Rising FC to defend Western lead against Reno
Phoenix Rising FC has a six-point lead in the USL Western Conference standings as it has continued to fend off would-be challengers.
From tactical changes to painstaking slide tackles, opponents have given Rising FC new tests in the latter end to this season.
Rising FC’s dominant attack hasn’t produced the same number of goals it did previously against the likes of OKC Energy, Austin Bold and Portland Timbers 2.
However, Phoenix has kept its winning form intact by taking advantage of opponents’ mental mistakes late in games.
Nearly two weeks ago in Los Angeles, Rising FC forward Joey Calistri crept inside the 18-yard box, where he collected a poorly-cleared Galaxy II header and scored with a volley strike to clinch the win.
Rising FC captain Solomon Asante delivered three points for Phoenix last week against El Paso after a penalty was given for a foul on forward Adam Jahn.
Rising FC coaches and players, alike have said that the Western Conference teams have made adjustments to deal with Phoenix. It’s no guarantee that the next opponent, Reno 1868 FC, will mimic El Paso’s aggressive approach, but Rising FC assistant coach Blair Gavin said they’re prepared either way.
“For an extended couple of periods, it did put us out of our game. Maybe that’s exactly what (El Paso) wanted,” Gavin said Tuesday. “Will other teams follow suit? Maybe. But the nice thing is that we saw it, talked about it and prepared for it.”
The increased aggression from other teams has resulted in more goals conceded and stunted Rising FC’s goal production.
The mental mistakes in games have been twofold. The latest came in the form of a dangerous pass from Rising FC fullback Amadou Dia.
One week ago against El Paso, Dia made a back pass under pressure intended for center back Doueugui Mala, who was positioned on the edge of the 18-yard box..
The intercepted pass turned into a momentum-stealing, equalizing goal for El Paso’s Edson Partida.
From that moment in the 26th minute, Phoenix had to adjust, matching El Paso’s toughness. The intensity increased so much so, that El Paso’s James Kiffe was eventually sent off after his elbow knocked Asante to the ground in the 44th minute.
Mistakes aside, both Gavin and Dia said that the response to those mistakes have kept Rising FC from dropping points.
Friday’s matchup between conference leaders Phoenix Rising and second-place Reno 1868 FC will be the fourth edition of $1 Beer Night, in which Rising FC remains undefeated.
Up next
– Reno has scored 51 goals this season, the second-most behind Rising FC. Reno is led by July’s USL Player of the Month, Corey Hertzog, who has 11 goals this season. Rising FC is undefeated on $1 Beer Night.