With cross-country trip looming, Rising ready
For the first time since 2018, USL teams are playing inter-conference games this season.
On Saturday, that means Phoenix Rising FC is playing its first-ever match against Charlotte Independence. The trip is the Rising’s second to the East Coast this season, after 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 15. Seven games later, that remains one of just two losses for Phoenix on the campaign.
And though Saturday’s game comes against a Charlotte side that’s lost its last three games, Phoenix’s travel could result in heavy legs.
“You’re flying four and a half, five hours, three-hour time difference and then you’re playing in the humidity, it’s gonna be a challenge,” Rising manager Rick Schantz said.
Charlotte, though, will have fatigue issues of its own after playing midweek games the past two weeks. For Schantz, that comes as a welcome relief for an opponent that usually relies on its counter attacking abilities.
“They’re usually pretty good in transition so maybe if they’re a little fatigued, their transition moments won’t be as fast or as explosive,” Schantz said.
Still, Charlotte’s formation and individual quality are likely to pose problems for Phoenix. While most USL teams play more traditional formations with four defenders, the Independence typically opt for a 3-4-3, with two aggressive, attacking wing backs — a similar set up to the one Tampa Bay used to beat the Rising.
“One thing I know about (Charlotte coach Mike Jeffries) is he’s consistent, he does things the same all the time and there’s a lot to be said about that,” Schantz said. “I believe that simplicity is genius and he knows exactly what he wants from his team. They try to build out of the back, but if you press them, they’re willing to go long.”
And, when Charlotte goes long, they have one of the best strikers in USL to play through in Dane Kelly.
Kelly, the league’s 2017 MVP, has scored the most goals in league history, with 91 in 210 appearances with six different teams. In two years in Charlotte, he’s continued that goalscoring form, posing a stern test for a Rising backline that hasn’t conceded more than two goals in a game all season.
“Dane Kelly, he can really fly,” Schantz said. “It’ll be a huge challenge for us but I think that we’ll be ready.”
Fortunately for Phoenix, though, Schantz expects center back Joey Farrell to return from injury after missing Saturday’s 3-0 win over LA Galaxy II.