Phoenix Rising FC’s struggles throughout the 2023 season shaped them into a resilient force, and the club hopes for the same in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)
PHOENIX – With only eight games left in the regular season, Phoenix Rising FC is battling to secure a playoff spot in the USL Championship. Despite Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sacramento Republic FC, the defending champions remain in seventh place in the Western Conference.
The loss comes after a stretch of promising form, including two consecutive wins and five clean sheets in their last six matches. Interim coach Diego Gómez, who took over after the firing of Danny Stone, has been instrumental in turning Rising’s season around.
The club started the year with high expectations following its inspiring underdog run to the USL Championship in 2023. However, early results fell far short of those expectations.
Under Gómez’s guidance, Rising has posted a 3-4-2 record, bringing their overall tally to 8-9-9. While not perfect, the team has shown marks of improvement, particularly on the defensive end. Rising defense has been a standout, recording five clean sheets in their last seven matches, a crucial factor in their push for the playoffs.
Gómez has brought a renewed sense of confidence to the club, and his players are responding to his approach.
“It’s confidence,” Gómez said, reflecting on the team’s recent successes. “It gives us a ton of confidence to continue what we are working on and to keep believing in the concepts that we are implementing. We keep believing that we are working together as a group.”
The team’s offense, however, has struggled at times. In August, Rising went nearly a month without scoring a goal, though they managed to avoid defeat in all but one match during that stretch.
The lack of offensive output has been a point of concern for the coaching staff, but Gómez remains hopeful that improvement will come.
“We still have to progress on things that we can do better,” Gómez said. “There are games where we dominate possession, but the game is still tied, 0-0. We have to make better decisions in the box and make sure we put the ball in.”
Much of the optimism surrounding Rising’s recent form can be attributed to key midseason transfers. After the departure of winger Panos Armenakas to Memphis 901 FC, Rising added two impactful players to bolster their attack: Ángel Tomás, on loan from LAFC, and Curacao international Jearl Margaritha.
Tomás made an immediate impact, scoring the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over FC Tulsa on Sept. 6, while Margaritha netted the winner in Phoenix’s 1-0 triumph over Loudoun United FC on Aug. 31. The acquisition of Armenakas and Margaritha has provided the attacking spark the team desperately needed as the Rising pushes for a playoff berth.
“It’s the same objective for every match we play – to win,” said Tomás, whose contributions have been vital to the team’s resurgence. “Obviously climbing the table and winning the tournament, that’s what we’re looking for and that’s what we’re trying to reach.”
Margaritha, who has quickly embraced his new role within the squad, added: “I can play both sides if necessary. (Gómez) just told me to bring in the extra that we need and to secure the top eight places.”
Rising’s defense, anchored by a solid backline, has been the team’s greatest asset during the recent run. While scoring has remained an issue, the ability to keep opponents off the scoresheet has allowed the club to grind out critical points. With eight matches remaining, the club is aware that every game carries weight as they strive to cement their playoff position.
“We’re in a position to make this more interesting for us,” Gómez said. “Every game is important. For us to continue smiling and winning games, we have to keep up this effort and work hard on both sides of the ball.”
Rising still controls their playoff destiny approaching the end of the regular season. If the defense can continue its solid form and the attack starts to click, the reigning champions may make another deep postseason run.
And while the team’s journey this season has been far from straightforward, the leadership of Gómez and the contributions from new signings have prepared Rising to fight for its playoff life down the stretch.
The club returns home Saturday to host San Antonio FC, with an opportunity to gain three crucial points.