USL Phoenix Rising FC

Rising Falls, 1-0, to Rapids in Preseason Matchup

Published on April 11, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


TUCSON, Arizona - Phoenix Rising fell, 1-0, to Colorado Rapids tonight in a preseason match at Kino Sport Complex. Rapids' midfielder Michael Barrios scored the only goal of the match in the 18th minute.

Closing out its fifth of an eight-week preseason campaign, largely against Major League Soccer competition, Phoenix Rising started off tonight's match against the Rapids looking as good as it had this year. Just as last season ended, it was Santi Moar running at defenders. The forward created two decent shots, both unfortunately, were fired directly at goalkeeper William Yarbrough, who made simple saves to keep the match scoreless.

"The first 20 minute of the match, I thought we were very good," said head coach Rick Schantz. "We got in-behind them quite a few times. We didn't serve the ball in well again. We're lacking that killer instinct a little bit right now, but it will come."

On loan from the same Rapids side, Rising goalkeeper Andre Rawls made a diving save at the near post in the 18th minute to keep Colorado off the scoreboard. But, just a minute later, on a play that began with a swiftly-taken free kick, the MLS side broke through. The Rapids' Younes Namli played a ball in to the feet of Michael Barrios, who took his chance well, hitting a hard shot that got past Rawls at the near post to make it 1-0 in the 19th minute.

Phoenix created the first chance of the second half when a cross from out wide found forward Rufat Dadashov. Rising's No. 9, who found the back of the net 11 times last season, nearly leveled the match in the 64th minute, but his turning shot deflected off a Rapids defender.

Two-time defending USL MVP, Solomon Asante nearly pulled Rising even with 10 minutes remaining in the match. He cut inside from his position on the right flank and slipped a cross to Dadashov. The striker hit a one-time shot well, but the chance skipped wide of the post.

Phoenix's next preseason match is set for Saturday, April 17, at Wild Horse Pass against fellow USL Championship side Colorado Switchbacks FC. That match is not open to the public.

Lineups:

Phoenix Rising - Andre Rawls, Deklyn Wynne, Joe Farrell, Tobi Adewole (Joey Calistri 58), Trialist 12 (Niall Dunn* 23), Kevon Lambert (Arturo Rodriguez 78), Santi Moar (Prince Saydee 74), Aodhan Quinn, Jon Bakero (Jeremy Kelly 51), Solomon Asante (Seyi Adekoya 85), Rufat Dadashov.

*Phoenix Rising Academy Player

Colorado Rapids - Lalas Abubakar, Michael Barrios, Cole Bassett, Younes Namli, Jack Price, Keegan Rosenberry, Diego Rubio, Andre Shinyashiki, Auston Trusty, Sam Vines, William Yarbrough.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 11, 2021


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