Phoenix Rising (1-1-0 3pts 3rd place) vs. Real Salt Lake (0-1-1 1pt 6th place)
7:00 pm – Casino Arizona Field – Salt River Reservation
TV: CW 6/61
Stream: YouTube
#PHXvRSL #SunCup2020 #RisingTogether
Tickets: Ticketmaster
(Tempe, AZ) Phoenix Rising seeks a measure of revenge against regional rival Real Salt Lake in the final match of the 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup. In 2019, the RSL organization was a thorn in the side of Phoenix Rising. First, their reserve club, Real Monarchs, handed Phoenix their first home loss since the 2018 season. Three weeks later, the Monarchs delivered Phoenix a double whammy, ending the teams playoff hopes and their fifteen game dollar-beer win streak. Real Monarchs continued on to the 2019 USL Championship cup, doing what Phoenix couldn’t in 2018, beating perennial champion Louisville City FC 3-1.
Last Match: Phoenix found victory against MLS side Sporting Kansas City in a well played match which first featured mostly second team members of both teams, but ended with starters lining up against starters. Lagos Kunga and Junior Flemmings displayed their developing chemistry, consistently testing SKC keeper Richard Sanchez.
After a SKC goal in the 56th minute, Phoenix turned up the pressure. The Phoenix front-line hurried the SKC defensive corps, and their rushed decisions lead to a 66th minute banger by Santi Moar. Ten minutes later, Joey Calistri took SKC goalkeeper TIm Melia to the library, reading a pass coming out of the goal area and then making Melia pay the late fee. The game ended 2-1.
Team News: Lagos Kunga exited the match vs. SKC early. The team does provide injury reports in advance of game day roster releases. Announced midfielder Sam Stanton reportedly arrived in Phoenix on Thursday. Phoenix Rising has 21 players under contract, with 3-5 spots still to fill. Local beat reporter, Owain Evans, reported that Head Coach Rick Schantz will be looking to fill these position with youth, and is in talks with MLS clubs for depth players on loan.
What To Expect: Phoenix enters the match with a chance to emerge the 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup Champion. With a win, and a Crew vs. Dynamo draw, Phoenix will have six points during the short cup competition. With something to play for, which would result in a proper thumbed nose to MLS, Phoenix is expected to demonstrate a high level of competition. The match against SKC shows Phoenix returning to a high-pressure front-line which lead to much early success in the 2019 season. If Phoenix can keep up the pressure, they can continue to capitalize on a pre-season team still getting its feet underneath it. If we are lucky, we will may see a return of the Buttkero goal (which occurred against Real Monarchs).
In addition to the standard lineup, expect to see Rising FC trialist Haround Conteh (RSL Academy and USSF Development Academy). Conteh saw time in the SKC match, replacing Kunga after he exited due to injury. Conteh impressed several media members with his play during his short shift.
2019 Real Monarchs hero, Maikel Change, has been signed to the parent club, and should see action. Familiar face, David Ochoa, could also be seen between the pipes. Noah Powder, who provided one of Real Monarchs 3 USL Championship Game goals has been training with the parent squad as well. Arizona products Danny Toia and Justin Glad has seen extensive time in the pre-season. RSL’s Giuseppe Rossi has two of the team’s three preseason goals, with Kyle Beckerman credited with the difference.
Other Stuff: This match completes the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, but Phoenix has two remaining pre-season matches. Rising FC faces off against New Mexico United on Wednesday, February 26 and closes pre-season against El Paso on Saturday, February 29. Both matches will take place in Tucson behind closed doors.
Phoenix Rising announced five $1 beer night promotions. The first $1 beer night takes place on Friday, May 1 against Rio Grande Valley FC.
The season begins in earnest at 7:30 pm on Saturday, March 7, 2020 against Timbers 2.
Updated 2/22/20 10:40am to add link to YouTube stream and add Noah Powder as a possible player for RSL.
