On Saturday, the Firebirds made it three straight wins with a 5-1 thrashing of Tulsa Roughnecks. Didier Drogba stole the headlines with two scores and a rocket finish in the 69th minute. 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 Zac Lubin- 7 For the second straight match, Lubin did not have a busy night. The Montana-born keeper could not stop an early penalty goal from Gabi Arce, but otherwise faced few challenges. He controlled the box nicely and did very well to prevent a dangerous back pass from going out for a Tulsa corner. Phoenix fans are in good hands whether Lubin or Woszyzynski starts.
RB Mike Da Fonte- 7.5 Da Fonte has improved immensely as the season has progressed, with Saturday showing his progress. He made four clearances, put two shots on goal, and generally looked excellent. He has thrived in the new three-back look. The former Rapids defender is now a fixture in the starting 11.
CB James Musa- 7.5 Musa is another player who has shone in the 3-4-3 formation. The versatile defender made smart passes, key interceptions, and overwhelmed the Roughnecks with his physicality. He and Da Fonte look phenomenal together.
LB Doueugui Mala- 7 The Ivorian rock returned to the starting 11, and rewarded Coach Carteron for the selection. Mala stood tall when it mattered and helped the attacking players build strong possession. He even came close to scoring a sensational scissor kick in the 39th minute. Mala played very well and looks comfortable in a three or four man backline.
RW Devante Dubose- 6.5 Dubose’s return to the starting lineup went smoothly. He roamed the right side of the pitch Saturday, tracking back and forth with regularity. He did not assist or score at all, but Dubose was much more involved than in his prior start. He came off for Kody Wakasa in the 72nd minute.
LW- Amadou Dia 7 Amadou Dia was the yin to Dubose’s yang in this match. He traveled forward and back on the left side of the pitch to do whatever was necessary. His efforts were rewarded in the 87th minute when Chris Corte headed home his excellent cross. Nice to see Dia in a freer attacking role.
MF Collin Fernandez- 7 Collin Fernandez continues to make his case as a regular in the starting 11. He could have kept his hands lower when he conceded the penalty to Tulsa, but it still seemed like a harsh decision from the referee. Fernandez made up for that play by assisting Kody Wakasa’s clinical goal. He has shown more confidence lately, which is excellent to see.
MF Kevon Lambert- 8 The Jamaican midfielder had some difficult performances earlier this season, but this might have been his best of the campaign. Lambert nearly converted a solo effort in the 26th minute, then scored the winner in the 66th. Throughout the match Lambert played with great energy, distributed well, and was a defensive force. He led the team in touches and dominated the center of the pitch. Immense stuff.
MF Solomon Asante- 7 Solomon Asante did not score or assist once again, but his contributions were still critical. He put three shots on target, and his 66th minute header off the post bounced to Kevon Lambert for the go-ahead goal. Asante won free kicks and distributed the ball well again. Even a ho-hum game by Asante’s standards helped the team win.
F Jason Johnson- 6 An uncharacteristically reserved match for last year’s MVP. Johnson played a rold in distribution, but he was unable to muster a shot on target. Johnson was not needed for goals in this match, but lets hope he’s in a scoring mood next Saturday.
F Didier Drogba- 9 Another match, another two goals for the legend. Drogba’s first goal was simple, but his 69th minute screamer stunned the world. Drogba laced a 40-yard free kick into the right-side upper 90 to seal the win.
His all-around performance was not as sharp as the prior week, but nobody can question Drogba’s ability to finish clinically. Classy stuff again.
RW Kody Wakasa- 7.5 In limited action, Kody Wakasa played excellent football. He replaced Dubose in the right wing role, which allowed him to advance up the pitch. Wakasa took advantage of the opportunity with a quality finish for his first professional goal. A top-notch substitute appearance for Wakasa, who will probably start in the Open Cup on Wednesday.
F Chris Cortez- 7 Cortez only played 10 minutes in relief of Drogba, but took full advantage of the brief cameo. He slammed an 87th minute header in for the Firebirds’ fifth goal, and tried an ambitious effort shortly after that went just over. I love the idea of Cortez as an impact sub. He might start on Wednesday though in the Cup.
