Flemmings scored three goals while Jack Barmby and Solomon Asante added goals of their own. A trialist for the team also scored.

Columbus comes into the match off a 2-0 shutout win over Sporting KC in its lone Arizona friendly prior to the Visit Tucson Sun Cup. Gyasi Zardes and Pedro Santos scored the Crew’s two goals.

Gates for tomorrow’s match open at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at clicking here.

PHX vs. CLB Series
•    This is the first meeting between the two clubs

A Little Bit About Columbus Crew SC
•    Unbeaten in preseason play: 3-0-1
•    Outscored opponents 12-3 in preseason play
•    Pedro Santos leads the team with four preseason goals
•    No other player on the team has more than one goal.
•    0-1-3 in four all-time matches in the Sun Cup (only appearance in 2016)

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising
•    2-1-0 in preseason play
•    Junior Flemmings leads the team with three preseason goals
•    2-6-1 in nine all-time matches in the Sun Cup
 

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising won its first penalty shootout in club history in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
• Phoenix Rising's all-time playoffs record is 3-1-2.
• Phoenix Rising has lost just one match in its last 20 at Casino Arizona Field.
• Phoenix Rising is unbeaten at Casino Arizona Field in the playoffs (2-0-1).

THIS WEEK
Saturday, November 1st – vs. Real Monarchs SLC @ 7:30 p.m.
Stream: ESPN+ (U.S. viewers)
TV: N/A
Radio: ESPN 620 AM | ArizonaSports.com 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The 2019 Playoffs presented by Arizona Complete Health continues this Friday as Phoenix Rising FC faces off against Real Monarchs SLC in the Western Conference Semifinals at Casino Arizona Field. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and will air live on ESPN+, ESPN 620AM and there will be an audio stream on the official Phoenix Rising app presented by Sprouts.

Rising reached the conference semifinals following a grueling 0-0 draw with Austin Bold that ended in an 8-7 penalty shootout win for Phoenix Rising. It was the club’s first-ever official penalty shootout win after losing in the three previous shootouts (2017 USL Playoffs and the 2018 and 2019 U.S. Open Cup). Goalkeeper Zac Lubin made two saves in the nine-round shootout while defender A.J. Cochran (who missed his opportunity to end the shootout in this year’s U.S. Open Cup) buried the shootout clincher to send Phoenix Rising into the next round.

Real Monarchs SLC comes into the match in red-hot form. The club is currently on a six-match unbeaten streak (5-0-1) with their last loss coming on September 21st. The club cruised in its opening-round USL Playoffs match, a 6-2 win over Orange County SC. Jack Blake led the attack with a brace while four different players rounded out the offensive onslaught. 

This will be the third match of the season series between the two clubs. Phoenix Rising downed Real Monarchs 4-2 on the road on May 25th while the Monarchs defeated Rising, 2-1, at Casino Arizona Field on October 12th. This will be the first time the teams meet in the postseason.

Friday night is also $1 beer night. A 2019 Playoffs Rally Towel will be placed on every seat at Casino Arizona Field and 3,000 koozies courtesy of Four Peaks Brewing will be handed out to fans 21 years old and older at all the stadium bars. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets by going to www.phxrisingfc.com.

PHX vs. SLC Series

• PHX is 6-7-1 all-time against SLC.
• PHX and SLC split the season series this season, with the Monarchs winning the last matchup on 10.12.

A Little Bit About Real Monarchs SLC

• All-time playoff record: 1-1-1
• 2019: Defeated Orange County SC in the Conference Quarterfinals (6-2)
• 2018: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals vs. Reno 1868 FC (0-1).
• 2017: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals in penalties at Sacramento Republic FC (1-1, AET+P, 1-3). 
• The club's leading scorer in this year's playoffs is Jack Blake with two goals. Tate Schmitt leads the team in assists with three.
• SLC is the highest seed (4) left in the Western Conference playoffs after PHX.
• The Monarchs are unbeaten in their last six matches, including a win vs. PHX. They are the only team to beat the Rising at home this season.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• All-time playoff record: 3-1-2
• 2019: Defeated Austin Bold FC in penalties in the Conference Quarterfinals (0-0, AET+P, 8-7).
• 2018: Lost in the USL Finals at Louisville City FC (0-1).
• 2017: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals in penalties at Swope Park Rangers (1-1, AET+P, 2-4).

Score First, Win Always
Phoenix Rising is undefeated (21-0-0) when scoring first this season.

Iron Men
Solomon Asante is the club’s minutes leader with 2,850 minutes played. He is followed by Amadou Dia with 2,839 minutes. During the playoffs, both players could break the club record for most minutes played in a season (3,086, set by Dia last year). 

Not Done Breaking Records Yet…
Solomon Asante has 33 appearances and 32 starts on the season. If the team advances to the finals and he stays healthy, Asante could tie the club record for appearances (36, set by himself in 2018) and starts in a season (35, set by Asante and Dia in 2018).

Appearance Leader
Amadou Dia has 89 career appearances with PHX and is in striking distance of the club record of 91 held by Carl Woszczynski.

The Curse is Broken
On Saturday night vs. Austin Bold, Phoenix Rising won its first penalty shootout (8-7) in club history to stamp its ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals. This was the fourth penalty shootout in the club's history. PHX lost on penalties the last two seasons in the U.S. Open Cup and was eliminated in a penalty shootout in the 2017 Conference Quarterfinals.

A cut above the rest
PHX is the only Western Conference team to reach the conference semifinals in 2018 and 2019. The team is also one of just two teams in the entire league to accomplish this. The other: Rising’s 2018 USL Final foe, Louisville City FC.

What You Need To Know

• Phoenix Rising won its first penalty shootout in club history in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
• Phoenix Rising’s all-time playoffs record is 3-1-2.
• Phoenix Rising has lost just one match in its last 20 at Casino Arizona Field.
• Phoenix Rising is unbeaten at Casino Arizona Field in the playoffs (2-0-1).

THIS WEEK
Saturday, November 1st – vs. Real Monarchs SLC @ 7:30 p.m.
Stream: ESPN+ (U.S. viewers)
TV: N/A
Radio: ESPN 620 AM | ArizonaSports.com 
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The 2019 Playoffs presented by Arizona Complete Health continues this Friday as Phoenix Rising FC faces off against Real Monarchs SLC in the Western Conference Semifinals at Casino Arizona Field. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and will air live on ESPN+, ESPN 620AM and there will be an audio stream on the official Phoenix Rising app presented by Sprouts.

Rising reached the conference semifinals following a grueling 0-0 draw with Austin Bold that ended in an 8-7 penalty shootout win for Phoenix Rising. It was the club’s first-ever official penalty shootout win after losing in the three previous shootouts (2017 USL Playoffs and the 2018 and 2019 U.S. Open Cup). Goalkeeper Zac Lubin made two saves in the nine-round shootout while defender A.J. Cochran (who missed his opportunity to end the shootout in this year’s U.S. Open Cup) buried the shootout clincher to send Phoenix Rising into the next round.

Real Monarchs SLC comes into the match in red-hot form. The club is currently on a six-match unbeaten streak (5-0-1) with their last loss coming on September 21st. The club cruised in its opening-round USL Playoffs match, a 6-2 win over Orange County SC. Jack Blake led the attack with a brace while four different players rounded out the offensive onslaught. 

This will be the third match of the season series between the two clubs. Phoenix Rising downed Real Monarchs 4-2 on the road on May 25th while the Monarchs defeated Rising, 2-1, at Casino Arizona Field on October 12th. This will be the first time the teams meet in the postseason.

Friday night is also $1 beer night. A 2019 Playoffs Rally Towel will be placed on every seat at Casino Arizona Field and 3,000 koozies courtesy of Four Peaks Brewing will be handed out to fans 21 years old and older at all the stadium bars. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets by going to www.phxrisingfc.com.

PHX vs. SLC Series

• PHX is 6-7-1 all-time against SLC.
• PHX and SLC split the season series this season, with the Monarchs winning the last matchup on 10.12.

A Little Bit About Real Monarchs SLC

• All-time playoff record: 1-1-1
• 2019: Defeated Orange County SC in the Conference Quarterfinals (6-2)
• 2018: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals vs. Reno 1868 FC (0-1).
• 2017: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals in penalties at Sacramento Republic FC (1-1, AET+P, 1-3). 
• The club’s leading scorer in this year’s playoffs is Jack Blake with two goals. Tate Schmitt leads the team in assists with three.
• SLC is the highest seed (4) left in the Western Conference playoffs after PHX.
• The Monarchs are unbeaten in their last six matches, including a win vs. PHX. They are the only team to beat the Rising at home this season.

A Little Bit About Phoenix Rising

• All-time playoff record: 3-1-2
• 2019: Defeated Austin Bold FC in penalties in the Conference Quarterfinals (0-0, AET+P, 8-7).
• 2018: Lost in the USL Finals at Louisville City FC (0-1).
• 2017: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals in penalties at Swope Park Rangers (1-1, AET+P, 2-4).

Score First, Win Always
Phoenix Rising is undefeated (21-0-0) when scoring first this season.

Iron Men
Solomon Asante is the club’s minutes leader with 2,850 minutes played. He is followed by Amadou Dia with 2,839 minutes. During the playoffs, both players could break the club record for most minutes played in a season (3,086, set by Dia last year). 

Not Done Breaking Records Yet…
Solomon Asante has 33 appearances and 32 starts on the season. If the team advances to the finals and he stays healthy, Asante could tie the club record for appearances (36, set by himself in 2018) and starts in a season (35, set by Asante and Dia in 2018).

Appearance Leader
Amadou Dia has 89 career appearances with PHX and is in striking distance of the club record of 91 held by Carl Woszczynski.

The Curse is Broken
On Saturday night vs. Austin Bold, Phoenix Rising won its first penalty shootout (8-7) in club history to stamp its ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals. This was the fourth penalty shootout in the club’s history. PHX lost on penalties the last two seasons in the U.S. Open Cup and was eliminated in a penalty shootout in the 2017 Conference Quarterfinals.

A cut above the rest
PHX is the only Western Conference team to reach the conference semifinals in 2018 and 2019. The team is also one of just two teams in the entire league to accomplish this. The other: Rising’s 2018 USL Final foe, Louisville City FC.