Despite taking their first lead of the season, Phoenix was unable to close out the game and had to settle for another draw, this time 2-2 with Colorado Springs.

Rick Schantz made four changes from the last match against New Mexico United, replacing Jose Aguinaga, Mustapha Dumbuya, Kevon Lambert, and Junior Flemmings with Joey Farrell, James Musa, Jason Johnson, and new loanee Jon Bakero. Paring Javier Perez with a more defensive minded James Musa seemed to be switch needed to fully let Perez move and distribute around the field.

Phoenix started the game on the front foot, with shot attempts from Asante and Bakero before Jason Johnson, in his first start of the season, rocked the crossbar after a winding run through the Colorado Springs defense. Minutes later, Javier Perez skied what was likely the best chance of the night.

In what has been a theme of the season so far, the opponent hit first. However, it wasn’t the long-range attempt we have come to expect. Jordan Burt knocked it home from right on the doorstep after the deflected ball fell into his path, leaving Woszczynski helpless.

Phoenix continued to step on the gas after conceding but the story of the night tonight was Abraham Rodriguez, the 5’9″ 16-year-old in net tonight for Colorado Springs. Among his 11 saves tonight was stone cold block of Asante after the Ghianan found himself 1v1 against Rodriguez.

Risng did find their equalizer near the end of the first half when Joey Farrell scored in his 3rd straight game against the Switchbacks, this time on a looping header that deflected off the crossbar on a corner from Jon Bakero.

Trust. The. Process.

Philly-native @pharrellson helps the team break through for the equalizer. #UpRising pic.twitter.com/BB35IdM6Mo

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) March 31, 2019

Going into halftime, it seemed like Phoenix was in a great position. Tied, but playing the best soccer of the young season. The promising play would continue in the second half with Jahn finding a couple of half chances, including one off the crossbar thanks to great vision from Asante. Rising continued to pepper the ball at the Colorado Spring’s net, but nothing would do, even on the easiest of chances. In the 79th minute, Jahn was elbowed in the back of the head in the box, giving the head official the easiest penalty call of his career. Unfortunately for Rising, netminder Rodriguez stood tall, making easy work of Asante’s penalty shot.

Phoenix finally was able to break through in the 86th minute and take their first lead of the season. Asante found a streaking Adam Jahn down the middle of the 18 and played an inch-perfect pass to the diving head of Jahn. Of course, this was the goal to go in but no one cared as the smoke flew and Jahn found himself enveloped in Los Banditos.

.@AdamJahn14‘s goal is still a thing of beauty.#UpRising pic.twitter.com/6Um9HzSVRa

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) March 31, 2019

Unfortunately, Phoenix was in a position to give up their first lead of the season and that happened in the first minute of stoppage time. A suspect foul was giving to Colorado Springs to the left of the penalty box and the resulting free kick from a tight angle flew past everyone and into the back of the net. The match finished a few minutes later and the team stood dejected on the field.

Another disappointing result for Rising and at this point there is not much that can be said that hasn’t already. This team has been better and better every week so far and looks like one that can compete for a USL title but until the results match the play, there is work to be done. Tonight, 32 shots, 13 of them on target, were not enough and you have to tip your cap to young Abraham Rodriguez for his work preventing a different scoreline.

Player Ratings
We want to know what you think! How did the team play tonight and who was your Man of the Match? Let us know here!

Scoring Summary
26′- Burt, J. (Colorado Springs)
44- Farrell, J. (Phoenix)
86′- Jahn, A. (Phoenix)
91′- Jome, I. (Colorado Springs)

Starting Lineups
Phoenix Rising FC
Woszczynski, Dia, Farrell, Cochran, Blackmon, Musa, Perez Ja. (Lambert 74′), Bakero (Perez, J. 88′), Asante, Jahn, Johnson (Flemmings 65′)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Rodriguez, Jack, Reaves, Jome, Burt, Schweitzer, Argueta, Molano (Romero 69′), Malcolm, Hundley (Raben 84′), Seth

Four Corners Cup
With the draw, Phoenix is now 0-0-2 in the Supporters Group competition. Phoenix will not have another Four Corners match until May 25th against Real Monarchs SLC.

Up Next
Phoenix Rising returns home next Saturday to take on Fresno FC (1-0-2) at 7:30pm.