PHOENIX (October 19, 2018) — Phoenix Rising FC advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals following a 3-0 win over Portland Timbers 2 in front of a record sellout crowd of 7,511 fans at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. It was the first-ever postseason win in club history. 

Forwards Didier Drogba and Jason Johnson and midfielder Solomon Asante scored goals for Phoenix Rising. Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski notched his 13th clean sheet of the season.

Phoenix Rising now waits for the winner of the Sacramento Republic FC vs. Swope Park Rangers match on Saturday evening. If Sacramento wins, Phoenix will have to go on the road for its next match. If Swope Park wins, Phoenix Rising will host a second-consecutive home playoff match.

Drogba opened the match’s scoring in the 28th minute with a spectacular long-range free kick from 30-plus yards away. It was his second postseason goal with the club.

Rising FC held onto that lead into and out of the half. Johnson doubled the lead in the in the 62nd minute. Following a long-range ball from Chris Cortez, Johnson corralled the ball in the box, turned, and fired a shot inside the near left post for the goal and 2-0 lead.

Asante put a cap on the evening in stoppage time. After a loose ball came to his feet at the top of the box, he maneuvered around his defender and flicked a quick shot inside the right post to make it 3-0.

Phoenix Rising FC will now play in the Western Conference semifinals next week. If the team travels to Sacramento, the match will take place on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. If Swope Park wins, Rising FC will host its next match on Friday at 7:30 p.m. If the club gets another home match, ticket information will be made available on Sunday.