5,000 see Rising open with win over San Diego
Phoenix Rising won in fashion with a 4-1 victory over San Diego Loyal in their first game of the season at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium.
It was a night where 5,000 fans, many sporting their Rising shirts, got to experience what life is like at Wild Horse Pass, which is on the Gila River Indian Community off Interstate 10.
“It was fantastic playing in front of the fans in the new stadium,” Ryan Flood said. "It was just (overall) a wonderful feeling."
Fans who couldn't attend the game got their first viewing of the squad as well given the game was televised on ESPN 2.
There were questions heading into the game who the starters were given the shaky performances that happened throughout the preseason.
Phoenix Rising manager decided to bring out a mostly veteran squad with loaner goalkeeper Andre Rawls (returning starter Zac Lubin is out with an injury), Darnell King, Tobi Adewole, James Musa, Flood, Kevon Lambert, Aodhan Quinn, Jon Bakero, Solomon Asante (C), Rufat Dadashov and Santi Moar.
Rising came out with a high pressure, which caused issues for Loyal and created turnovers.
It was all Rising in the first half as a couple of threatening chances were saved, blocked or hit the post. They were able to convert a goal through Dadashov but it was disallowed as he was offside.
After nine shots without a score, Rising broke through in the 39th minute as Flood's shot was saved but Bakero was there to rebound it to give them 1-0 lead.
It topped off a strong first half for Rising whose attack generated 13 shots with six on target and defensively gave up no shots.
It was similar story in the second half, where the Rising attack was more threatening and Loyal squandered their chances.
A similar goal to the first as Moar was there to rebound Bakeros shot that was saved in 55th minute to give them a 2-0 lead.
Their lead was cut to one in the 65th minute as former Rising striker Ben Spencer was found in the middle and finished the chance in their first shot of the game.
Rising responded quickly after as a turnover at the back for Loyal led to a beautiful setup by Moar for Quinn to convert giving them a 3-1 lead in the 67th minute.
They were not done as the beautiful shot from outside the box by Lambert capped off the scoring at 4-1.
"There was a lot of doubt going into the game," Schantz said. "I told the guys to stay off social media but I was paying attention and I told them no one expects us to win and no one believes in us but I trust in my veterans and these are good kids."
It was a total team effort that made the difference in the game and left Schantz happy about their performance.
"When you're at home, you get that extra 10%," Schantz said. "I was so proud that every single one of them did their job. They were very organized and did what I asked of them (which was to) run more than their opponent, press them and don't let them have any room."
Flood's standout performance
It was Flood's first start for the club in that wingback spot and came up big. His defensive display and ability to create opportunities moving forward including his shot that was saved and set up the first goal.
“He is a very athletic guy and I like his willingness to play it forward and press,” Moar said. “He is a great player. I am glad he got his pro debut today and I am super happy for him ”
LGTBQ+ Initiatives
The matchup marked the first regular season match between the clubs since the controversial meeting in San Diego last September that ended when the Loyal forfeited the game in protest midway through the contest, after the club claimed Rising's Junior Flemmings directed a homophobic slur at Collin Martin, an openly gay player.
In response, the club had special activations features in the game. Both clubs’ captains displayed Forever Proud captain’s armbands and corner flags. The teams came together prior to the opening kickoff in a show of solidarity with the USL’s recently launched Forever Proud project, which was created to reinforce USL’s commitment to social impact initiatives including support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities.