In a thrilling encounter, Phoenix Rising FC hosted Memphis 901 FC and emerged victorious with a resounding 6-0 win, putting an end to Memphis' impressive 12-game unbeaten streak. Phoenix dominated the match from start to finish, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
The game started with an intense pace, and it was Rising who drew first blood in the 13th minute. Carlos Harvey delivered a precise pass to Eddie Munjoma on the left flank. Munjoma displayed exceptional skill as he evaded a defender and unleashed a powerful shot. His rocket found the top corner of the net, leaving Memphis goalkeeper Drew Romig with no chance. Munjoma's goal set the tone for Phoenix Rising's dominance throughout the match.
Rising continued their relentless attacking display, and in the 22nd minute, they extended their lead to 2-0. Manual Arteaga stepped up to take a free-kick, driving the ball low towards the goal. Romig made the initial save but gave up a rebound, and Carlos Harvey was alert and positioned perfectly to tip the ball into the top of the net.
Memphis had a glimmer of hope in the 39th minute when Rodrigo da Costa unleashed a shot, but Alejandro Fuenmayor came to Rising's rescue. Fuenmayor displayed tremendous awareness and saved the ball off the goal line, preserving Phoenix's 2-0 lead.
Four minutes later, Rising capped off an exceptional first half by adding a third goal to their tally. Panos Armenakas received a pass on the right flank, skillfully spun his defender, and played a perfectly placed ball onto Arteaga's feet who was then 1v1 with the keeper, Arteaga waited for Romig to commit then he went around him and placed the ball in the back of the net for his league leading 10th goal of the season and a Rising 3-0 lead at the half.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Phoenix asserting their dominance over Memphis. Rising goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo launched a ball over the top in the 56th minute, finding Speedster Erickson Gallardo who collected the pass on the run, quickly stopped to let his defender go past him before hitting a shot that beat Romig just inside the back post and a 4-0 Rising lead. Phoenix was not done and the flood gates were open at this point, when in the 59th minute Gallardo came free for a second time. In a spot to score his second of the game, the midfielder instead unselfishly knocked a short pass to the back post for Danny Trejo to finish off. Trejo who moments earlier missed a break away buried this opportunity with his first touch to put the game to bed early in the second half with Rising leading 5-0. Emil Cuello who returned to the lineup after being injured since April, came on for Eddie Munjoma in the 82nd minute and was able set up fellow substitute Fede Varela for the final goal of the match in the 88th minute. Varela received the ball quickly turned and placed the ball into the back of the net. The stadium was rocking and it felt a lot like Rising of a few years ago!!
Phoenix showcased their attacking depth, as six different players contributed to the scoreline tonight.
The final score of 6-0 was a testament to Rising's exceptional performance and their ability to dismantle one of the top teams in the USL Championship. Their victory not only ended Memphis' impressive unbeaten streak but also highlighted their playoff hopes.
Rising will undoubtedly take great confidence from this win as they look to build momentum and continue their pursuit of success. Phoenix is now unbeaten in their last 5 games and things seems to be starting to turn around.
Phoenix Manager Juan Guerra must be happy with how the team played, and I am sure will now turn to the work of the next match.
Next up for Phoenix is a trip East next Saturday July 8th to face Miami FC who sit in 11th place with a 2-7-8 record. Can Rising continue their climb up the table in the West, they sit in 6th spot after this win tonight and will surely be looking to build more momentum after this impressive performance against Memphis.
Comments