Phoenix Rising shut out Miami FC 2-0 on Saturday, in a home game where the offense truly ignited. The two teams have not played each other since last July in which Miami defeated Phoenix 2-1.
Rising came into the matchup off a 1-1 draw against Detroit City Football Club on May 11th, while Miami lost to Indy Eleven 3-1 on May 12th.
Miami had yet to win a road game coming into the matchup, and that streak would continue after giving up two goals in the first half against Rising.
The first fifteen minutes of the match, possession was all Phoenix as Miami had no answer to their dominant passing game. While Rising had several shots in that time, Miami’s goal-keeper Khadim Ndiaye takes up majority of the goal with his 6’5 stature.
Despite Miami’s lack of first-half possession they did manage to get a goal, however, it would be called back as Rising goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo had possession, but Miami’s player kicked it out of his hands.
Phoenix continued to make shots on target and force their way into the goal box but were not able to score more than two. They had missed opportunities on corner kicks, and then on second-chance plays they still were not able to convert.
Finally, crowd favorite midfielder, Federico Varela was able to score after pressure on the keeper resulted in a blocked kick up for grabs in which Varela sent a rainbow shot to the back of the net making the lead 1-0. Varela celebrated by blowing a kiss into the camera and holding up a heart to the fans.
In the 43rd minute just before half, after Miami’s goalkeeper couldn’t hold onto a shot, defender Edgardo Rito swept through on the extra effort play and earned Rising’s second goal of the night.
Miami would nearly score a goal just before halftime but Rocco Rios Novo sent the ball over the crossbar after tipping it just enough. While it gave Miami a corner kick, they would not make anything of it.
After the game, Rising head coach Danny Stone shared his thoughts saying, “I think the performance of the team tonight was a good one, we scored a couple of good goals in the first half, we were able to manage the second half a little bit more—while staying on the front foot I think as well.”
Rising finished the first half with 10 total shots while Miami only recorded 3, and Phoenix held possession 65% of the first half while Miami only maintained it for 35%.
Rising has a tough 3 game week coming up, including a 3 game road trip. “When we have three games in a week, then of course that rotation of players becomes important and there were a couple of players that we just felt needed a few more minutes of rest tonight, not specifically in preparation for Wednesday, but just to manage their bodies,” said Stone when asked about their upcoming game against the Seattle Sounders.
Rising will go on the road to play the Seattle Sounders in the U.S. Open Cup, Round of 16 matchup on Wednesday the 22nd but will return home to Phoenix on Saturday June 8th to take on Orange County SC.
