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Championship Playoff Preview: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 11/05/21, 8:30AM EDT

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Rising FC begins pursuit of title against Toros side coming off strong end to the regular season


Veteran midfielders Aodhan Quinn of Phoenix Rising FC and Rodrigo Lopez of Rio Grande Valley FC could square off on Saturday night as their clubs meet in the postseason.

PHOENIX – During each of the past three seasons, Phoenix Rising FC has added to its trophy collection.

On Saturday night, it begins its quest for the one piece of silverware that has so far proven elusive.

Owners of the best record in the Western Conference, Rising FC plays host to Rio Grande Valley FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires, at Wild Horse Pass in the second meeting between the sides this season. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+ | SiriusXM FC).

Phoenix opens its fifth consecutive postseason appearance overall on top of the standings, but not quite at peak form. Its final two games of the regular season saw the side play to 1-1 draws against both Sacramento Republic FC and Tacoma Defiance, which closed out the club’s home campaign with an undefeated record for the first time in its history but also sets the club’s home victory – a 1-0 win against Oakland Roots SC on October 9 – almost a month in the rearview mirror. Rising FC has produced another excellent season overall, with Santi Moar recording a career-best 16 goals in the regular season Aodhan Quinn finishing tied for second in the league with 11 assists, and goalkeeper Andre Rawls producing an impressive campaign on loan from the Colorado Rapids, having lost only once while recording a 0.91 goals-against average and 75.95 save percentage on the campaign.

By contrast, the Toros had to surge late to be part of the postseason. After a strong start to the campaign, RGVFC slowly slid down the standings and out of the playoff places in the Mountain Division before springing back into life with three consecutive wins to close the season to earn fourth place ahead of New Mexico United. That included a 4-1 victory against Mountain Division winner El Paso Locomotive FC last Saturday night at H-E-B Park that saw St. Vincent and the Grenadines international Kyle Edwards score twice. This is the first appearance for the Toros in the playoffs since their inaugural season in 2016, but there has been a familiar face leading the way in Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, who returned to the club after stints at Houston Dynamo FC and Club de Foot Montreal after his 2016 success in South Texas. With a balance of experience – including former title winner Rodrigo Lopez and goalkeeper Tyler Deric – and youth, the Toros have begun to build a platform for a bright long-term future, but they’re also ready to try and upset the two-time Western Conference title-winners as well.

TwinSpires Sportsbook Odds: Phoenix Rising FC -177, Rio Grande Valley FC +350, Draw +300

Most Recent Lineups

Phoenix Rising FC (4-3-3) – Andre Rawls; Joey Calistri, Joey Farrell, James Musa, Tate Schmitt; Kevon Lambert, Jon Bakero, Aodhan Quinn; Solomon Asante, Darren Mattocks, Santi Moar

Rio Grande Valley FC (4-2-3-1) – Tyler Deric; Juan Carlos Azocar, Carter Manley, Erik Pimentel, Baboucarr Nije; Rodrigo Lopez, Andres Flores; Kyle Edwards, Emilio Ycaza, Christian Sorto; Jonas Fjeldberg

Discipline

Phoenix Rising FC – None

Rio Grande Valley FC - None

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