Phoenix Rising FC to host Portland Timbers 2 for 2020 home opener

Phoenix Rising FC announced on Monday that its 2020 home schedule will begin with a match against Portland Timbers 2 at Casino Arizona Field on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix played Portland twice in 2019, winning both games by scores of 5-3 and 4-2.

The squad will play its first road game on March 14 at Real Monarchs. The Rising’s full 2020 schedule was set to be announced later this week.

Rising FC will try to improve on a 2019 season that built high hopes but ultimately did not end in a championship.

In 2019, Phoenix (24-4-6) went on a 20-game win streak that ended on Sept. 22, marking the first loss since May 4. It broke the record for the longest win streak in American pro soccer history, previously held by the LA Galaxy in the late 90s (16 wins).

Rising FC went to the playoffs and beat Austin Bold FC before losing 2-1 to Real Monarchs SLC in the Western Conference Semifinals at home. Phoenix was eliminated before reaching the finals, where it had advanced and lost the season prior.

At season’s end, captain Solomon Asante was named the USL’s MVP after leading the league in both goals and assists. Head coach Rick Schantz was named Coach of the Year.

The Rising’s home opener in 2019 was against New Mexico United on March 16 and was the team’s second game of the season; Phoenix opened its schedule on the road at San Antonio on March 9.

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