IRVINE, Calif. – Phoenix Rising FC thought it had started off its 2018 campaign with three points on the road, but a late goal from substitute Alex Crognale saw Orange County SC record a 1-1 tie at Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park on Saturday. Billy Forbes, one of the most prominent offseason additions for Rising FC, had an immediate impact for his new team, assisting the first goal of Phoenix’s 2018 campaign in the 11th minute of the match. Solomon Asante scored the goal for Rising FC, making a run to meet the ball at the back post. Orange County controlled a majority of the possession for the remainder of the game, but the team struggled to score. In the 30th minute, Oscar Sorto went down in the box after attacking the right wing, and questions were raised over whether a penalty should be awarded, but center official Michael Radchuk held his whistle. Michael Seaton had a great chance to score for the home side near the end of the first half, but his close-range header hit the crossbar. With the result, Rising FC sits at 0-0-1 on the year, while Orange County moves to 0-0-1.
Scoring:
11’ – PHX – Solomon Asante (Billy Forbes)
90’ – OC – Alex Crognale
Three Things That Matter:
USLSoccer.com Man of the Match
Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising FC – The midfielder scored Phoenix’s first goal of the season, and he also completed 84.6 percent of his passes on the evening.
Upcoming Games:
Orange County SC vs. Sacramento Republic FC – March 24, 10 p.m. ET, Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park
Phoenix Rising FC vs. OKC Energy FC – March 24, 10 p.m. ET, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
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