Brad Cesmat
For Rising FC, the road to the USL Championship game will have to go through Orange County. Saturday night OC knocked out Reno 1-0 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. The game will be played at Orange County Soccer Stadium in Irvine next Saturday at 7pm. Rising FC is planning on having buses available for fans who want to travel to the match. The stadium is very small, holding just 5-thousand spectators.
Here’s my story from Friday nights win over Swope Park
Hey MLS, look at us now!
Phoenix Rising FC did not win the battle of the stat sheet in Friday nights playoff match with Swope Park. They were outshot and dominated in possession. But the ONLY number that counts is the final score. Rising FC had goals from four different players, including Didier Drogba to put an exclamation mark on a 4-2 victory. With the victory, Rising FC continues their playoff run next week against either Reno or Orange County. Rising FC played in front of yet another record setting crowd. Jason Johnson opened the scoring for Rising with a goal in the 22nd minute.
Rising FC trailed 2-1 in the 33rd minute after Hadj Barr gave Swope Park the lead. Rising would level the score on a Chris Cortez goal, and would pull away in the second half for the win.
Rising FC would host the Western Conference Final if Reno takes down Orange County. If OC wins, then Rising FC would have to travel to Southern California for the match. Friday would be yet again another attendance record for Rising with an announced crowd beyond the 7,500 capacity.
Hey, MLS, are you watching what’s happening here in Phoenix? We thought so!
