PHX Rising topped FC Tulsa tonight 1-0 in a must win game at home. 

It was a must win for both teams, both with 30 points heading into this game. Rising were seventh and Tulsa sixth in the USL West standings leading up to this matchup. 

With ninth place only two points behind each team, Rising were looking for back-to-back wins under head coach Diego Gomez. An interesting switch up tonight, opting for a 3-4-3 formation rather than their usual 4-1-4-1. 

Remi Cabral, Rising’s top goal scorer, was back from his injury, but sat on the bench for  most of the game. 

Phoenix was the better team straight off the bat, making chance after chance. 

Tulsa didn’t help themselves, as they made fouls in threatening areas for Rising, but they  couldn’t capitalize. 

“Yes, we talked about starting very strong the first 30 minutes,” Gomez said. “Put them  under pressure, ability on the ball, we did really good on the press also…we made a lot of  chances.” 

Nearing the end of the half, Formella was in the box and cut in to either pass or shoot, but  the defender misjudged it, and Formella went down. 

The ref blew the whistle, pointing to the spot. Penalty for Phoenix. 

Tomas Angel was the taker, a new face at the club, looking for his first ever goal with  Phoenix Rising.  

He shot right, the keeper dived left, 1-0 to Rising heading into the half, and Angel’s first goal  for the club. 

“It made me feel happy, happy for him.” said Gomez. “I think that’s something that he  really needed to open up the goal and get confidence, so hopefully now we can see him  scoring many more goals for us.” 

“You as a striker, strikers all around the world, that’s the motivation and that’s the way they  feed on,” said Angel. “I think it came at the best moment. You as a striker, you score the  first one and so, it’s the beginning of a lot.” 

Rising continued to dominate possession and make more chances, however Tulsa had to  play now.

Tulsa made as many chances as they could, especially nearing the end of the game. They added lots of pressure, and in the 93rd minute, they found the back of the net. It seemed to pierce a dagger through Phoenix, but there was one issue. 

The linesmen flag was up, indicating offside, which meant the goal would not stand. Just a  few minutes later, it was full time, as Phoenix secured all three points. 

Phoenix will take on a top ranked team in the Sacramento Republic Saturday, September 14, at Heart Health Park.