Phoenix Rising defeat Greenville Triumph SC in midweek match, move onto next round of U.S. Open Cup

Fans talk about new stadium location

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Phoenix Rising and Greenville Triumph stand together on the pitch Wednesday night

Hannah Hamilton, Reporter

On Wednesday night, Phoenix Rising FC defeat Greenville Triumph SC 1-0 to move on in the 108th U.S. Open Cup.

The U.S. Open Cup includes 100 soccer clubs from various leagues playing for a $300,000 prize and entry into an additional yearly tournament, the CONCACAF Champions League.

The single goal of the game came in the 21st minute when Eddie Munjoma crossed a ball into the box for Baboucarr Njie, who put the ball up for a Carlos Harvey header into the back of the net.

The remaining 60 minutes was a game of possession with Phoenix dominating 70% to 30%. Greenville managed a last-minute attempt on goal, but Rising goalie Patrick Rakovsky made just enough contact to knock the ball off the cross bar and hold onto the 1-0 shutout.

Rising opened this season in a new, temporary stadium at 38th St. and Washington Ave. in Phoenix, near Sky Harbor Airport, and nevalleynews.org asked fans their opinion on the team’s new home.

“So, I’ve been a season ticket holder for a couple years now. So, I was a season ticket holder at the Tempe stadium — loved the Tempe stadium, loved the food, loved the dollar beer nights, loved the culture…felt like it totally kind of washed out at the old stadium and I feel like they’re coming full force back to the fans right now, and I’m amped on it.  I’m really stoked about this,” said Jake Swanson.

Another supporter like the ease of getting to what they referred to as a more centralized location.

Yet another appreciated the spot for its daytime scenery of Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain.

After a Sunday road match against Birmingham, Rising returns home to face Monterey Bay on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.