Phoenix Rising FC takes 1-0 home win vs. Colorado Springs

PHOENIX — Phoenix Rising FC (2-3-1) picked up a 1-0 win vs. Colorado Springs on Saturday night in front of 6,277 fans at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

Mo Traore came free on Phoenix’s left side in the eighth minute of the match and played a perfect cross into the center of the box for Fede Varela to redirect on goal with a first touch volley. Fortunately for Colorado, goalkeeper Christian Herrera was in perfect position to make the save and keep the match tied, 0-0.

Varela popped free in the box a second time in the 34^th minute after Dariusz Formella found him with an entry pass from the left side. The ball hopped up on Varela but the Argentine volleyed a shot on target. Seconds later, Gabi Torres found Remi Cabral with a headed pass, but the forward’s first-touch attempt skipped wide of the post to Herrera’s left side.

Cabral took a pass from Formella at midfield and sped away from his marker in the 42^nd minute. Cutting across the center of the field, Cabral tried to pick out the top corner of the goal, but the pass ricocheted off the outside of the post.

Laurence Wyke set up Formella at the back post in the 57^th minute. Dribbling on Phoenix’s right flank, Wyke cut back and delivered a cross that Formella chested down and hit on target but once again Herrera was in position to make the save.

Herrera made his sixth save of the match on a hard shot by Formella in the 64^th minute. Renzo Zambrano set up the chance.

Stenberg broke through for Rising in the 71^st minute after a corner kick was hammered back into the box by Zambrano. The loose ball fell to Stenberg and the Captain hammered a shot into the top corner of the goal from close range to give Phoenix the 1-0 win.

Rising is back in action at home again Saturday, April 20  vs. the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (0-3-2) at 7:30 p.m.