For Phoenix Fans, Playoffs Are One More Step Towards Greatness

Surely this must be a dream. Just one year after Arizona United SC finished a third campaign outside the playoff picture, in front of a smallish crowd of die-hards in distant Peoria, the local boys – now aptly named Phoenix Rising FC – enter the USL Cup Playoffs in fifth position in the Western Conference, […]
Breakthrough: Phoenix Rising FC 2, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 1

Phoenix Rising FC got a monkey off their backs, and put three points in their suitcase, after dropping Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 2-1 in stunning fashion at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., Saturday night. For Phoenix Rising, the win represented their first-ever points in Colorado, and set a club record for most points in […]
Still Rising: Phoenix 2, Seattle 0

Continuing its race to the playoffs in the final third of the USL season, Phoenix Rising FC took all three points in a gritty contest with Seattle Sounders FC 2. Amadou Dia scored the game winner, taking advantage of a loose ball after a shot by AJ Gray. A nifty ball over the top to […]
Nine-Man Phoenix Rising FC Allow RGVFC to Equalize Late, 1-1

A late second-half stoppage-time goal from Rio Grande Valley FC defender Ivan Magalhaes robbed Phoenix Rising FC of a gutsy win on the road, and the clubs had to settle for a point each in Edinburg, Texas. RGV tried to get on the board first with some trickeration in the 4th. A dangerous free kick opportunity […]
Tough Call: San Antonio FC 1, Phoenix Rising FC 0

No one expected a shootout in the desert tonight, so you can’t call it a disappointment from that respect. However, a controversial call went the way of the visitors, and Phoenix Rising FC was dealt a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to San Antonio FC. SAFC midfielder Rafa Castillo buried an 85th-minute penalty to seal the result. […]
Not Enough Fire: Tulsa Routs Phoenix Rising FC, 3-0

All good things must end, and so it went with the unbeaten run of Phoenix Rising FC since the arrival of head coach Patrice Carteron and forward/owner Didier Drogba. Tulsa Roughnecks FC handed the Firebirds their first loss in seven matches, in front of a season-record 5,647 fans at ONEOK Field in Tulsa. Tulsa owned the […]
Phoenix Rising FC earns first clean sheet, draws Reno 0-0

In a match hotly anticipated by both sides, Phoenix Rising FC and Reno 1868 FC played to an exciting 0-0 draw in front of a good crowd at Greater Nevada Field. Phoenix was surely interested in some revenge for a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Reno in April, and fans of 1868 were out […]
Bravo gets his first, Phoenix Rising FC and Real Monarchs draw 1-1

Despite oppressive heat in Scottsdale, Ariz. Saturday night, both Real Monarchs SLC and Phoenix Rising FC put on an impressive and fast-paced performance, drawing 1-1 in front of 6,365. The Monarchs saw their league-best nine-game winning streak come to an end, as Phoenix has now been unbeaten in three matches since the debut of Didier […]
Drawn Together: Phoenix and Swope Park share the spoils in frustrating affair

Looking to string together consecutive wins for only the second time this season, Phoenix Rising FC had to settle for a draw, finishing 2-2 with Swope Park Rangers at Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Kansas City. In Didier Drogba’s second match for Phoenix, and first on the road, Rising FC had rare opportunities to score, […]
Phoenix Downs Vancouver 2-1, in Strong Drogba Debut

The stars were out in Scottsdale, AZ on Saturday night, as goals from Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips propelled Phoenix Rising FC to a 2-1 victory over visiting Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. It was the debut for Drogba and new head coach Patrice Carteron. With the anticipation of Drogba’s debut growing to a fever pitch […]
Two for two: Phoenix Rising FC 2, LA Galaxy II 1

LA Galaxy II struck first, but just as in the first meeting with Phoenix Rising FC, the Firebirds would come back to defeat Los Dos 2-1. This game started fast, and stayed fast. Both teams were eager to set the tone, and each served up long balls aplenty. The defenses were unable to cope in […]