For the first time since 2016, Phoenix secured all three points in Salt Lake City thanks to four answered goals. There were plenty of great performances but who stood out the most?
1. Junior Flemmings (8.4)
1 Goal, 5 Duels Won
While the stat sheet might not show the impact Flemmings had, his threat alone makes defenses think twice and gives the other Rising attackers more space and time to make an impact. You can see this in Junior’s game-winning goal. His defensive pressure forced a sloppy turnover, and the quick combination with Aguinaga freed Flemmings for the third goal. As I said in last week’s ratings, Flemmings’ absence in the upcoming Gold Cup will be felt if Phoenix struggles.
2. Jose Aguinaga (8.3)
2 Assists, 3 Chances Created, 86.5% Passing Accuracy
Saturday night was by far Aguinaga’s best performence of the season and the league took notice. Named to the USL Team of the Week (rare for a midfielder who didn’t score), Aguinaga was key to Rising’s comeback. His effort and final ball to Adam Jahn got Phoenix on the board and one-touch ball to Flemmings pushed them into the lead. While the numbers might not always be impressive, Aguinaga has become a key third of the 4/3/3 midfield. Adding an additional end product is just icing on the cake for Rising.
3. Kevon Lambert, Solomon Asante (8.3)
Lambert: 4 Tackles, 3 Clearances, 3 Aerial Duels Won, 0 Fouls Conceded
Asante: 1 Goal, 1 Chance Created, 2 Interceptions, 79.4% Passing Accuracy
It’s a repeat appearance for both Lambert and Asante in the top three. Lambert again bossing the midfield, and Asante stretching the field vertically, giving space to Bakero and Aguinaga. Asante won’t find many opportunities as he did on Saturday, carrying the ball 30+ years before finding the corner of the net from outside the box to clinch the three points. Phoenix Rising enters a somewhat more difficult schedule in the coming month so having Asante on fire will go a long way when other guys are away on international duty. Lambert, being one of those guys, will leave a big hole for Rick Schantz to fill. A good performance at the Gold Cup and that hole might become permanent but that is to dwell upon at a different time.
The Rest: Adam Jahn (8.2), Jon Bakero (7.4), Amadou Dia (7.3), A.J. Cochran (6.9), Joey Calistri (6.7, sub), James Musa (6.5, sub), Andre Wheeler-Omininu (6.3, sub), Joey Farrell (6.3), Mustapha Dumbuya (6.2), Zac Lubin (6.2)
No One Knows Award: For the second straight week, Zac Lubin brings home the “The Knows What To Think” award. Lubin with a 1.87, was rated everywhere between a 3-9.
Up Next: Phoenix is off this weekend before returning for another edition of $1 Beer Night next Friday against Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
