In his second year as manager for the Rising, Juan Guerra was impressed with the team’s strong finish but is in the midst of figuring out how the team can pull together a full 90 minutes of elite soccer.
In an away game on Saturday, the Phoenix Rising FC (9-8-8) came from behind two times in a 3-2 win over the Las Vegas Lights FC.
“The intensity that was in the first half (was) not where we want it to be,” Guerra said. “Our standards are way, way higher than that (and) I think the way we were pressing at times (was) too cautious.”
Manuel Arteaga scored the first goal for the Rising in the 53rd minute after going down 1-0 in the first half. Shortly after, Daniel Rios scored his second goal for the Lights’, giving them a 2-1 edge over the Rising. Dany Trejo found the back of the net for the Rising in the 81st minute, evening the score to 2-2. One minute later, Panos Armenaksas scored in the 82nd minute to score the game winning goal for the Rising.
Although the team pulled out an impressive win and channeled one of their few victories when being down at halftime, Guerra expected more from his team in the beginning.
“It was just on and off, it didn’t stay on for the full 45 minutes, “Guerra said. “I don’t think we were intense enough (and) we didn’t have enough purpose.”
The Rising face the Sacramento Republic FC (13-9-4) on Wednesday at Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium. The Republic are coming off of a 0-2 loss over the weekend to Orange County SC.
“I think Sacramento has been very, very consistent this year,” Guerra said. “I would think that Sacramento should have one that game.”
Historically, the Rising have the better record over the Republic with six wins and three losses against the club.
Breaking: Krutzen and Gallardo return to lineup for Rising
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information and exclusive content SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Taylyn Hadley is a sports and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X via @TAYLYNH11.
