Rising hold on for win over Bold in quarterfinal
Phoenix Rising FC took the rubber match against Austin Bold FC during a penalty shootout in the USL Western Conference quarterfinals 0-0 AET (8-7).
“Ironically, we worked on pens (penalties) for the last two weeks and we’ve been awful in training,” head coach Rick Schantz said. “We got in the huddle and I said ‘Stay confident. Believe in yourselves, we’re here for a reason’ and they all stepped up to the pressure.”
With Bold FC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo leaning and extending his arms to the left side of the net, defender A.J. Cochran sealed the match by dropping the ball through the center of the net.
“My emotions are at an all-time high. I know earlier on in the season I missed the fifth PK versus New Mexico to get us knocked out of the Open Cup and I was hoping for the opportunity to redeem myself,” Cochran said. “We have a ‘never die mentality’ on this team and we kept zeros and fought the whole way through. We had Zac (Lubin) make two unbelievable saves during PK’s and just gave me the opportunity at the ninth PK to go up there and do my job and I was just happy to be able to put it away.”
The match marked the 21st straight sellout crowd for Rising FC, with 6,642 fans showing up to Casino Arizona Field.
In the penalty shootout, the penalty kicks were shot in front of the team’s
Supporters section, a for Rising FC.
“Every time I stepped up, they were chanting my name,” goalkeeper Zachary Lubin said. “It gave me that extra energy and extra power on the dives. They got me buzzing and I think that gets in the head of the shooter. So, I’m glad that we got to shoot right in front of our Supporters section.”
In gutsy fashion, Schantz made substitutions for his top-two goal scorers, Solomon Asante in the 113th minute for Jason Johnson and Adam Jahn in the 118th minute for Ben Spencer.
Schantz said he substituted Jahn because of cramps in Jahn’s groin. He added Asante admitted he was feeling ‘tight.’
“With all the stuff that’s gone on for Solo (Asante), I mean what a selfless leader to say ‘Coach, if it goes to penalties, it’s okay, I don’t have to be on the field,’” Schantz said. “I can’t say enough good things about this kid. He’s had some rough times lately, but that’s what captains do is they think about the team first.”
Rising FC seeks to avenge its only home defeat as they take on Real Monarchs in the USL Western Conference semifinals next Friday at 7:30 pm at Casino Arizona Field. notable advantage