Match Recap

PHOENIX (May 6, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC fell to Reno 1868 FC, 4-0, in front of 6,067 fans at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. It was the first win in club history for Reno.

“You make two bad mistakes in the first seven or eight minutes in and you know it’s tough,” said Interim Head Coach Rick Schantz. “Then you get stretched (and) you got to chase the game and that’s not the type of team that we are.”

Phoenix Rising fell behind early when Reno’s Dane Kelly scored his first goal of the evening in just the 2nd minute. Four minutes later, Kelly bagged his second goal to make it 2-0, Reno. But Phoenix Rising recovered to create chances of their own.

Forward Chris Cortez had an opportunity to cut the lead in half in the 8th minute, but his free kick destined for the upper right corner of the net was punched away by Reno goalkeeper Matt Bersano. Cortez had a second opportunity in the 17th minute on a mostly-open net, but his shot sailed over the target.

The last major chance of the first half came in the 39th minute when Alessandro Riggi blasted a shot from five yards outside of the box. But Bersano came up with another great save to keep it 2-0 going into the half.

“Our own performance wasn’t there,” defender Peter Ramage said. “We weren’t at it from start to finish and that’s disappointing but like I said you know we’ll rally around together.”

Kelly put the match away with his third goal of the evening in the 66th minute and Chris Wehan added insurance with the final goal of the match in the 77th minute.

“The fans have been unbelievable tonight, Ramage said. “We’ve got to thank them for sticking with us because it was a horrible night for them to witness what we put on.”

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Reno 1868 FC
Date: April 6, 2017
Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 0-4 RENO 1868 FC

Scoring Summary:
RNO:2’, 9-Dane Kelly (14-Chris Wehan)
RNO: 6’, 9-Dane Kelly (99-Brian Brown)
RNO: 66’, 9-Dane Kelly (17-Lindo Nfeka)
RNO: 77’, 14-Chris Wehan (17-Lindo Nfeka)

Disciplinary Summary:
RNO: 66’, 9-Dane Kelly (yellow)
RNO: 74’, 17-Lindo Nfeka (yellow)
 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 24-A.J. Gray (73’, 14-Jason Johnson); 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 10-Luke Rooney (60’, 30-Eric Avila), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 11-Chris Cortez (78’, 12-Mike Seth), 9-Omar Bravo.

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 16-Brock Granger, 34-J.J. Greer Jr., 20-Romilio Hernandez

PHOENIX (May 6, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC fell to Reno 1868 FC, 4-0, in front of 6,067 fans at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. It was the first win in club history for Reno.

“You make two bad mistakes in the first seven or eight minutes in and you know it’s tough,” said Interim Head Coach Rick Schantz. “Then you get stretched (and) you got to chase the game and that’s not the type of team that we are.”

Phoenix Rising fell behind early when Reno’s Dane Kelly scored his first goal of the evening in just the 2nd minute. Four minutes later, Kelly bagged his second goal to make it 2-0, Reno. But Phoenix Rising recovered to create chances of their own.

Forward Chris Cortez had an opportunity to cut the lead in half in the 8th minute, but his free kick destined for the upper right corner of the net was punched away by Reno goalkeeper Matt Bersano. Cortez had a second opportunity in the 17th minute on a mostly-open net, but his shot sailed over the target.

The last major chance of the first half came in the 39th minute when Alessandro Riggi blasted a shot from five yards outside of the box. But Bersano came up with another great save to keep it 2-0 going into the half.

“Our own performance wasn’t there,” defender Peter Ramage said. “We weren’t at it from start to finish and that’s disappointing but like I said you know we’ll rally around together.”

Kelly put the match away with his third goal of the evening in the 66th minute and Chris Wehan added insurance with the final goal of the match in the 77th minute.

“The fans have been unbelievable tonight, Ramage said. “We’ve got to thank them for sticking with us because it was a horrible night for them to witness what we put on.”

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Reno 1868 FC
Date: April 6, 2017
Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 0-4 RENO 1868 FC

Scoring Summary:
RNO:2’, 9-Dane Kelly (14-Chris Wehan)
RNO: 6’, 9-Dane Kelly (99-Brian Brown)
RNO: 66’, 9-Dane Kelly (17-Lindo Nfeka)
RNO: 77’, 14-Chris Wehan (17-Lindo Nfeka)

Disciplinary Summary:
RNO: 66’, 9-Dane Kelly (yellow)
RNO: 74’, 17-Lindo Nfeka (yellow)
 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 24-A.J. Gray (73’, 14-Jason Johnson); 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 10-Luke Rooney (60’, 30-Eric Avila), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 11-Chris Cortez (78’, 12-Mike Seth), 9-Omar Bravo.

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 16-Brock Granger, 34-J.J. Greer Jr., 20-Romilio Hernandez

PHOENIX (April 29, 2017) — In front of a record-breaking preseason crowd in Tucson, Phoenix Rising FC squared off against Premier Development League side FC Tucson and the University of Arizona Men’s Soccer Team in a 1-1 draw.

“What an environment and I was just glad to be a part of it again,” said interim head coach Rick Schantz. “To bring the team down and get a good exercise in tonight and have a really good environment. It keeps them sharp and ready to go for next week.”

Phoenix Rising FC got on the board early after forward Omar Bravo was taken down in the box for a penalty. Bravo took the kick from the spot and beat the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Six minutes after Phoenix Rising FC’s starters came out of the match, FC Tucson equalized when Gio Vazquez found the back of the net from a Robert Acosta corner.

After taking on FC Tucson in the first half, Phoenix Rising FC battled with the University of Arizona in the second half. Forward Mike Seth had a standout performance, getting his head on the ball three separate times in the box. His most dangerous opportunity came in the 62nd minute, when he smashed a point-blank header on target. Only a great reaction save from the goalkeeper prevented a goal.

“The number one thing tonight: nobody got hurt,” Schantz said. “The starters got their 30 minutes in and the second group got a lot of minutes.”

Phoenix Rising FC heads back to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, May 6, against Reno 1868 FC. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by going to www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. FC Tucson/Arizona Men’s Soccer
Date: April 29, 2017
Location: Kino Sports Complex North | Tucson, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 1-1 FC TUCSON/ARIZONA MEN’S SOCCER

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 9’ — 9-Omar Bravo (PK)
FCT: 36’ — 13, Gio Vasquez (25 Robert Acosta)

Disciplinary Summary:


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 13-Eder Arreola, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage,34-J.J. Greer, Jr.; 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 10-Luke Rooney, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 7-Chris Cortez, 9-Omar Bravo

30’ subs: 12-Mike Seth, 14-Jason Johnson, 3-Kody Wakasa, 24-A.J. Gray, 2-Uchenna Uzo, 20-Romilio Hernandez, 6-Miguel Timm, 13-Eder Arreola, 30-Eric Avila,

75’ sub: 25-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa

PHOENIX (April 29, 2017) — In front of a record-breaking preseason crowd in Tucson, Phoenix Rising FC squared off against Premier Development League side FC Tucson and the University of Arizona Men’s Soccer Team in a 1-1 draw.

“What an environment and I was just glad to be a part of it again,” said interim head coach Rick Schantz. “To bring the team down and get a good exercise in tonight and have a really good environment. It keeps them sharp and ready to go for next week.”

Phoenix Rising FC got on the board early after forward Omar Bravo was taken down in the box for a penalty. Bravo took the kick from the spot and beat the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Six minutes after Phoenix Rising FC’s starters came out of the match, FC Tucson equalized when Gio Vazquez found the back of the net from a Robert Acosta corner.

After taking on FC Tucson in the first half, Phoenix Rising FC battled with the University of Arizona in the second half. Forward Mike Seth had a standout performance, getting his head on the ball three separate times in the box. His most dangerous opportunity came in the 62nd minute, when he smashed a point-blank header on target. Only a great reaction save from the goalkeeper prevented a goal.

“The number one thing tonight: nobody got hurt,” Schantz said. “The starters got their 30 minutes in and the second group got a lot of minutes.”

Phoenix Rising FC heads back to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, May 6, against Reno 1868 FC. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by going to www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. FC Tucson/Arizona Men’s Soccer
Date: April 29, 2017
Location: Kino Sports Complex North | Tucson, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 1-1 FC TUCSON/ARIZONA MEN’S SOCCER

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 9’ — 9-Omar Bravo (PK)
FCT: 36’ — 13, Gio Vasquez (25 Robert Acosta)

Disciplinary Summary:


PRFC Starting XI: 1-Carl Woszczynski; 13-Eder Arreola, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage,34-J.J. Greer, Jr.; 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi, 10-Luke Rooney, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 7-Chris Cortez, 9-Omar Bravo

30’ subs: 12-Mike Seth, 14-Jason Johnson, 3-Kody Wakasa, 24-A.J. Gray, 2-Uchenna Uzo, 20-Romilio Hernandez, 6-Miguel Timm, 13-Eder Arreola, 30-Eric Avila,

75’ sub: 25-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa

PHOENIX (April 23, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC (2-2-0) handed Swope Park Rangers their first loss of the season, 4-3, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 7,162 fans at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. It’s the third straight sell out crowd for the club and the second straight win at home. The Rangers fall to 3-1-0.

“I think I explained after the first couple games, we weren’t ready to play to be honest,” said Phonix Rising FC Head Coach Frank Yallop. A lot of our guys were in different wave lengths, and I hadn’t figured out the system. The system we play now is excellent.”

Phoenix Rising FC jumped out to a 3-0 lead to head into halftime. Midfielder Alessandro Riggi opened the scoring in the 22nd-minute, curling a shot around Swope Park goalkeeper David Greczek from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.

Rising soon doubled its lead after midfielder Luke Rooney scored off a penalty kick, his third overall goal of the season. Forward Chris Cortez found the back of the net just two minutes later directing a low shot around Greczek and into the bottom left corner of the net.

The scoring continued in the second half for Phoenix Rising FC when defender Peter Ramage got his head on the end of a Rooney corner kick to make it 4-0 in the 47th minute.

But Swope Park Rangers managed a furious comeback in the match’s last 25 minutes. In the 79th minute, Kevin Oliveira converted a penalty to make it 4-1. Oliveira tallied his second goal of the night in the 90th minute, beating goalkeeper Josh Cohen with a shot from inside of the box to make it 4-2. Then Swope Park’s Christian Duke converted an unassisted goal to make it 4-3 and end their attempted comeback.

“They scored three very, very good goals,” Yallop said. “You know we could have scored more. We had a couple on the break where we should have done better. … Anyway (it’s) stuff we can look at and work on, but at the end of the day it’s about three points and we got them.”

Phoenix Rising FC has a week off before coming back to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, May 6, against Reno 1868 FC. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by going to www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Swope Park Rangers
Date: April 23, 2017
Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 4-3 SWOPE PARK RANGERS

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 22’, 17-Alessandro Riggi
PHX: 25’, 10-Luke Rooney (PK)
PHX: 27’, 11-Chris Cortez (3-Kody Wakasa)
PHX: 47’, 5-Peter Ramage (10-Luke Rooney)
SPR: 79’, 88-Kevin Oliveira (PK)
SPR: 90’, 88-Kevin Oliveira (23-Colton Storm)
SPR: 90+3’, 32-Christian Duke

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 78’, 3-Kody Wakasa (Red)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi (73’, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa), 10-Luke Rooney (73’, 4-Blair Gavin), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 11-Chris Cortez, 9-Omar Bravo (82’, 24-A.J. Gray).

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 12-Mike Seth, 14-Jason Johnson, 34-J.J. Greer Jr.

PHOENIX (April 23, 2017) — Phoenix Rising FC (2-2-0) handed Swope Park Rangers their first loss of the season, 4-3, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 7,162 fans at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. It’s the third straight sell out crowd for the club and the second straight win at home. The Rangers fall to 3-1-0.

“I think I explained after the first couple games, we weren’t ready to play to be honest,” said Phonix Rising FC Head Coach Frank Yallop. A lot of our guys were in different wave lengths, and I hadn’t figured out the system. The system we play now is excellent.”

Phoenix Rising FC jumped out to a 3-0 lead to head into halftime. Midfielder Alessandro Riggi opened the scoring in the 22nd-minute, curling a shot around Swope Park goalkeeper David Greczek from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.

Rising soon doubled its lead after midfielder Luke Rooney scored off a penalty kick, his third overall goal of the season. Forward Chris Cortez found the back of the net just two minutes later directing a low shot around Greczek and into the bottom left corner of the net.

The scoring continued in the second half for Phoenix Rising FC when defender Peter Ramage got his head on the end of a Rooney corner kick to make it 4-0 in the 47th minute.

But Swope Park Rangers managed a furious comeback in the match’s last 25 minutes. In the 79th minute, Kevin Oliveira converted a penalty to make it 4-1. Oliveira tallied his second goal of the night in the 90th minute, beating goalkeeper Josh Cohen with a shot from inside of the box to make it 4-2. Then Swope Park’s Christian Duke converted an unassisted goal to make it 4-3 and end their attempted comeback.

“They scored three very, very good goals,” Yallop said. “You know we could have scored more. We had a couple on the break where we should have done better. … Anyway (it’s) stuff we can look at and work on, but at the end of the day it’s about three points and we got them.”

Phoenix Rising FC has a week off before coming back to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday, May 6, against Reno 1868 FC. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by going to www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Swope Park Rangers
Date: April 23, 2017
Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 4-3 SWOPE PARK RANGERS

Scoring Summary:
PHX: 22’, 17-Alessandro Riggi
PHX: 25’, 10-Luke Rooney (PK)
PHX: 27’, 11-Chris Cortez (3-Kody Wakasa)
PHX: 47’, 5-Peter Ramage (10-Luke Rooney)
SPR: 79’, 88-Kevin Oliveira (PK)
SPR: 90’, 88-Kevin Oliveira (23-Colton Storm)
SPR: 90+3’, 32-Christian Duke

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 78’, 3-Kody Wakasa (Red)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez, 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi (73’, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa), 10-Luke Rooney (73’, 4-Blair Gavin), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 11-Chris Cortez, 9-Omar Bravo (82’, 24-A.J. Gray).

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 12-Mike Seth, 14-Jason Johnson, 34-J.J. Greer Jr.

PHOENIX (April 8, 2017) — Phoenix Rising Football Club made club history in front of 6,330 fans with a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy II. Powered by two goals from midfielder Luke Rooney, the win is the club’s first since its 2016 rebrand.

“Really proud of the guys,” said Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Frank Yallop. “I thought they really stuck together well, didn’t get on each other’s backs, kept playing, and in the end got what they deserved.”

Phoenix Rising FC had several excruciatingly-close chances in the first half, but couldn’t break through. The best chance came in the 22nd minute. With space around him and dribbling about 25-yards from the net, midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips ripped a rocket toward the net that had the goalkeeper beat. But his shot smacked the post and bounced harmlessly out of danger. The teams entered the half tied 0-0.

“I thought the first thirty minutes was really a joy to watch,” Yallop said. “I mean, really, we could have scored four or five to be honest.”

The second half began with another chance denied for Phoenix Rising FC. Midfielder Alessandro Riggi took a shot from the left-outside edge of the box and forced LA’s Jon Kempin to make a diving save to keep it scoreless.

Three minutes later, Los Dos benefited from a bad bounce to score the match’s first goal. Defender Jordan Stewart attempted to intercept a pass into the box, but the ball took an awkward bounce off his foot and fell to the feet of LA’s Adonis Amaya. The forward buried his opportunity to make it 1-0, Los Dos.

But Phoenix Rising FC’s sustained attack led to its first goal of the match. Omar Bravo forced an LA defender to bring him down in the box, giving Phoenix Rising FC a penalty kick. Rooney stepped to the spot and calmly buried his penalty to equalize 1-1.

Rooney put the match away in the 71st minute. Off a throw in, forward Jason Johnson slotted a pass to Bravo on the left side of the box. Bravo then left the ball off for Rooney at the top of the box. After a swift touch, Rooney wound up and took a shot, beating the goalkeeper to his left for a 2-1 lead and the win.

"I don’t get as much satisfaction in setting up goals," Roney said. "I tried to send Omar in a couple times in the first half (and) had a couple shots myself. One thing that Frank (Yallop) said to me last year, when I first came here, was to take more shots and I had a few tonight and managed to get a couple of goals so that’s always good."

Phoenix Rising FC has a week off before coming back to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Sunday, April 23, against Swope Park Rangers. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by going to www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. LA Galaxy II                       
Date: April 8, 2017
Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-1 LA GALAXY II

Scoring Summary:
LA: 52’, 73-Adonis Amaya
PHX: 61’, 10-Luke Rooney (PK)
PHX: 78’, 10-Luke Rooney (9-Omar Bravo)

Disciplinary Summary:
LA: 60’, 22-Jon Kempin (yellow)
LA: 80’, 69-Andre Zanga (yellow)
 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez (90’+, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa), 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi (75’, 14-Jason Johnson), 10-Luke Rooney, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 11-Chris Cortez, 9-Omar Bravo (80’, 4-Blair Gavin).

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 12-Mike Seth, 16-Brock Granger, 34-J.J. Greer Jr.

Postgame notes:

• Phoenix Rising FC snaps a three-match losing streak to LA Galaxy II
• Luke Rooney becomes the first player to score a goal for the club in 2017.
• Midfielder Alessandro Riggi made his first start with the club.

PHOENIX (April 8, 2017) — Phoenix Rising Football Club made club history in front of 6,330 fans with a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy II. Powered by two goals from midfielder Luke Rooney, the win is the club’s first since its 2016 rebrand.

“Really proud of the guys,” said Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Frank Yallop. “I thought they really stuck together well, didn’t get on each other’s backs, kept playing, and in the end got what they deserved.”

Phoenix Rising FC had several excruciatingly-close chances in the first half, but couldn’t break through. The best chance came in the 22nd minute. With space around him and dribbling about 25-yards from the net, midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips ripped a rocket toward the net that had the goalkeeper beat. But his shot smacked the post and bounced harmlessly out of danger. The teams entered the half tied 0-0.

“I thought the first thirty minutes was really a joy to watch,” Yallop said. “I mean, really, we could have scored four or five to be honest.”

The second half began with another chance denied for Phoenix Rising FC. Midfielder Alessandro Riggi took a shot from the left-outside edge of the box and forced LA’s Jon Kempin to make a diving save to keep it scoreless.

Three minutes later, Los Dos benefited from a bad bounce to score the match’s first goal. Defender Jordan Stewart attempted to intercept a pass into the box, but the ball took an awkward bounce off his foot and fell to the feet of LA’s Adonis Amaya. The forward buried his opportunity to make it 1-0, Los Dos.

But Phoenix Rising FC’s sustained attack led to its first goal of the match. Omar Bravo forced an LA defender to bring him down in the box, giving Phoenix Rising FC a penalty kick. Rooney stepped to the spot and calmly buried his penalty to equalize 1-1.

Rooney put the match away in the 71st minute. Off a throw in, forward Jason Johnson slotted a pass to Bravo on the left side of the box. Bravo then left the ball off for Rooney at the top of the box. After a swift touch, Rooney wound up and took a shot, beating the goalkeeper to his left for a 2-1 lead and the win.

“I don’t get as much satisfaction in setting up goals,” Roney said. “I tried to send Omar in a couple times in the first half (and) had a couple shots myself. One thing that Frank (Yallop) said to me last year, when I first came here, was to take more shots and I had a few tonight and managed to get a couple of goals so that’s always good.”

Phoenix Rising FC has a week off before coming back to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Sunday, April 23, against Swope Park Rangers. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by going to www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. LA Galaxy II                       
Date: April 8, 2017
Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex | Scottsdale, AZ

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-1 LA GALAXY II

Scoring Summary:
LA: 52’, 73-Adonis Amaya
PHX: 61’, 10-Luke Rooney (PK)
PHX: 78’, 10-Luke Rooney (9-Omar Bravo)

Disciplinary Summary:
LA: 60’, 22-Jon Kempin (yellow)
LA: 80’, 69-Andre Zanga (yellow)
 

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 25-Victor Vasquez (90’+, 23-Matthew Hurlow-Paonessa), 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 3-Kody Wakasa; 8-Matt Watson, 17-Alessandro Riggi (75’, 14-Jason Johnson), 10-Luke Rooney, 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips; 11-Chris Cortez, 9-Omar Bravo (80’, 4-Blair Gavin).

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 12-Mike Seth, 16-Brock Granger, 34-J.J. Greer Jr.

Postgame notes:

• Phoenix Rising FC snaps a three-match losing streak to LA Galaxy II
• Luke Rooney becomes the first player to score a goal for the club in 2017.
• Midfielder Alessandro Riggi made his first start with the club.

(April 1, 2017) — In its first road trip of the season, Phoenix Rising Football Club fell to Real Monarchs SLC, 2-0. The club returns home for a four-match homestand beginning on Saturday, April 8, against LA Galaxy II.

Phoenix Rising FC (0-2-0) appeared to be headed toward a scoreless draw after the first half, but midfielder A.J. Gray was called for a foul inside the 18-yard box in stoppage time. Real Monarchs (2-0-0) forward Chandler Hoffman converted the spot kick to give his club a 1-0 lead at the half.

In the second half, Phoenix Rising had its best scoring chance of the match. In the 73rd minute, midfielder Alessandro Riggi dribbled the ball to the top left corner of the 8-yard box and curled a centering pass toward the net. Shaun Wright-Phillips barely got to the end of the pass, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.

Just three minutes later in the 76th minute, Real Monarchs sealed their second win of the season. Midfielder Andrew Brody slotted a pass across the 18-yard box, through the defense to Omar Holness on the right side. Holness found the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to league action on Saturday, April 8, against LA Galaxy II. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available by going to the club’s website at www.www.phxrisingfc.com

 

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Real Monarchs SLC                       
Date: April 1, 2017
Location: Rio Tinto Stadium | Sandy, UT

REAL MONARCHS SLC 2-0 PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
SLC: 45’+, 49-Chandler Hoffman (PK)
SLC: 76’, 12-Omar Holness (45-Andrew Brody)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 36’, 8-Matt Watson (Yellow Card)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 34-J.J. Greer Jr; 8-Matt Watson, 20-Romilio Hernandez (41’, 4-Blair Gavin), 25-Victor Vasquez (78’, 17-Alessandro Riggi), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 24-A.J. Gray; 14-Jason Johnson (51’, 23-Matt Hurlow-Paonessa), 9-Omar Bravo.

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 10-Luke Rooney, 11-Chris Cortez, 12-Mike Seth

Postgame notes:

• Midfielder Romilio Hernandez and forward Matt Hurlow-Paonessa made their professional debuts. Hernandez started and played 40 minutes. Hurlow-Paonessa came off the bench as a sub in the 51st minute. The duo become the third and fourth players in the club’s first two matches to make his professional debut. The other two were defenders Victor Vasquez and Kody Wakasa.
• Defender Jordan Stewart made his Phoenix Rising FC debut and played all 90 minutes. Along with Hernandez and Hurlow-Paonessa, the club has had 14 different players make their club debuts in the first two matches.

(April 1, 2017) — In its first road trip of the season, Phoenix Rising Football Club fell to Real Monarchs SLC, 2-0. The club returns home for a four-match homestand beginning on Saturday, April 8, against LA Galaxy II.

Phoenix Rising FC (0-2-0) appeared to be headed toward a scoreless draw after the first half, but midfielder A.J. Gray was called for a foul inside the 18-yard box in stoppage time. Real Monarchs (2-0-0) forward Chandler Hoffman converted the spot kick to give his club a 1-0 lead at the half.

In the second half, Phoenix Rising had its best scoring chance of the match. In the 73rd minute, midfielder Alessandro Riggi dribbled the ball to the top left corner of the 8-yard box and curled a centering pass toward the net. Shaun Wright-Phillips barely got to the end of the pass, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.

Just three minutes later in the 76th minute, Real Monarchs sealed their second win of the season. Midfielder Andrew Brody slotted a pass across the 18-yard box, through the defense to Omar Holness on the right side. Holness found the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Phoenix Rising FC returns to league action on Saturday, April 8, against LA Galaxy II. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available by going to the club’s website at www.www.phxrisingfc.com

 

Match: Phoenix Rising FC at Real Monarchs SLC                       
Date: April 1, 2017
Location: Rio Tinto Stadium | Sandy, UT

REAL MONARCHS SLC 2-0 PHOENIX RISING FC

Scoring Summary:
SLC: 45’+, 49-Chandler Hoffman (PK)
SLC: 76’, 12-Omar Holness (45-Andrew Brody)

Disciplinary Summary:
PHX: 36’, 8-Matt Watson (Yellow Card)

PRFC Starting XI: 18-Josh Cohen; 33-Jordan Stewart, 5-Peter Ramage, 34-J.J. Greer Jr; 8-Matt Watson, 20-Romilio Hernandez (41’, 4-Blair Gavin), 25-Victor Vasquez (78’, 17-Alessandro Riggi), 29-Shaun Wright-Phillips, 24-A.J. Gray; 14-Jason Johnson (51’, 23-Matt Hurlow-Paonessa), 9-Omar Bravo.

Substitutions Not Used: 1-Carl Woszczynski, 10-Luke Rooney, 11-Chris Cortez, 12-Mike Seth

Postgame notes:

• Midfielder Romilio Hernandez and forward Matt Hurlow-Paonessa made their professional debuts. Hernandez started and played 40 minutes. Hurlow-Paonessa came off the bench as a sub in the 51st minute. The duo become the third and fourth players in the club’s first two matches to make his professional debut. The other two were defenders Victor Vasquez and Kody Wakasa.
• Defender Jordan Stewart made his Phoenix Rising FC debut and played all 90 minutes. Along with Hernandez and Hurlow-Paonessa, the club has had 14 different players make their club debuts in the first two matches.

(March 25, 2017) Phoenix Rising FC opened its brand-new soccer-specific stadium in front of a record-breaking crowd of 6,890 during a 1-0 loss to Toronto FC II

“They moved the ball quite sharply,” said Phoenix Rising FC head coach Frank Yallop. “I said to the guys at halftime, we didn’t really pass the ball well at all in the first half. And I think that they did and that was the difference in the game to be honest.”

Toronto FC II got on the board early, notching a goal in the 7th minute off the boot of Ryan Tefler. Phoenix Rising responded with a strong finish to the first half.

But the club’s best chances of the night came in the second half, when they generated nine shots, and forced Toronto goalkeeer Mark Pais into a tough save. Despite the sustained pressure, Phoenix Rising couldn’t break through for an equalizer.

“We still got to come together as one, but we had a couple opportunities,” said forward Mike Seth. “We just needed to capitalize on some of those going forward from here on out.”

Added midfielder Matt Watson: “I think our team lacks a little bit of chemistry. We are still trying to get the right people in the right places. … That last cross, that last finish was lacking tonight, and I think that will come with time.”

The loss didn’t dampen what was an otherwise joyful evening as the club opened the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in front of a sold out crowd.

“It’s obviously an amazing accomplishment that has been achieved here,” Watson said. “I’m honored to be a part of the team, and hopefully something special going forward. It was obviously disappointing not to win, but it was good to be out here in front of the fans.”

Phoenix Rising FC will return to league play on Saturday, April 1, on the road against Real Monarchs SLC.

(March 25, 2017) Phoenix Rising FC opened its brand-new soccer-specific stadium in front of a record-breaking crowd of 6,890 during a 1-0 loss to Toronto FC II

“They moved the ball quite sharply,” said Phoenix Rising FC head coach Frank Yallop. “I said to the guys at halftime, we didn’t really pass the ball well at all in the first half. And I think that they did and that was the difference in the game to be honest.”

Toronto FC II got on the board early, notching a goal in the 7th minute off the boot of Ryan Tefler. Phoenix Rising responded with a strong finish to the first half.

But the club’s best chances of the night came in the second half, when they generated nine shots, and forced Toronto goalkeeer Mark Pais into a tough save. Despite the sustained pressure, Phoenix Rising couldn’t break through for an equalizer.

“We still got to come together as one, but we had a couple opportunities,” said forward Mike Seth. “We just needed to capitalize on some of those going forward from here on out.”

Added midfielder Matt Watson: “I think our team lacks a little bit of chemistry. We are still trying to get the right people in the right places. … That last cross, that last finish was lacking tonight, and I think that will come with time.”

The loss didn’t dampen what was an otherwise joyful evening as the club opened the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in front of a sold out crowd.

“It’s obviously an amazing accomplishment that has been achieved here,” Watson said. “I’m honored to be a part of the team, and hopefully something special going forward. It was obviously disappointing not to win, but it was good to be out here in front of the fans.”

Phoenix Rising FC will return to league play on Saturday, April 1, on the road against Real Monarchs SLC.

Phoenix Rising FC closed out their preseason with a 1-1 draw against Grand Canyon University at GCU Soccer Stadium.

“Fitness levels are just about there,” said Phoenix Rising FC defender Peter Ramage. “We are still doing a lot of work on team shape and tactical play, which will come together. … We are confident going into the first game. We’ve had a good preseason. Good games, tough games. So we are just about ready.”

Added midfielder Luke Rooney: “I think if you come watch our training sessions, if you look individually at the squad of players we have, we are going to be a good side this year. … That is the main thing, just getting the team to gel. If we do that we will be fine this year.”

The club’s lone goal came off a corner in the 39th minute. Mifielder Luke Rooney smacked his corner kick long, bypassing the mass of players in the middle of the box. Ramage found some space off the back of the crowd of players and he headed the ball underneath the crossbar as he fell away.

“Yeah it’s always nice to get a goal,” Ramage said. “I’ve set myself a target for the season to try and contribute more in that end of the pitch and luckily for me it was me to get the goal tonight.”

The starters played for just over an hour before head coach Frank Yallop took them out to protect them from possible injury. One starter, Jordan Stewart, had to come off midway through the first half as a precaution.

“We practiced a lot of 11v11 with (the starters) and it showed tonight when we started to get the same combinations that we worked on in training,” Yallop said. “The finishing wasn’t quite there, but at the end of the day its a preseason game with nothing at stake and we’ll be ready to go for the beginning of the season.”

Phoenix Rising FC will kick off league play at 7:30 pm on Saturday, March 25, against Toronto FC II.  The match will be the club’s inaugural home opener at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex, located near the intersection of the 101 and 202 highways, north of the 202 loop and east of McClintock Drive in South Scottsdale. Fans can purchase tickets to the home opener and other individual matches and select their seats online by going to the club’s website at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Phoenix Rising FC closed out their preseason with a 1-1 draw against Grand Canyon University at GCU Soccer Stadium.

“Fitness levels are just about there,” said Phoenix Rising FC defender Peter Ramage. “We are still doing a lot of work on team shape and tactical play, which will come together. … We are confident going into the first game. We’ve had a good preseason. Good games, tough games. So we are just about ready.”

Added midfielder Luke Rooney: “I think if you come watch our training sessions, if you look individually at the squad of players we have, we are going to be a good side this year. … That is the main thing, just getting the team to gel. If we do that we will be fine this year.”

The club’s lone goal came off a corner in the 39th minute. Mifielder Luke Rooney smacked his corner kick long, bypassing the mass of players in the middle of the box. Ramage found some space off the back of the crowd of players and he headed the ball underneath the crossbar as he fell away.

“Yeah it’s always nice to get a goal,” Ramage said. “I’ve set myself a target for the season to try and contribute more in that end of the pitch and luckily for me it was me to get the goal tonight.”

The starters played for just over an hour before head coach Frank Yallop took them out to protect them from possible injury. One starter, Jordan Stewart, had to come off midway through the first half as a precaution.

“We practiced a lot of 11v11 with (the starters) and it showed tonight when we started to get the same combinations that we worked on in training,” Yallop said. “The finishing wasn’t quite there, but at the end of the day its a preseason game with nothing at stake and we’ll be ready to go for the beginning of the season.”

Phoenix Rising FC will kick off league play at 7:30 pm on Saturday, March 25, against Toronto FC II.  The match will be the club’s inaugural home opener at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex, located near the intersection of the 101 and 202 highways, north of the 202 loop and east of McClintock Drive in South Scottsdale. Fans can purchase tickets to the home opener and other individual matches and select their seats online by going to the club’s website at www.www.phxrisingfc.com.

Phoenix Rising FC debuted a few of the club’s newest signings in a 2-2 preseason draw with Grand Canyon University’s men’s soccer team. Unlike its first preseason match of the season, Phoenix Rising FC started the match with 11 signed players on the pitch who played the first 30 minutes.

“We have still a lot of work to do in the next three or four weeks getting ready for our home opener,” said Phoenix Rising FC head coach Frank Yallop. “We could be creative and create some good chances. We just need to be a better unit as a team.”

Forward Omar Bravo, midfielders Shaun Wright-Phillips, Allesandro Riggi, Matt Watson, Jason Johnson, defender J.J. Greer Jr. and goalkeeper Josh Cohen made their Phoenix Rising FC debuts in front of a boisterous crowd at GCU Soccer Stadium.

“It was incredible,” Bravo said. “I was surprised with the support of the people and the fans. I understand many of them are Chivas fans, but I hope that they can also become fans of this team. And that they keep supporting us throughout the season.”

Added Wright-Phillips: “Amazing spirit and hopefully they pack our stadium with the same amount of noise and hopefully we do them proud.”

In a match with three 30-minute frames, the starting XI played to a 0-0 draw after the first 30 minutes before several starters were subbed off. The Lopes took a lead in the 36th minute when Wedner Delmonte found the upper left corner of the net. Another goal didn’t come until the 58th minute after GCU’s Daniel Moreno buried a cross from teammate Jordan Slack to make it 2-0.

But Phoenix Rising FC clawed its way back into the match after earning two penalties. The first goal came in the 60th minute off a blocked penalty kick rebound. The second came in the 69th minute when Mike Seth found the back of the net to tie the match 2-2.

“Once we started playing we created a few chances,” Yallop said. “Once we got in our rhythm a little bit in the final third, we really created some nice chances. The last thing to come when you are a new team is (chemistry).”

Phoenix Rising FC will play its second and final preseason match in Arizona on Friday, March 17, at GCU Soccer Stadium in a rematch with GCU men’s soccer. The match will kickoff at 7 p.m. and admission will be free to the public.

 

Phoenix Rising FC at Grand Canyon University

Saturday, March 4, 2017

GCU Soccer Stadium | Phoenix, AZ

Weather: Party cloudy, 68 degrees

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-2 GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

Scoring Summary

GCU: ’36, 17-Wedner Delmonte (10-Evan Waldrep)

GCU: ’58, 26-Daniel Moreno (2-Jordan Slack)

PHX: ’60, R. Nydard

PHX: ’69, 12-Mike Seth (PK)

 

Phoenix Rising FC debuted a few of the club’s newest signings in a 2-2 preseason draw with Grand Canyon University’s men’s soccer team. Unlike its first preseason match of the season, Phoenix Rising FC started the match with 11 signed players on the pitch who played the first 30 minutes.

“We have still a lot of work to do in the next three or four weeks getting ready for our home opener,” said Phoenix Rising FC head coach Frank Yallop. “We could be creative and create some good chances. We just need to be a better unit as a team.”

Forward Omar Bravo, midfielders Shaun Wright-Phillips, Allesandro Riggi, Matt Watson, Jason Johnson, defender J.J. Greer Jr. and goalkeeper Josh Cohen made their Phoenix Rising FC debuts in front of a boisterous crowd at GCU Soccer Stadium.

“It was incredible,” Bravo said. “I was surprised with the support of the people and the fans. I understand many of them are Chivas fans, but I hope that they can also become fans of this team. And that they keep supporting us throughout the season.”

Added Wright-Phillips: “Amazing spirit and hopefully they pack our stadium with the same amount of noise and hopefully we do them proud.”

In a match with three 30-minute frames, the starting XI played to a 0-0 draw after the first 30 minutes before several starters were subbed off. The Lopes took a lead in the 36th minute when Wedner Delmonte found the upper left corner of the net. Another goal didn’t come until the 58th minute after GCU’s Daniel Moreno buried a cross from teammate Jordan Slack to make it 2-0.

But Phoenix Rising FC clawed its way back into the match after earning two penalties. The first goal came in the 60th minute off a blocked penalty kick rebound. The second came in the 69th minute when Mike Seth found the back of the net to tie the match 2-2.

“Once we started playing we created a few chances,” Yallop said. “Once we got in our rhythm a little bit in the final third, we really created some nice chances. The last thing to come when you are a new team is (chemistry).”

Phoenix Rising FC will play its second and final preseason match in Arizona on Friday, March 17, at GCU Soccer Stadium in a rematch with GCU men’s soccer. The match will kickoff at 7 p.m. and admission will be free to the public.

 

Phoenix Rising FC at Grand Canyon University

Saturday, March 4, 2017

GCU Soccer Stadium | Phoenix, AZ

Weather: Party cloudy, 68 degrees

 

PHOENIX RISING FC 2-2 GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

Scoring Summary

GCU: ’36, 17-Wedner Delmonte (10-Evan Waldrep)

GCU: ’58, 26-Daniel Moreno (2-Jordan Slack)

PHX: ’60, R. Nydard

PHX: ’69, 12-Mike Seth (PK)