Preview: Rising at Oakland, Wednesday at 7 PM
Published on August 25, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release
Phoenix Rising FC finished with a draw in its third-straight game last weekend, tying Sacramento, 0-0, at Wild Horse Pass. Goalkeeper Andre Rawls had a season-high nine saves in the match, preserving the defending Western Conference Champions' unbeaten record at its new home.
Known for its offensive firepower, Rising has quietly put together the second-best defensive totals in USL this season behind only El Paso (12 GA). Phoenix has allowed only 14 goals in 18 matches and is on pace to have its best defensive season, allowing just 0.77 goals per game. Previously, the best defense in club history was in 2019 when Rising allowed 1.058 goals per game.
Riding that stingy defense, Phoenix has not lost in its last 10 matches (6-0-4). That's the longest stretch since a historic 20-game winning streak in the 2019 campaign. But despite the success on the defensive side of the ball, Rising is working to correct the fact that the team's trademark offense was held scoreless for the first time this season.
"When we get these teams into a deep block, we're lacking the sharp, quick movements," said Schantz. "We're getting into dangerous spots and then just standing there. It's too easy to defend at this level. That requires experience."
Enter MLS veteran goalscorer Darren Mattocks, who Rising signed on Wednesday, August 18. Schantz confirmed to media on Monday that Mattocks was elegible to play in Oakland on Wednesday (7 PM on ESPN+).
"I'm excited for a new challenge," said Mattocks. "I'm grateful for the opportunity. I had a few teammates with Jamaica that play in Phoenix. I knew it was a great environment. Phoenix is where I wanted to be. This team is used to scoring. I'm just going to add to what is there already."
Looking to break its draw streak with a victory, Rising heads to Oakland for the second time this season. Phoenix turned a Santi Moar goal into a 1-0 road win victory on Wednesday, August 4, but Roots are unbeaten in its last four matches. Most recently, Oakland came from behind to defeat Lights FC, 3-1, in Las Vegas.
"It's going to be a big-time challenge," said Schantz. "Every game we go in and try to get three points. Hopefully we do well and can bring back three points for the fans."
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