Stenberg’s 2nd-half goal lifts Rising to 2nd victory
Phoenix Rising FC earned its second win of the USL Championship season Saturday night on its home field, defeating the Colorado Springs Switchbacks 1-0.
The win comes on the heels of last week’s draw against FC Tulsa. The victory moved Phoenix to 2-1-3 on the season and has them sitting in seventh place, with seven points in the Western Conference.
Head coach Danny Stone said the victory was a step forward for the club, noting it had offensive chances that probably should have led to more scoring.
“I felt that we had great momentum to score more than one goal,” he said. “To be completely fair, we probably should have killed the game a bit earlier. I know games ending 1-0 means either team had the chance to take that victory. However, it’s not for me to take away anything from the performance, I like the effort from the players, they created many opportunities and chances to turn this game into a 4-0.”
First half stalemate
The first half was a scoreless stalemate,
as both teams fought for possession in midfield. However, the Rising had more presence in the attack, but were unable to finish any shots to the back of the net. They had nine shots on target to Colorado’s one shot in the first half.
Giulio Doratiotto and Mohamed Traore of Phoenix both drew yellow cards early in the game and had to play
carefully for the rest of the first half.
Second half thriller
Following halftime, Phoenix came out on the attack. Shot after shot came in from the defending league champions, forcing Colorado’s goalkeeper Christian Herrera to make multiple saves.
It wasn’t until the 71st minute when Phoenix captain John Stenberg collected a ricocheted ball into the back of the net for what proved the only goal.
“It was a great feeling,” said Stenberg. “We felt like we had a good control of the game. We said at halftime that we had to be harder in the box and go for it more. I’m just happy to be at the right spot at the right time. The fans is why we’re here, it’s why I play. We had preseason games where there was no one, and it sucks. Playing with this club means a lot. It’s a lot of responsibility and I enjoy it.”
The Rising outshot the Switchbacks, 21-4 in the game.
Up next
Phoenix Rising will host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on April 20. Colorado (0-0-5) next face Indy Eleven.
“I say the word life, I say the word energy and I say the word intensity a lot,” said coach Stones. “Tonight felt that everyone had good energy in this game. There was a spark to this game and that’s positive to look forward. To have a squad of 24 players who are all at that high level and compete for the eleven spots is an incredibly important thing and they approach it with a great attitude. They help each other out to succeed.”