Phoenix Rising vs. LA Galaxy II
Casino Arizona Field – 7 PM

Watch:  ESPN Desportes, CW6/69,
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Listen: Arizona Sports Radio (Stream)
Twitter:  @FirebirdSite

After a triumphant return to Casino Arizona Field in the season opener, Phoenix Rising once again opens play in a COVID-19-shortened season against the LA Galaxy reserve squad, nicknamed “Los Dos.”  The 6-1 drubbing of Portland Timbers II feels like it was so long ago that Drogba should still have been available for selection, but alas it was a mere 4 months ago.  Off-Season Ironman Rufat Dadashov shined brightly, scoring a hat-trick, while 2019 USL MVP Solomon Asante served up two assists and a goal of his own.  Joining the standouts on the score sheet were Lagos Kunga (on loan from Atlanta United) and Junior Flemmings.

The Other Guys: Galaxy II put on a similar performance against perpetual basement dwellers Rio Grande Valley, beating them 5-1 in McAllen, Texas.  The team from La La Land found themselves up against a wall early in the match, with RGV putting heavy pressure on goalkeeper Eric Lopez.  Lopez was up to the task, making several important saves before RGV’s aggressive play left open a vulnerable back line, and Los Dos took advantage playing the counter, and finding success on their first two shots of the match.  Kai Korenuk notched a brace, and was joined on the score sheet by wingers Augustine Williams, Cameron Dunbar, and midfielder Mauricio Cuevas.

As a reserve squad, LA Galaxy II has several players on first-team contracts who are involved in play.  However, due to the MLS “bubble” rules related to player safety in the COVID era, it is unknown how many of these players  (Korenuk, Harvey, Lopez), are sequestered with the first team.  Galaxy’s first team only names 24 players (including those who are with Galaxy II), which is already a small roster for a professional soccer club.  Similarly, Galaxy II has a fairly short roster, relying on first team players to fill playing time within its developmental system.

Keys to the Match:  Nerves, nerves, and heat.  In the mid-week press conference, head coach Rick Schantz noted his pleasure with being included in the “California” region, noting that our heat is unknown to San Diego and the two LA teams.  Weather.com is forecasting a 111 degree temperature at the start of the match, which may tip the scale in Phoenix Rising’s direction after Phoenix’s recent night training matches.

Most important, however, will be to keep player’s emotional temperatures in check.  After a highly successful off-season, featuring multiple wins against MLS squads, and the aforementioned drubbing in the season opener, the recent lull must be weighting on the highly-competitive player’s minds.  Aside from the season opener, this may be the longest stretch of time these players have seen without a competitive match since they were children.  The build-up of emotions, as well as lack of professional accouterments (supporters, walk-outs, etc), will give this a much different feel than the professionals have ever experienced.

Prediction:  The seasoned, veteran Phoenix Rising squad will roast the youthful players of LA Galaxy II, notching a  4-0 victory.

Also Read:  From the Ashes, AZ Central , ABC15