Phoenix rides early own goal to a 3-0 win over rivals Orange Cunty SC

While not the dominating performance Rising had last week against Tulsa, Phoenix kept almost full control of the 90 minutes for their fifth straight win, pushing them into first place in the USL Western Conference.

The action started early for Phoenix with an Orange County own goal thanks to Solomon Asante and Mustapha Dumbuya. Asante split the OCSC backline with a pass to Dumbuya and the right back’s cross met the shoulder of OCSC defender Kevin Alston redirecting in the side netting. Orange County came right back with a chance of their own in the 13th minute but Zac Lubin stood tall on a 1-v-1 and kept the free car washes intact. It didn’t take long for the second goal to come and again, it was Asante making things happen. The winger found space near the right side of the 18 and slotted it across before Adam Jahn flicked it back for an on-rushing Joe Calistri. The midfielder, filling in for Junior Flemmings, put just enough power on it to skip past the keeper and open his Rising account. Up 2 inside 20 minutes, Phoenix was able to ease just a tad off the pedal, allowing Orange County to even out the lopsided opening period. Chances were far and few in-between for the orange and black on the night, with only the 1 shot on goal.

While it wasn’t their best performance of the season, Phoenix did save the best goal for last. A failed clearance presented Asante with the ball on a bounce from 35 yards out. Instead of his typical drive toward goal, Asante hit the ball first time, chipping the keeper and giving Phoenix their fifth straight game with 3+ goals.

Phoenix had a couple more opportunities to add another goal but both Calistri and Jahn came up empty. No more insurance goals were needed through as OCSC did little to threaten in the remaining time. It was Rising’s third clean sheet in the last four matches and extended their clean sheet streak in the month of June another 90 minutes.

Other records of note:
– Unbeaten in 10 straight home matches, dating back to last year.
– With New Mexico United’s loss to Las Vegas, Phoenix moves into first place in the West.
– Tonight’s goal was Joey Calistri’s first in a Phoenix uniform

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Scoring Summary
6′- Kevin Alston, Own Goal
17′- Joey Calistri, PHX (Assist by Adam Jahn)
50′- Solomon Asante, PHX

Up Next: Phoenix is on short rest as they travel to Reno to take on the 1868 Tuesday night at 7:30PM