SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sitting second in the league with 220 shots, it was reasonable to expect Phoenix Rising FC to have an attacking game-plan for its match against Sacramento Republic FC from the opening whistle this past Saturday, especially when considering the match the two sides played just three weeks ago on May 19th when Phoenix recorded 25 shots, its second-highest output of the season. 

But that wasn’t how Phoenix set up for the clash at Papa Murphy's Park as the visitors came out more defensively in an effort to absorb possession, which resulted in a much tighter 0-0 draw that saw both teams finish with eight shots. 

“I thought we were a bit flat. It was pretty clear pretty early what they were trying to do early and we didn’t adjust as well as we would’ve liked,” said Republic FC Head Coach Simon Elliott.

That defense from Phoenix was so effective that the hosts finished without a shot on target, including a missed penalty kick by Jeremy Hall late in the first half that had offered a major opening. But with his side putting in a strong defensive effort at the other end, the former New Zealand international said he was was pleased to claim a point.

“We kept a clean sheet, missed a penalty and could’ve come out of here one-nothing and taken three points,” Elliott said. “Sometimes that’s not the way it works, so we got something out of the game and overall we’ll take it.”

Sacramento's 84.6 percent tackle success rate, well above its average for the season of 70 percent, was part of the key to its defensive success, as a pair of good saves by Josh Cohen snuffed out two of the three big chances the visitors created. Republic FC has now conceded only two goals in its past four games, a sign that the back line is starting to jell.

“I think we’re starting to understand each other a lot more and we’re really connecting,” said Republic FC defender Shannon Gomez. “In training, we try to work on a lot of different things and it connects us as a defense and Josh [Cohen] always does his job. We’ve been a stronger unit and going forward in the season, it’s going to be great and I think it’s a sign of a good team.”

FINISHING FRUSTRATES RENO: Reno 1868 FC pushed its undefeated streak to 10 matches, but an inability to convert more chances left the side disappointed after a 1-1 draw with Fresno FC on Saturday night at Greater Nevada Field. Reno finished with 23 shots in the match, and despite putting 10 of those on target a stellar display by Foxes goalkeeper Kyle Reynish left the team wanting more.

“I felt like we should’ve walked away with three points tonight. We had a ton of chances and we should’ve converted more. But we were down 1-0 so we’re thankful to walk away with a point,” said Reno Head Coach Ian Russell.

1868 FC is seventh in the USL in shooting accuracy, with a 47.3 percent accuracy rate, and while on Saturday night that rate was slightly below average at 43.5 percent it was as part of a performance where the hosts racked up more shots on target than in any previous game this season. But with Reynish recording nine saves to keep 1868 FC at bay, Reno's forwards felt there was still plenty to be positive from the overall display.

“We had several opportunities, we just have to do a better job at finishing. That’s one thing we’ve had to work on all year,” said goalscorer Brian Brown. “I think we’re still doing a great job and although we have plenty to work on, we’re right there.”

Reno will face another stellar goalkeeper in its next outing, with the side set to visit Andre Rawls and Orange County SC next Saturday night in a contest that could see Reno push past its Southern California rival in the Western Conference standings with a win. Given how close things are in the middle of the Western Conference, producing a victory would be a big plus for Russell's side, and help wipe away the disappointment of a missed opportunity against the Foxes. 

“I feel like we’re right there with them in the standings. They are much better than they were last year so it will be a challenge,” said Russell. “But I feel like we can go down there and walk away with a good result.”

YOUNG DEFENDERS HELP SEATTLE TO VITAL WIN: Coming into a match with a five-game winless streak, Seattle Sounders FC 2 was looking for a spark as it hosted OKC Energy FC, and while the hosts initially went behind before David Estrada led a dramatic comeback it got two stellar defensive performances from academy players Khai Brisco and Sakari Carter who both played a full 90 minutes.

“They actually love to defend. That’s one thing we try and implement in our team is that no one actually likes it, it’s not a thing where you go ‘hey I want to be a defender’,” said Seattle Head Coach John Hutchinson. “So, we always say to them: ‘You have to love to defend.’ If you love to defend, you’re going to get there.”

The young duo combined for 30 clearances as they held Energy FC at bay for most of the contest, with Carter's tally of 19 the third-highest in an individual display this season. Both players also recorded five interceptions, with Brisco's late intervention helping preserve the victory for the hosts at Cheney Stadium. 

Goalkeeper Calle Brown was also impressive for S2 with a six-save performance to keep his side in the game. A former member of the Houston Dynamo, Brown's progression since arriving in Seattle has impressed Hutchinson as he gets back to the form that saw him shine previously in the USL for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC before signing with Houston.

“When Calle Brown first came in, he was a little bit quiet and nervous. I think tonight was his best game with his hands and saves. He had a little bit of help from [Sakari Carter] and Khai [Brisco] saving off the line as well, but tonight was his best game for us,” said Hutchinson. “Obviously, there’s improvement for all of our players, but he’s gone to strength every week and you can see what impact he has on the plays when he pulls off a big save as well.”

The Seattle bench also played an important role as Hutchinson's second-half chances helped the team find a way to wrest control of the game from OKC. Midfielder Ray Saari was particularly key for the team off the bench as he completed 17 of 19 passes in the final half-hour of the contest to help S2 create more chances after Alex Dixon's goal had put the visitors ahead. 

“I think you have to give that credit to some of the guys that came off the bench as well because they usually make the difference,” said Estrada. “Those players are usually starters, so for them, to come in here and make a difference, I think that shows well of the group that we have and I’m so happy that we have academy players who can step in.”