Phoenix Rising Suffer Late Defeat to New Mexico United, Playoff Hopes Dim
Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix rising FC fell 1-0 to New Mexico United Saturday night at 38th and Washington, a result that significantly tightens the race for a playoff berth in the USL Championship. The late goal by New Mexico adds to a concerning trend for Rising, who have secured just two points from their last three home matches.
The match was tightly contested,with both teams displaying a playoff-level intensity,according to Rising’s coach in postgame comments. However, a controversial call late in the game involving Boye drew scrutiny, though the author notes that Rising arguably benefited from a missed penalty call in the first leg of the fixture against Phoenix, a decision that could have resulted in a two-point swing.
The loss sees Colorado Springs leapfrog Phoenix into 7th place in the Western Conference standings following their victory over San Antonio. orange County’s draw against El Paso further shrinks Rising’s playoff cushion, leaving them just two points ahead of the 8th-place team.
With two-thirds of the league qualifying for the postseason, the pressure is mounting on Phoenix Rising. The team has only one win in their last 11 league matches and two wins in their last 15.
rising faces a challenging road ahead with upcoming matches against San Antonio, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh – all teams currently positioned to host playoff games. The team will need to secure a win in their remaining matches to solidify their chances of reaching the playoffs.
Top image: Phoenix Rising FC/Ashley Orellana
