Phoenix Rising and New Mexico United had both been dealing with injuries since the pre-season. That has been evident in the results so far this season and both were hoping to get some players back this weekend. Both were also hoping to gain some momentum before the spring really got into action. Rising had all the makings of a win from the off with their tactics and the inability of United to break the press. After converting one of two penalties in the first half, Rising rode that momentum to the end, picking up a 3-0 win over United.
With consecutive league wins under their belt, New Mexico would have had every reason to come into Phoenix confident, even after being ousted from the Open Cup. There were plenty of good signs coming out of the win over Orange County, but in the early minutes against Rising, United struggled to play cleanly and defensive turnovers were the initial problem for the visitors. That ould play into the hands of Rising as they pressed high against United in their defensive half.
In the 12th minute, Ihsan Sacko found his way into the United goal area. Cutting in from the right side and just trying to cut the corner, Sacko took a trip due to Ousman Jabang. Being just inside the area, the referee pointed to the spot and gave the hosts a chance at a penalty. Sacko was given the chance and after some theatrics from both sides, Sacko drove the ball into the center of the net while Kris Shakes dove to the right side of the goal, putting the hosts up, 1-0.
Rising was given a second bite at the apple just after the half hour mark. After receiving what looked like a foul in the 31st, Cristian Nava popped up, intent on tracking down the person responsible. In his attempt to tackle Darius Johnson, Nava unfortunately caught his ankle in the area, conceding another penalty. In the 34th, John Scearce tried to replicate a penalty he had converted a few years ago against United by going bottom right. Shakes studied the taker and guessed the right direction, saving the penalty and keeping United within striking distance.
Phoenix would extend their lead in the 74th minute after a defensive turnover by United. As United tried to play out of the back, a pass by Jabang was intercepted in the defensive third. That immediately gave Rising a chance to play the ball into the middle of the pitch from Hope Aveyevu to Scearce. Scearce would shoot back to the left, and out of the range of a diving Shakes. The ball rolled into the left side of the net, 2-0 Rising.
The ball continued to roll in Rising’s favor when they added a third goal in the 82nd minute. Rising was able to draw Shakes away from the goal as Sacko was played into the right side of the area. Going to ground, Shakes conceded a tight angle, and Sacko shot across the face of the goal and into the left netting, 3-0 Rising.
Player of the Match
Ihsan Sacko – The Rising forward confounded United all night long. He turned defenders inside out and put pressure on throughout the match. He managed to end the night on a brace and would have had a third except for an offside call against him late in the affair.
Up Next
After the two match road trip, United will return to The Lab to try and generate some momentum heading into the spring months. Their next match will be in the Prinx Tires Cup (USL Cup) against AV Alta from USL League One on April 25. Although it’s not a league match, United will try to take advantage of the opportunity for time off and a lower division opponent to get back on track. Coverage of that match will begin at 6 p.m. with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show. The match will follow with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Catch New Mexico United all season on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
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