Starting XI: Carl Woszcynski (GK), Amadeu Dia (LB) Mike Da Fonte (CB) Doeueuegi Mala (CB), Davonte Dubose (RB), Kevon Labmbert (MF), Collin Fernandez (MF), Solomon Asante (RAM), Gladson Awako (CAM), Jason Johnson (LAM), Chris Cortez (F)

Subs: Zach Lubin (GK), Billy Forbes (F) Alessandro Riggi (MF), Luca Ricci (MF) Kody Wakasa (D), Victor Vasquez (D)

Game Summary:

Reno returns to the pitch after traveling to RGV for a game which was postponed due to weather.  Weather also played a large role in their week 2 game against the Las Vegas Lights, a windblown affair ending in a 1-1 draw.  Reno is starting a goalkeeper in Kyle Ihn who reportedly was signed just yesterday.

Woz was up to the challenge early in first minute of the match as Antoine Hoppenot was given room to send a ball across the box which connected with Reno Midfielder Van Ewijk.  Brian Brown made a smart run shortly after which was smothered by the fan favorite.

Rising FC’s defense showed some considerable disorganization early, allowing Hoppenot to feed the ball to a completely unmarked Calvillo who sent the ball wide in the 8th minute after a rushed challenge by Dia.

As seen in prior play, the mix of Amadeu Dia and Jason Johnson pose a major threat on the left side.  Dia’s offensive prowess and Johnson’s speed allowed Johnson to place an attractive cross in the 12 minute which went untouched by Rising players in the center.

Asante’s long cross to Jason Johnson in the 16th minute found Johnson’s head, but the ball was off center and controlled by Ihn with ease.  A foul called on Johnson had a result been reached.

Chris Cortez was on the end of another Asante cross in the 21st minute, but found a hard challenge by the Reno defender and couldn’t put enough mustard on it to give Ihn a significant challenge.

Phoenix had a chance in the 27th minute when a low cross from the right was put in by Johnson pinballed, but Cortez found himself behind some bumpers and Ihn was able to jump on the ball for the stop.

Shortly after, Reno’s Brian Brown found himself in the middle of the field with the ball at his feet and Mike Da Fonte on the ground.  Mala closed the gap to guard against a shot, resulting in an unsuccessful Reno corner.

In the 35th minute, Awako placed a rocket into the side of Reno’s Jordan Murrell’s head which ricocheted off frame.

After one minute of stoppage time, the first half ended without a score.

Billy Forbes replaced Gladson Awako at the half, and made his presence known quickly with a shot from the left side in the 46th minute which was deflected wide.

At the 51 minute mark Phoenix Rising FC survived a frightening cross from Brown which came to the far post a second too late for Hoppenot to tap it in for the first score.  Rising answered back one minute later with a very similar Billy Forbes cross which failed to meet Asante.

Rising’s best scoring chance thus far came in the 59th minute when a Johnson shot/pass squeaked to Asante to the left of the goalkeeper.  He was unable to find the back of the net, but provided some much needed adrenaline to the rather clinical match.

Reno’s Lindo Mfeka provided more excitement with a pretty ball over the top from the half line which was misplayed by Brian Brown who was forced out of bounds by Mala.

Head Coach Patrice Cateron went to his bench to bring on Evan Waldroup for midfielder Collin Fernandez in the 66th minute.  This is Waldroup’s first official game as a professional.

Solomon Asante and Reno’s Guy Abend were shown yellow cards in separate incidents in the 67th and 68th minutes.  Mala joined Asante in the book in the 73rd minute for a foul on Brian Brown.  Joseph Dickerson’s officiating has thus far played a very minimal role, as both teams have played well disciplined football.

Woz came up with a huge save in the 76th minute after a Reno flick found the foot of a forward sending the ball a mile into the air with the challenge ending in a Reno foul.

Just when it seemed that Phoenix was playing for a draw, Asante drew a penalty at the top of the penalty box to give Phoenix the only goal of the game.  Asante put a confident strike past Ihn for his third goal in three games.

The final whistle blew only a few seconds after the Reno kickoff.

Next Up:  Phoenix Rising FC welcomes 2017 conference champion Real Monarchs SLC on April 7 to Phoenix Rising Football Complex at 7:00 PM.