Photo courtesy LA Galaxy II
CARSON, Calif. – Didier Drogba showed his goal-scoring prowess again as his perfect strike gave Phoenix Rising FC a 1-0 victory against LA Galaxy II at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium on Wednesday night. Los Dos started the match well, taking the match to Phoenix early to try and find an early goal as they had the bulk of the ball in the opening 20 minutes. LA should have gone ahead in the 34th minute when Ethan Zubak squared for Ariel Lassiter, whose attempted tap-in went just wide. That allowed Phoenix to counter from the goal kick with forward Solomon Asante squaring for partner Billy Forbes who sent his finish just wide from a tight angle. The pattern from the first half quickly repeated itself in the second half with the Galaxy II taking charge of the match. But in the 64th minute Drogba punished Los Dos for not taking advantage as he hit a powerful shot from the edge of the area, curling it just out of the reach of the goalkeeper for the lone goal of the match. LA tried to pull a goal back, but Phoenix was content to defend well and hold on for the victory.
Scoring
64’ – PHX – Didier Drogba (Gladson Awako)
Three Things That Matter:
USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:
Gladson Awako, Phoenix Rising FC – A smart touch from Awako gave him the assist for Drogba’s goal capping a strong night for the midfielder. Sitting at a 91.3 percent passing accuracy rate helped Awako notch two key passes in the match.
Upcoming Games:
LA Galaxy II vs. Saint Louis FC– April 14, 8:30p.m. ET, Toyota Stadium
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Swope Park Rangers – April 21, 10p.m. ET, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
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