Rising takes on Vegas this Saturday at 7:30 PM on CW61 Arizona & ESPN+
August 21, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release
Phoenix Rising FC in training
(Phoenix Rising FC)
Phoenix Rising has taken six of a possible nine points from its first three-match week of the 2020 season, presented by Equality Health.
"I told the team we'd have to have some grit and determination this week," said Schantz. "Three games in eight days isn't easy, but we can do it. If we're able to get nine points, it will have been a spectacular week. We're not looking past Vegas at all."
Schantz is keeping his squad focused on finishing out this three-game stretch before looking ahead to the task of facing a familiar coach and Las Vegas Lights FC in back-to-back matches on Sept. 5 and Sept. 11.
"Frank has tremendous experience, having coached David Beckham and Landon Donovan," said Schantz. "I know he is smart. He knows how to motivate a group."
Yallop served as Phoenix Rising's coach and president of soccer operations from 2015 to 2017.
"They've got some experience," said Schantz of Lights FC. "Their field is a little bit small. They have some strong, powerful guys. Rashawn Dally is a handful. He is extremely athletic."
Vegas dispatched Tacoma, 3-1, on Wednesday, August 19 with goals from Junior Burgos, Rashawn Dally and Junior Sandoval.
"Junior Burgos is a veteran," said Schantz. "He has been around the league a long time. They're going to match up well against us but hopefully we can get our wingers isolated and play in-behind their wingers a bit."
Raul Mendiola is another attacking threat to be aware of in Yallop's arsenal. The Mexican rejoined Vegas on July 23. In his first stint with the club, Mendiola scored 10 goals in 22 appearances during the 2018 season.
"I've always liked him," said Schantz. "He's really difficult to play against because he doesn't loose the ball. He can find a good pass and he can finish. He's a good player there is no doubt about it. If you don't know where he is and what he is doing, you'll get punished."
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 Phoenix Rising FC in training |
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