Arizona United SC (now Phoenix Rising FC) made a bit of a splash when it chose Frank Yallop as gaffer in late 2015. The 2001 MLS Coach of the Year had struggled in more recent years, winning a paltry 13 games in 63 attempts with the Chicago Fire. Still, the hire of a MLS-caliber coach with 461 games behind him was a spark of excitement for the upstart brand. That excitement quickly waned amidst a lack of defensive focus, and decisions to bring big names instead of big talent. Yallop, a resident of Northern California, couldn’t take the long commute any longer and resigned abruptly only one day after helping bring Chelsea legend Didier Drogba into the Phoenix Rising family. One month later, Yallop was hired as the General Manager of the then PDL Fresno Fuego (now Fresno Soccer Club), who had been accepted for expansion into the United Soccer League. This Saturday marks the first meeting between Phoenix Rising FC and Yallop’s new side, coached by Adam Smith.
Fresno arrives in Phoenix sitting in the middle of the standings with a 2-1-4 record. The Foxes do find the back of the net, scoring at least once in each of their first six games. That streak was recently broken with a Team of the Week performance by San Antonio FC keeper Diego Restrepo.
Who to watch?
Kyle Reynish – GK – #30
Reynish has started all seven games of the 2018 season, and is currently tied with the fourth most saves in the Western Conference with 15 saves (Rising FC keeper Carl Woszczynski also has 15 saves). Reynish has racked up two clean sheets thus far, but has given up eight goals in his other five starts. At 34 years old, the keeper is a steady and experienced player between the pipes and his 6 foot 3 inch frame has all the length it he needs to be a massive presence. It will take a lot for the Salt River side supporters to get in this keeper’s head.
Rony Argueta – MF – #6
Rony has only figured into four of the team’s matches but has two goals in only three attempts. Both goals came off the bench, as Argueta seems to fit in the role of super-sub. The stocky midfielder comes to Fresno after three seasons with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Interestingly, Argueta was cut from his collegiate soccer team with no official appearances and only played club ball between 2010 and 2014. The now 27 year-old is a model of perseverance, though he does have a bit of a temper and leads the team in yellow cards (2).
Jemal Johnson – F – #11
The 32 year-old striker has played in six games, but his age may be getting to him, as he has been subbed off in half of those starts. He has been effective in play, however, finding the back of the net with his left foot as well as his head. The senior statesman of the team, the New Jersey-born Johnson began his career with then-English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in 2004 (since relegated to League One). The journeyman has made his way through over a dozen teams, returning to the United States in 2013, and most recently with the Jacksonville Armada of the NASL in 2017. Johnson was signed by Fresno after the NASL folded. His lasting legacy will likely be scoring the first goal of the opening game of the Armada’s 2015 regular season in just 12 seconds.
Juan Pablo Caffa – F – #10
Arguably the most well known player for the Fuego, Caffa’s playing history is very similar to Johnson. Listed as a forward, the Argentinian is most comfortable serving as a left winger. Caffa is dangerous off of his left foot, and his 6 foot-tall frame make him a target for crosses and corners. He by far leads the team in shots and shots-on-target. At 161 pounds, he does not shy away from attempts to win fouls, and has found success 11 times this season. When the fiery “Violinista del Vladucto” is involved in play, there is always a good chance for entertainment.
Other Notables
Noah Verhoeven (MF #17) is getting a lot of attention. The 18 year-old was signed out of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy and served on the US U-18 National Team. His youth is a constant source of amusement for announcers. Ramon Del Campo (Def #4) seems to be the team’s most reliable defender. He leads the team in clearances and blocks. Danny Barrera (MF #15), a 2016 all-league first teammer, has yet to hit his form, but when he does, he will be a very dangerous man in the middle.
Predictions
Fresno is a team that has a long way to go before it matures. The team reminds me of Phoenix last year … big surprise, since the same GM put the teams together. A strong mix of mature, but aging, players, along side young exuberant neophytes. Reynish has been extremely fortunate to have put together two clean sheets, but is clearly vulnerable. The interplay between Caffa and Johnson can lead to strong chances, but I do not think it is enough to top Phoenix, even with strong holding midfielder Kevon Lambert sitting out on a red card.
I call it 4-1 Phoenix. Fresno won’t know what to do in the heat and their aging stars will wither fast. Danny Barrera will finally get off the schneid to open up his account with a late consolation goal.
Phoenix Rising FC takes on the Fresno FC Foxes Saturday, Apr. 28 at 7 pm at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. For tickets, go to phxrisingfc.com.
