On Friday, a legendary match ended 4-3 after Didier Drogba assisted the equalizer and scored the winning penalty. But how did everyone play? Read our weekly player ratings to find out.
Note: All players are rated on a 1-10 scale, with 6 being average.
GK Carl Woszczynski- 5.5 Carl cannot be faulted for the first goal, but perhaps he should’ve been positioned better on the second and third goals. Carl has always been a strong shot-stopper, but he sometimes struggles to control the penalty box. A stronger keeper may have come out and punched that corner kick. He also seems hesitant to come off his line at times. Look for a strong bounce-back effort in his next start.
LB Victor Vasquez- 4 Amadou Dia missed this match after picking up a red card against Fresno FC. Without him at left back, Phoenix Rising suffered. Vasquez was badly out-jumped on Los Dos’ third goal, gave the ball away several times, and allowed Ethan Zubak to overwhelm him on the left wing. He will probably get Open Cup appearances soon. Let’s hope for better performances in the future.
CB Joe Farrell- 5.5 This was Farrell’s first start of the year and it showed. The former Rochester Rhino slipped on Los Dos’ second goal to allow the visitors to switch the ball. He also struggled with distribution at times, but improved as the match progressed. He will get additional chances to impress during the U.S. Open Cup.
CB Mike da Fonte- 7 On this night, Mike da Fonte had himself a night. Da Fonte was not really at fault for any of the goals, and he made several key clearances and tackles to prevent Los Dos from scoring more. The center back had a difficult task with Dia and Mala out against a dangerous Los Dos side. He performed admirably to keep things in check.
RB Devante Dubose- 5 We did not hear Dubose’s name often in Friday’s match. He probably should’ve blocked Ariel Lassiter’s shot that led to the second Los Dos goal. Because the team fell behind 3-1, he was subbed off for James Musa at halftime. He will look to improve in Oklahoma next week.
MF/RB- Luca Ricci 6.5 The USL color commentator criticized Ricci several times Friday. Most of the criticism seemed unfair. The Canadian made his first start with the Firebirds and held up fairly well in the midfield. The only small criticism was that he paused briefly in the first goal’s buildup, which allowed Ulysses Llanez to win the ball and assist Efrain Alvarez’s screamer. He switched to right wing-back in the second half and blocked several dangerous crosses out for corner kicks. He was giving the Los Dos attackers some space, but he never got burned on a goal-scoring play. Very gritty performance for the 20-year old.
MF Collin Fernandez- 8.5 Collin Fernandez was the unsung hero of this match. He did not score, but showed great strength to fight off two defenders and assist Riggi on the second goal. He also drew a yellow card on Hugo Arellano, assisted Drogba’s strong chance in the 14th, tracked back on defense, and was the creative force we needed in the center of the pitch. An IMMENSE performance for the 21-year old
MF Alessandro Riggi- 8.5 Riggi made his case to become a regular starter with his second goal in two matches. The Quebec native got into excellent positions early on, and was rewarded in the 47th minute when he coolly rolled in a crucial goal. He also showed exceptional class to reach a bouncing ball before it went over the touchline, then whip it into the box to assist Johnson’s 21st minute goal. Billy Forbes replaced Riggi in the 65th minute, but not before the creative midfielder put an emphatic stamp on the match.
MF/F Solomon Asante- 8.5 Even when Solomon Asante does not score or assist a goal, he still is the straw that stirs the pot. He created a golden chance for Riggi early on, linked up beautifully with everyone, backheeled nicely for Fernandez on the second goal, and drew the match-winning penalty. A shame he narrowly missed the target in the 86th minute. Asante is simply immense.
MF/F Jason Johnson- 9.5 Patrice Carteron gave Jason Johnson another start, and the former Chicago Fire striker justified his faith with an exquisite performance. His two goals were as clutch as they come. The first tied it moments after Los Dos pulled ahead, and his forceful header knotted the score at 3-3 to set up Drogba’s winner. He even gave Asante a perfect pass to create the run that finished with Asante drawing a penalty.
Every soccer coach should show Johnson’s 71st minute header to players as an example of perfect heading technique. Johnson also cleared balls from the back, and passed the ball well. Brilliant again from last year’s team MVP.
F Didier Drogba- 10 This performance should put any concerns about his match fitness to rest. In likely Didier Drogba’s most complete performance for the Firebirds, he dribbled past defenders, made brilliant passes, whipped in a sensational corner, and broke Galaxy hearts with a ruthless penalty.
Drogba could have easily finished with two goals and three assists in this match. His passing, defensive work rate, mentality, and leadership were all otherworldly. Drogba looked good enough to start for several Premier League teams in this match. An iconic night for the Ivorian legend.
MF James Musa- 6.5 Musa replaced Dubose at halftime and brought much-needed energy to the pitch. The midfielder made smart passes, key interceptions, and generally looked much more comfortable than in his debut. Promising for the New Zealand international.
MF/F Billy Forbes- 7 In limited action, Billy Forbes contributed to the Rising comeback. He commanded defenders’ attention during his time on, which created spaces for Drogba and Asante to go for goal. In the 80th minute, Forbes made an excellent run and struck a ball inches wide of the right post. It will be interesting to see whether Forbes will be used more frequently as a starter or impact sub. In either role, the former San Antonio FC player does not disappoint.
RB Kody Wakasa- INC Last year’s starting right back replaced Collin Fernandez in the 82nd minute. Wakasa stood tall in his limited action and snuffed out potential danger. Perhaps he will get a start in Oklahoma this week?
