In what seemed like a repeat from week 1, Phoenix Rising battled back from three deficits to take a point in the season opener against expansion side New Mexico United. Here are the top three performances, according to you, the fans.
1. Jason Johnson (8.1, Sub)
1 Goal
For the second straight week, Johnson came off the bench in the second half to deliver the game-tying goal. The similarities don’t stop there though, as Johnson’s goal came on a header off a cross from the right side. While it remains to be seen whether Johnson’s role off the bench is permanent, you can not argue the impact he has had when on the field. That’s not a bad card to have in Coach Schantz’s back pocket.
2. Solomon Asante (8.0)
2 Goals (Both Penalties), 81.8% Pass Accuracy, 8 Duels Won, 5 Chances Created
Asante was on his A-game Saturday night, getting on the score sheet for the first time this year. Asante drew the penalty that led to the first goal, taking advantage of a deflection in the box before being tripped. His penalty was cool, calm, and collected, sending New Mexico keeper Cody Mizell the wrong way
3. Junior Flemmings (7.3)
1 Assist, 1 Penalty Drawn, 10 Duels Won, 5 Tackles
Two weeks, two games in the top 3 for Junior Flemmings. His pinpoint assist to Johnson ties the match while he also drew the second (albeit, soft) penalty earlier in the half. As mentioned above, it will interesting to see how the minute distribution will be split between Johnson and Flemmings. Flemmings does seem to put more work in on defense, something that is sorely needed at this point. Or we could see what occurred in the last 30 minutes Saturday, where Flemmings and Johnson shared the field on either side of Asante.
The Rest: Shaft Brewer Jr, (7.1 sub), Kevon Lambert (6.8), Tristan Blackmon (6.4), Adam Jahn (6.4), Amadou Dia (6.3), A. J. Cochran (6.2), Jose Aguinaga (6.2), Carl Woszczynski (5.7), Javier Perez (5.5), Mustapha Dumbuya (4.3), Joey Calistri (N/A, sub)
What do you think? Do these ratings come close to your own thoughts? Let us know below!