(Tempe, AZ)  When Rufat Dadashov takes his position in the center circle for kick-off on Saturday night, he’ll be doing more than just starting another match in his career.  Phoenix Rising: Season 4 carries the weight of heavy expectation – not only among local fans, but from pundits league-wide.  The team fell short in its 2019 campaign, and though the roster is missing some talented and familiar faces, the consensus is that Rising FC has improved this off-season.

Is that even possible?  How do you improve on a league record for wins, points, and goals?  How do you improve from breaking and setting the record for consecutive wins?  Fans are excited to find out.

Since Last Time: Phoenix participated in two closed-door matches against El Paso and New Mexico.  New Mexico got the best of Phoenix Rising 0-1.  Though the match ended without a Rising goal, PRFC Social media called Flemmings name several times, which solidifies his role as the pre-season’s most productive forward (4 goals).  Match report indicates that Dadashov did not see time in the match.

Phoenix came from behind against El Paso, as a trialist (now announced signee Dylan Mares) scored 2 goals in the first half before the Boys in Red were able to bounce back for a late tying goal, and a final 3-3 result.

The Other Guys: The team found itself on the outside looking in during the 2019 playoffs, finishing 8 points under the dividing line.  The team returns 11 players, and added some new faces.  Of note, Williams Velasquez has joined the team on loan from Watford of the English Premier League.  Returning player Carlos Anguiano was among the 2019 USL 20 Under 20 honorees as well.

As of right now, the team only shows 15 players on its roster, which makes predictions difficult, but expect to see a few Timbers first team players visiting our sunny state.

Match Notes: Phoenix is 5-5-1 against T-2, including four wins in the last five.  Last time the teams met, Phoenix beat T-2 5-3 on the road, with Ben Spencer scoring a brace, and Jose Aguinaga serving four assists and a goal of his own.

Other News: Phoenix Rising FC announced that its youth program has been accepted into the USSF Development Academy Program.  The DA is the primary feeder into US National Teams, and completes the Path2Pro for Arizona players.

Goalkeeper Landon Carter of Gilbert, AZ has been signed to the club roster.  Carter is registered as an Academy player, and retains his collegiate eligibility.  Rising Academy member Brandon Kenniston has been loaned to NPSL side FC Arizona for the season.

Phoenix Rising has announced the continuation of the Pub2Pitch shuttle to matches.  For more information, visit phxrisingfc.com.

Predicted Starting XI:

Lubin

King                Farrell          Cochran              Kotoh

Lambert

Aguinaga                       Bakero

Moar                          Asante                         Flemings

Dadashov