PHOENIX RISING FC

First time for everything: Phoenix Rising FC picks up 1st win in San Antonio

Apr 2, 2022, 9:58 PM | Updated: 10:02 pm

Phoenix Rising FC captain Darnell Kings (left) and SAFC midfielder David Loera (right) play in a 2-...

Phoenix Rising FC captain Darnell Kings (left) and SAFC midfielder David Loera (right) play in a 2-0 PRFC win in San Antonio, Texas, on April 2, 2022. (San Antonio FC Photo)

(San Antonio FC Photo)

There’s a first time for everything, especially when it comes to Phoenix Rising FC this season.

PRFC came into Saturday night’s match away to San Antonio FC on the heels of back-to-back defeats, a first for Phoenix and manager Rick Schantz since October 2018.

And with a dominating 2-0 win over SAFC on the night, Rising not only won its first away game on the campaign, but Phoenix also won its first match in San Antonio in club history. The clean sheet also marks the first of the year for both PRFC and goalkeeper Ben Lundt.

The final “first” of the match came off the foot of forward Marcus Epps, who came off the bench to score his first goal in a Rising kit on his first shot of the season against his former team.

As he promised earlier in the week, Schantz made a multitude of changes to his starting XI, but not necessarily to his system.

Rising went out in its usual 4-3-3, with Greg Hurst playing as the left winger while Joey Calistri served on the opposite attacking flank in place of Santi Moar and Epps, respectively.

Phoenix’s trademark high-pressure tactic was back to its usual standards, as San Antonio struggled to create any real threatening chances despite having 45.9% possession. PRFC’s seven clearances, 11 interceptions, 69.2% tackle success rate and 66.7% aerial duels won played a large part in the team’s impressive defensive effort.

Rising also saw a noticeable increase in service and crosses into the box, a large majority of which came from the left side with left back and Valley native Ryan Flood starting at left back. Starting LB Babou Njie was out due to a lower-body injury.

Phoenix out-crossed San Antonio 23-10 and forced SAFC to clear the ball 31 times. PRFC also commanded the shots battle 21-5 (9-2 on target) while amassing six corners compared to only allowing one.

And despite San Antonio’s starting goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla retiring earlier in the week due to personal reasons, SAFC backup GK Jordan Farr was more than ready to take over in net.

Farr put in a Man of the Match-worthy performance with multiple quick-reaction saves, two of which denied Rising center back Joe Farrell from scoring via header.

STOPPAGE TIME

– Center Back James Musa was out with a lower-body injury. The Kiwi missed the first two games of the season due to a hamstring issue.

– Midfielder Carlos Anguiano and Richmond Antwi made their PRFC debuts as substitutes in the second half.

UP NEXT

Phoenix Rising hosts NISA newcomer and Mesa-based Valley United SC in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler at 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix Rising FC

Arizona Diamondbacks...

Kevin Zimmerman

5 things Arizona sports fans can be thankful for in 2023

We hope the vibes at your Thanksgiving table, big or small, are good ones. The vibes out there in the Arizona sports universe? Pretty good.

8 days ago

Phoenix Rising FC celebrates its 2023 USL Championship title...

Arizona Sports

Phoenix Rising FC wins USL title in improbable way vs. Charleston Battery

Just liked the legend of the Phoenix, Rising FC cannot be killed.

18 days ago

Phoenix Rising FC coach Juan Guerra. (Ashley Orellana Photo)...

David Veenstra

Phoenix Rising FC opens USL Championship playoffs at San Diego Loyal

Phoenix Rising begins the USL Championship playoffs on the road Sunday at 7 p.m. against San Diego Loyal SC at a sold-out Torero Stadium.

1 month ago

Associated Press

Spain takes down England to win its 1st Women’s World Cup title

Spain won its first Women’s World Cup title over England less than a year after a player rebellion, after Olga Carmona’s first-half goal.

3 months ago

Stephen Gugliociello

Arizona Cardinal partners send supportive letters to USWNT stars

A couple of the Cardinals are showing off their writing as they write to their favorite ladies as they compete for the Women's World Cup.

4 months ago

Phoenix Rising FC...

Arizona Sports

Phoenix, Tucson land women’s USL Super League soccer teams

Phoenix and Tucson are among the initial group of markets included in the new women's USL Super League set to kick off August 2024.

7 months ago

First time for everything: Phoenix Rising FC picks up 1st win in San Antonio