Phoenix Rising extends unbeaten run to four with late draw to San Antonio
Phoenix Rising rescued a point at home to San Antonio FC in a 1-1 draw, after falling down to 10 men, then conceding in the first half. The draw extends a four-match unbeaten run, spearheaded by a three-match winning streak. Strong start vs.
Strong side Heading into Saturday’s match, San Antonio were second in the Western Conference table having only lost once all season. To open the year, this San Antonio side beat Phoenix Rising 2-1 at Toyota Field. Yet San Antonio’s prowess took time to show.
Rising, usually slow starters, came out of the gates hot at a level seldom seen this season. Midfielder Hope Avayevu was only credited with creating one chance, but his presence in Rising’s buildup could not be understated in the opening half hour. On multiple occasions, Avayevu played near-perfect passes into the final third, but his teammates lacked the finish at the end.
It was a much welcomed performance for the Ghanaian, who has had a rocky season to this point. Compared to San Antonio, Rising created better chances through the first forty minutes. Rising had an expected goals (xG) mark of 0.
642, while San Antonio only mustered 0. 331. But even as the numbers favored them, Rising couldn’t find the back of the net in the first half.