Despite coming into Texas hot, Phoenix will be disappointed to leave with one point in hand after a 0-0 draw with the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.
For the third straight match, Rick Schantz went with the same starting XI as Jason Johnson looked to continue his hot streak after his player-of-the-week performance last week. As the story has been lately Phoenix started the match off slow, except this time it was for the entire first half. RGV for their part made it difficult for Phoenix to connect passes in the attacking half and Chris Cortez had a rough night n the hold-up department, unable retain possession when the ball went his way. On the other side of the field, RGV was able to create a number of half-chances but the Rising backline did snuff out multiple 2-on-1 counter attacks to quell any advances.
The second half was a different story for Phoenix Rising however. The combination or a higher press against the Toros, the ability of Wakasa and Dia to get further up the field as outlets, and the magical appearance of Wakaso allowed Phoenix more possession and as the half went on more chances. Chris Cortez and Gladson Awako had similar chances around the 60th minute but both curling efforts were stopped by a diving save. Billy Forbes entered the match shortly after, coming in for a quiet Jason Johnson, and brought a much needed direct approach to the left side of the team. Phoenix’s best chance came in the 75th minute when Solomon Asante drove down the right side of the field and was able to cut it back for Awako at the top of the box but Awako’s shot was too close to the GK Nelson. The last minutes saw continued pressure from Phoenix with the addition of Kevaughn Frater but multiple efforts came up dry. Still, a point is a point as well as a fourth straight clean sheet for Phoenix and they will look to bounce back at home this Friday.
Phoenix Rising XI: Woz, Dia, Farrell, Da Fonte, Wakasa, Musa, Lambert, Awako(Riggi 90+5), Johnson(Forbes 67), Cortez(Frater 80), Asante
RGVFC XI: Nelson, Padilla, Sullivan(Greene 88), Donovan, Adams, Perea, Enriquez, Wharton, Marion(Aguilar 76), Zaldivar, Quintanilla(Jones 84)
Up Next: Friday, June 29th at 7:30pm vs. Orange County SC at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
