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Matchday Report: Quinn Powers Phoenix Past Roots SC

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 08/05/21, 12:20AM EDT

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Second-half goal proves decisive in 1-0 victory to spoil Oakland’s return to Laney Stadium

OAKLAND, Calif. – Aodhan Quinn scored the only goal as Phoenix Rising FC took a 1-0 victory against Oakland Roots SC in the USL on ESPN Game of the Week on Wednesday night, spoiling Roots SC’s return home to Laney Stadium in the club’s first regular season game in the Championship in the heart of Oakland.

Looking to make a successful return to its home venue, Oakland had an early chance from a corner kick when Jesus Enriquez’s delivery found Mattias Fissore for a header that was blocked. The carom brought the ball to Emrah Klimenta, but he fired his shot well over the crossbar. Rising FC had its first good look near the midway point of the first half as Quinn floated a ball to the right for Solomon Asante, whose shot was blocked after he moved into the penalty area only for the rebound to come to Darnell King, who fired just wide of the right post.

Phoenix almost grabbed the lead in the final minute of the first half as Santi Moar moved centrally after picking up possession in the left channel before unleashing a powerful strike to the top-right corner that Curacao international Zeus de la Paz did brilliantly to turn away. Phoenix threatened again inside the opening minute of the second half as Quinn shot from 25 yards to the bottom-left corner but was once again denied.

Quinn went close again from long range in the 56th minute as his shot clipped the top of the crossbar on the way behind for a goal kick, but eight minutes later he provided Rising FC with the breakthrough. A long pass upfield found Asante in the right side of the penalty area, and he cut a pass back to David Egbo near the top of the penalty area. Egbo controlled and released Quinn into the left side of the box for a low, first-time shot that found the back of the net.

Phoenix could have added to its lead midway through the second half as Moar got in behind the Oakland defense but pushed the ball a fraction too far ahead, allowing De la Paz to tackle and clear. The goalkeeper then set up a chance for Jeremy Bokila at the other end with 10 minutes to go with a quickly-taken goal kick that the forward won while holding off two defenders but couldn’t sent his finish on target.

Roots SC also threatened late on a free kick that found Wal Fall for a header that he sent just over the crossbar from eight yards out, but that would prove the last chance for the hosts to level as Rising FC closed out its second win in meetings between the sides this season.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Aodhan Quinn, Phoenix Rising FC – Quinn recorded the lone goal of the game and had four shots overall, two of which were on target, while also recording one key pass and making two interceptions and seven recoveries defensively.

Scoring Summary
PHX
– Aodhan Quinn (David Egbo) 64’

Full Box Score

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