Phoenix Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings named USL Player of the Week

Phoenix Rising FC forward Junior Flemmings has been named USL Championship’s Week 7 Player of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday.

“I think the big thing for Junior that we’ve seen is the consistency in his everyday approach,” manager Rick Schantz told media on a Zoom call. “He comes to training, he takes care of his body, he works hard every day.

“He thinks about the game a lot more tactically than he used to, asks a lot of questions. He understands that he has his job to do and instead of worry about everyone else, he’s been a great pro and a great teammate.”

PRFC captain Solomon Asante and center back A.J. Cochran were also named to Week 7’s Team of the Week as honorable mentions.

Phoenix Rising has now had two Players of the Week and 10 total appearances on the Team of the Week in just six matches played this season.

Flemmings is coming off of a three-goal performance in Saturday night’s 5-2 win over rival New Mexico United in which he also completed 12 of 15 passes overall.

A look at Flemmings’ goal, his 5th of the season.

2-1 | #PHXvNM pic.twitter.com/bpsTSTtnfb

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) August 9, 2020

The Jamaican international’s hat trick puts him tied atop the league’s scoring charts with Indy Eleven’s Tyler Pasher at seven goals apiece.

A look at Flemmo’s 6th goal of the year. He now leads #PRFC in goals.

4-2 | #PHXvNM pic.twitter.com/sv6MYFr0YP

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) August 9, 2020

However, Pasher and Indy have played eight games in 2020, while Flemmings and Phoenix Rising have only played six.

Santi Moar with his 2nd assist and Flemming’s 7th goal of the year.

Flemmo is now tied with Indy Eleven’s Tyler Pasher for the Golden Boot. However, Indy has played 8 games while Phoenix Rising has only played 6.

5-2 | #PHXvNM pic.twitter.com/INJ6U8hIgw

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) August 9, 2020

Cochran had one goal, one interception and three tackles won in Saturday night’s contest.

The goal marks the defender’s first of the year and Asante’s fifth assist of the 2020 campaign.

A look at AJ Cochran’s goal and Solo Asante’s 5th assist of the season.

3-2 | #PHXvNM pic.twitter.com/oHF44aSXmm

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) August 9, 2020

The Western Conference assist leader had two on the night and is tied for second-most assists in USL Championship.

And due to San Diego Loyal SC’s match against Las Vegas Lights FC being postponed Saturday night, Phoenix jumped San Diego for the top spot in Group B.

#USL Championship Group B:

1️⃣PHX: 13 points (4-1-1)

2️⃣SD: 11 points (3-2-1)

3️⃣LA: 9 points (3-0-1)

4️⃣OC: 5 points (1-2-0)

5️⃣LV: 1 point (0-1-2)

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) August 9, 2020

Phoenix Rising will get a chance to distance itself from the rest of Group B, as the club hosts San Diego on Aug. 15 at Casino Arizona Field.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be audio broadcasted live on ArizonaSports.com and on the new Arizona Sports app.

Follow @jwa1994