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SAFC Strikes Late to Defeat Rising FC

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/30/17, 1:24AM EDT

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Castillo’s goal from the penalty spot earns 1-0 win for SAFC


Photo courtesy Michael Rincon / Phoenix Rising FC

PHOENIX – San Antonio FC scored a late winner through Rafa Castillo from the penalty spot to defeat Phoenix Rising FC 1-0 on Saturday night in front of 5,463 fans at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. Phoenix’s Didier Drogba produced a good save by SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo in the 13th minute as a good cross from the right by Chris Cortez was headed toward the left corner, only to be turned wide. Shaun Wright-Phillips also had a chance saved for Rising FC on the half-hour mark, while San Antonio went close to breaking the deadlock four minutes before the break as a low cross from the left by Billy Forbes into the cente of the penalty area found Kris Tyrpak, but his far-post finish was saved by Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Cohen. Phoenix almost took the lead in the 68th minute when a punch by Restrepo came to Cortez, but his quick shot back on goal was headed away by Ben Newnam. The denial proved crucial as SAFC was awarded a penalty kick with eight minutes to go when Cohen brought down Cesar Elizondo in the area, and Rafa Castillo converted from the spot. Drogba almost pulled Phoenix level in the 89th minute as he forced a good save by Restrepo from a free kick, and the former Ivory Coast international also fired just over from another set piece opportunity in stoppage time, but SAFC held on for victory, snapping a four-game winless streak.

Scoring:
85’ – SA – Rafa Castillo (penalty)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. San Antonio broke out of the longest winless run of its season so far thanks to another stellar defensive display, and Rafael Castillo keeping his cool from the penalty spot when it mattered most in a game that seemed set to finish all square as time began to wind down in the second half. The visitors had more possession, but weren’t able to create much as they finished with only two shots on goal for the night. After falling victim to late goals that resulted in draws in its last two outings, though, SAFC will be glad to reverse that trend as its pursuit of Real Monarchs SLC picked back up.

  • 2. Phoenix looked the more dangerous side for most of the night, but was held scoreless for a second consecutive contest as its playoff hopes took another minor hit after a second consecutive defeat. Rising FC had entered confident it would find more success than in the first meeting between the teams offensively, but was often forced to settle for shots from outside the penalty area as San Antonio’s defense was impermeable at times for the Phoenix attack. As SAFC’s Diego Restrepo earned his eighth shutout of the season, Rising FC was left to lick its wounds.

  • 3. Phoenix didn’t have the best night of scoreboard-watching on Saturday, either, with Orange County SC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC both among the winners in the Western Conference to push forward in their respective pushes for the playoffs. Phoenix hits the road for its next three outings, but all three could be winnable as the side visits the LA Galaxy II, Rio Grande Valley FC and what’s shaping up to be a crucial game against Orange County on August 18. There remains plenty of time for Rising FC to make its run into the playoffs, but ending this two-game losing streak next Saturday night would be a very good step in the right direction.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Diego Restrepo, San Antonio FC – Restrepo recorded a four-save shutout, and also continued to command his penalty area well as SAFC took a big road victory.

Upcoming Games:
Phoenix Rising FC
at LA Galaxy II – August 5, 10:30 p.m. ET, StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium
San Antonio FC vs. Orange County SC – August 5, 8:30 p.m. ET, Toyota Field

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