Rising welcomed North Carolina at 38th/Washington St on Saturday night. 

This was a huge game for Rising, as they are in race for playoff contention, but were sitting at tenth in the USL West. 

However, a win would see them shoot up to seven, with a game in hand, while North  Carolina sat ninth in Group East. 

With those extra games, Phoenix’s playoff hopes had grown, and they surely were hoping for a win in this late August matchup. 

A win here could be a decider whether they make the playoff  or not, possibly even a chance to defend last years title. 

Rising started very hesitant, almost scared, and while North Carolina took that possession,  they didn’t do much with it. 

“I think the first 20-25 minutes we were not good,” said head coach Diego Gomez.

“After  that, we picked up but it didn’t go much better. The last 60-65 minutes of the game we controlled the game, we create some chances but we are lacking the goal, that’s four  straight games that we are lacking that goal. We need to find our way because our  defense…we are not conceding, we are keeping clean sheets but when it closes to win the  game, they start…hurting the three points.” said Coach Gomez.

Neither team really sent an attack, leading to a lot of battles in the midfield, leading to  fouls. 

However, at the end of the half, both team’s attack shot out of a rocket, and chances flew. 

In the 41st minute, Rocco Rios Novo, Rising’s goalie, was caught out of his box in what  should’ve been an easy North Carolina goal. 

However, Novo was able to still put pressure on the attacker, forcing a bad angle, and  ultimately, a miss. 

After that, though, chances settled down, and the first half ended sloppy. 

When the second half began, both teams returned to possession, but Novo made vital  saves and took away any North Carolina shots. 

Even Phoenix made their chances, and it seemed both teams found a rhythm, but with 10  minutes left, it seemed too little, too late. 

Phoenix put loads of pressure and manpower near the end of the game, but it ended with  no goals, as both teams grabbed a point each. 

While Phoenix still holds an extra game, their postseason chances are running out.

“Every game is big right now,” said Gomez. “Every game, every three points is big.” Phoenix will visit Loudoun at Segra Field on August 31st.