skip navigation

Phoenix Strikes Late against Switchbacks

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 09/09/17, 10:02PM EDT

Share

Gray scores winner with four minutes to go in key playoff race clash


Photo courtesy Isaiah J. Downing / Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A.J. Gray scored with four minutes to go as Phoenix Rising FC took a 2-1 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night at Weidner Field to continue its rise in the USL Western Conference standings. The Switchbacks hit the crossbar through a free kick by Kevaughn Frater in the second minute, with the rebound finish by Luke Vercollone being ruled out for a foul as the midfielder challenged to head home. Rising FC’s first good chance arrived in the 16th minute as a good cross by Amadou Dia from the left was headed wide by Matt Hurlow, and a minute later the Switchbacks went close as Shane Malcolm’s shot curled just wide of the left post. Both sides went close late in the half with a pair of low crosses that just went begging, but Rising FC took the lead five minutes into the second half as Amadou Dia fired home from a tight angle from the left side. Colorado Springs worked to try and get back on level terms, and A.J. Ajeakwa had a cross from the right that needed to be tipped over the bar by Rising FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen. The Switchbacks leveled with seven minutes to go, however, as A.J. Ajeakwa marked his debut for the club with a goal, sliding home to put away a cross by Josh Suggs from the left at the back post. Phoenix hit back almost immediately, however, as A.J. Gray scored from just outside the penalty area with a snap shot into the left corner of the net to regain the lead. The Switchbacks’ pushed for a second equalizer, and Vercollone had a header go wide in stoppage time, but Rising FC held firm for a big win in its playoff push.

Scoring:
50’ – PHX – Amadou Dia
83’ – COS – A.J. Ajeakwa (Josh Suggs)
86’ – PHX – A.J. Gray (Jason Johnson)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. The Switchbacks appeared to have gotten an immediate dividend from one of its newest signings thanks to A.J. Ajeakwa’s equalizer late on in Saturday’s clash, but Rising FC walked away from a busy week with a win that should provide a major step forward in its pursuit of a place in the postseason. Phoenix likely would have been happy enough with a point from its visit to Colorado Springs given its advantage in games remaining on the Switchbacks and a busy week preceding its visit to Weidner Field, but A.J. Gray’s precise finish gave Phoenix the sort of bonus that should pay off handsomely at the end of the season.

  • 2. Last Saturday night Amadou Dia provided an attacking spark off the bench for Phoenix with the game-winning goal against Seattle Sounders FC 2. Scoring his second goal in three games against the Switchbacks, it appeared Dia had got a good scouting report as he opened the scoring in a crucial contest for both clubs. Switchbacks goalkeeper Moise Pouaty has shown a tendency to cheat off his near post in anticipation of a cross, and Dia laced home a finish from a tight angle that the Cameroonian goalkeeper was unable to keep out that helped pave the way to victory.

  • 3. Arguably the biggest key to Rising FC’s push into the playoff positions has been the resurgence of its defense, which played a key role again as Phoenix took a massive road victory. After going 12 games without a shutout to start the season, the work Head Coach Patrice Carteron has put into his side’s defensive shape and organization has paid major dividends. Phoenix had held opponents to either one or no goals in eight consecutive games, a very positive sign as the side makes its way toward a first postseason appearance.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

A.J. Gray, Phoenix Rising FC – For a second consecutive week Gray had a major impact as a second-half substitute, this time scored the game-winning goal as Rising FC solidified its playoff credentials.

Upcoming Games:
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
at Seattle Sounders FC 2 – September 16, 10 p.m. ET, Starfire Stadium
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC – September 16, 10:30 p.m. ET, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos