Phoenix Rising FC (0-0-2, 2 pts., 12th in West) vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (2-1-0, 6 pts., 4th in West)
7:30 PM (MST), Saturday, Casino Arizona Field, Scottsdale
TV: CW 6 & 61.1
Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required)
MatchCenter: #PHXvCOS
Series History: 4-4-0

Phoenix Rising returns to action after week off to face Colorado Springs Switchbacks

Phoenix Rising last match: In the home opener of the 2019 campaign, Phoenix Rising FC hosted expansion side New Mexico United. Santi Moar scored a brace, and former Phoenix Rising forward Kevaughn Frater found the back of the net, but a brace from Solomon Asante and a late header from Jason Johnson allowed Phoenix Rising to score a second straight 3-3 draw on the season. Both of Asante’s goals were from the penalty spot.

Asante earns second player honor of the season: Asante’s two goals earned him a spot on the Week 2 USL Championship Team of the Week, the second player to earn an honor this season. In Week 1, Junior Flemmings was named honorable mention Team of the Week.

Flemmings, Lambert earn spot on Jamaican National Team: Midfielders Junior Flemmings and Kevon Lambert were named to the Jamaican National Team for games on Mar. 23 and Mar. 26. In the Mar. 23 match against El Salvador in CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying, a 2-0 loss, Lambert and Flemmings were both on the bench, with Flemmings coming into the match in the 78th minute. In the Mar. 26 match against Costa Rica, a 1-0 loss, Flemmings played an inside midfield role while Lambert played an attacking forward role. Both players played the full 90 minutes in the match.

Colorado Springs report: The Switchbacks come in on the heels of a 1-0 victory last week over San Antonio FC. Cesar Romero’s 86th minute goal was just enough to give the Switchbacks all three points. Romero had just come into the game as a sub just four minutes earlier. Shane Malcom has scored three of the team’s five goals on the season, with Jordan Burt scoring the team’s other goal. Burt and Malcom lead the team in shots with seven each to start the season, and Andre Rawls is the team’s No. 1 keeper with one goal allowed in two matches with a clean sheet.

Colorado Springs plays a 4-3-3 formation that focuses on moving the ball through Rony Argueta as a center midfielder. Malcolm, who plays right wing, is also the assigned free-kick taker. Winger, and Rising FC Alumni, Mike Seth leads in assists. The Spring’s frequent fouler is Argueta in the midfield.

For more information about Colorado, check out our new feature, “Across Enemy Lines.“

Series Notes: Phoenix Rising swept the series in 2018, which included a memorable 4-0 home result that saw Zach Lubin turned into the Joker by a sliding Jordan Burt. Joseph Farrell found success twice against Colorado, accounting for half of his 2018 goal tally.

Expect a high scoring, colorful, affair. In each of the prior 8 meetings, the teams combined for at least three goals. In seven of the eight matches, the clubs combined for five or more cards, including a straight red to Jordan Burt for the reckless challenge against Lubin.

Media Predictions:

Pick 'em Week 4

Lineup Prediction