skip navigation

Rising FC Races Past Energy FC

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 05/09/18, 10:31PM EDT

Share

Farrell, da Fonte, Johnson score in 3-0 road win for Phoenix


Photo courtesy of Steven Christy

OKLAHOMA CITY – Phoenix Rising FC has started its Oklahoma road trip with a victory, defeating OKC Energy FC 3-0 at Taft Stadium on Wednesday. Joseph Farrell headed in the opening goal of the game, which turned out to be the game-winning tally, in the 16th minute, when Alessandro Riggi sent a tasty free kick into the mixer before Farrell headed the ball in at the back post. Riggi created the second goal for Phoenix six minutes later, hitting a corner kick into box where Mike da Fonte fired in a header of his own. Energy FC pressed for a goal of its own throughout the second half and came close on multiple occasions, but Jason Johnson scored Phoenix’s third goal – chesting a quality pass from Gladson Awako over the top of the defense before hitting a right-footed blast over the line – to secure the victory. With the result, Rising FC improves to 5-1-3, while the Energy FC falls to 1-8-0 this campaign.

Scoring:

16’ – PHX – Joseph Farrell (Alessandro Riggi)
22’ – PHX – Mike da Fonte (Alessandro Riggi)
75’ – PHX – Jason Johnson (Gladson Awako)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Rising FC remains unbeaten on the road. The Western Conference contender is now 3-0-1 away from home this campaign, having beaten OKC Energy FC, Reno 1868 FC and the LA Galaxy II after tying Orange County SC in its season opener on March 17. In all three away victories, Phoenix has recorded a clean sheet, with the visitor holding Energy FC to zero shots on goal in Wednesday’s content.
  • 2. Energy FC have lost seven consecutive games after defeating Tulsa Roughnecks FC 1-0 in its season opener on March 17. Wednesday’s match was the second defeat of the campaign to Phoenix, which topped OKC 4-1 at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on March 24. Energy FC has been shut out in five straight games, and Wednesday’s performance did not impress, as the team failed to register a single shot on goal despite coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions.
  • 3. Solomon Asante and Billy Forbes have been two of Phoenix’s stars to start the 2018 season, but Wednesday night was the Alessandro Riggi show. The forward only played 67 minutes, but he made a major impact, providing two assists while recording five chances created in total. With multiple players able to step up on any given day for Phoenix, fans have to be excited and optimistic of the team’s chances to top the Western Conference table by season’s end.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Alessandro Riggi, Phoenix Rising FC – The forward provided two assists and was a menace up top all game long to lead Rising FC to victory on Wednesday.

Upcoming Games:

OKC Energy FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FCC – May 19, 8 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium

Phoenix Rising FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC – May 12, 8 p.m. ET, ONEOK Field

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos