MATCH DETAILS
Phoenix Rising FC (14-6-5, 47 pts., 3rd in West) vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (9-13-4, 31 pts., 12th in West)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, Scottsdale
TV: Cox 4 (SD) and 1004 (HD) in Phoenix, Cox 7 (SD) and 1007 (HD) in Tucson
Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required)
Radio: El Patron 97.3 FM (Spanish)
MatchCenter: PHXvCOS
PHOENIX RISING LAST MATCH: On short rest, the Rising jumped early and often in the first half, scoring 3 goals en route to a 4-0 shutout of San Antonio FC. Chris Cortez redirected a Kevon Lambert cross in the 18th minute, followed up by Solomon Asante just 9 minutes later. Asante had to leave the match shortly after with tightness in his hamstring but Phoenix did not let up their attack. In the 45th minute, Devin Vega opened his Phoenix Rising scoring account with a beautiful turn and volley. The Rising did have a set back in the 59th minute when Doueugui Mala received his second yellow card of the match, forcing Phoenix to preserve the match with only 10 men. Despite the disadvantage, Phoenix looked the better team in the last 30 minutes, adding a fourth goal when Billy Forbes scored his second of the season against his former team. Aided by new additions Saad Abdul-Salaam and Tristan Blackmon, Zac Lubin kept his second straight clean sheet
Team News: Doueugui Mala will serve his one-game suspension against Colorado Springs. Billy Forbes will also be unavailable, attending the funeral of his aunt.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Report: In order to catch-up on Colorado Springs we asked Back Chat Show (@BackChatShow) a few questions:
The Phoenix defense has been all over the place in the last 5-6 matches? Who should fans be worried about when we don’t have the ball?
The Switchbacks are a pretty counter attacking inclined team. They like to utilize the wings as much as possible to stretch and get in behind defenses when they spring. Jordan Schweitzer will often arrow cross-field balls into the channels and into the path of pacey forwards Shane Malcolm and AJ Ajeakwa. Skipper Josh Suggs at left back isn’t shy in galloping forward, too, providing a dangerous assistants option on the overlap.
Colorado has a home record better than their position in the standings suggest but has struggled on the road. When you watch them, is there anything that explains this?
The Switchbacks road record has been spotty every season, from the teams’ inception in 2015. It’s hard to fathom exactly why that is, though? For such a counter-attacking team, they appear built for away games. They’ve often been punished for individual errors or collective frailty. Having 5 rather than 7 subs on the road probably doesn’t help, too. The fewer players available naturally limit the coaches options during the match.
What is it going to take for the Switchbacks to make the playoffs?
A miracle! It’s a shame because the club has a really talented group of players this year. Too many missed opportunities and hugely disappointing defeats (like the one to bottom of the table Tulsa last weekend) have left them with a mountain to climb. It’s not impossible that they still could sneak in, though. Our keepers and defense are excellent. Our midfield is creative enough to unlock any opposing rearguard. I suppose the key to whether the Switchbacks final push for the postseason is successful or not comes down to taking our chances up top. We have the forwards to get the job done – but we need to start hitting the back of the net with more regularity and when it really matters.
What’s your match prediction?
It’s going to be a tough match. We don’t do predictions, other than to say this game could pivot on a mistake. The defense that keeps its nerve best, wins!
LAST MEETING: Phoenix defeated the Switchbacks FC last September in Colorado Springs 2-1. AJ Gray scored the game-winner in the 86th minute after Amadou Dia opened the scoring in the 50th. Dia will most likely be the only returning starter from last year’s game, though Gladson Awako, Kody Wakasa, Kevon Lambert, and Victor Vasquez also featured.
PREVIOUS FORM (Last five league matches played):
Phoenix Rising FC: L-W-L-W-W
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: W-L-L-W-L
POSSIBLE STARTING XI
Lubin, Dia, Blackmon, Farrell, Abdul-Salaam, Lambert, Awako, Johnson, Brewer, Jr. Frater
Subs: Woz, da Fonte, Wakasa, Waldrep, Fernandez, Vega, Drogba
