Phoenix Rising supporters waited two years to host a US Open Cup match. They waited through nearly THREE hours, four goals, and a blackout for the payoff, but Phoenix Rising lost a heartbreaking 4-3 shootout after the teams finished 2-2 through 120 minutes.
There were nervy moments early, but keeper Carl Woszczynski came up massive to deny Kevaughn Frater and Santi Moar in the early stages.
But Phoenix got back into the match with a refreshing mix of direct play and possession. Kevon Lambert forced New Mexico keeper Cody Mizell into a near-side save, and then Jose Aguinaga and Junior Flemmings make the New Mexico defense think.
Just before halftime, Jon Bakero made a trademark pass to set up Flemmings in space. Flemmings rounded two defenders brilliantly, but his final touch flashed agonizingly over the bar.
The second half saw both teams go close early. First Flemmings made Mizell get big on a 1-v-1 angled chance. Then New Mexico made Woszczynski save a fierce near post shot. Adding to the madness, the lights went out for a minute, propmting a clever #LightsOut tweet from Sam Doerr
In the 63rd minute, Phoenix got the break it needed to edge past the visitors. Amadou Dia nutmegged Austin Yearwood, and then went down. The ref gave a questionable penalty, but Flemmings made no mistake and rolled in a clinical goal from the spot.
New Mexico did not quit though, and found a 77th minute equalizer when sub Devin Sandoval brilliantly headed in despite good marking from AJ Cochrane. Phoenix tried to win late in regulation, but Mizell made key saves to deny sub Adam Jahn, Cochrane, and sub Solo Asante.
In extra time, Sandoval scored a hockey-like redirect goal off a long Santi Moar blast. But Phoenix responded through the subs Asante and Jahn. Solo played Jahn through, and the #9 striker coolly blasted into the left side.
New Mexico nearly went ahead in the 110th minute, but Woszczynski stood tall to deny Chris Wehan.
PKS:
NMU: Y / Y / Y / N / Y
PHX: Y / Y / N / Y / N
The team will look to bounce back against Las Vegas Lights on Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 pm.
