PHOENIX — Phoenix Rising took care of business Saturday night, earning three points with a 3-2 victory over Las Vegas Lights FC at Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium at 38th and Washington streets.

The rising came out firing, building a three-goal lead before halftime behind goals from Ihsan Sacko and Gunnar Studenhofft. After Studenhofft drew a penalty in the 18-yard box, Sacko converted from the spot to give the home side a commanding advantage at the break.

Las Vegas responded with two second-half goals, but the Rising held on to secure the win on home turf.

“I think we took the front foot and that’s good,” Sacko stated in a news release. “We were more attacking than staying in the block and defending, so I think it’s a good three points for us.”

The Rising hit the road next Saturday, Oct. 17 for its final road trip of the regular season, taking on Orange County SC for the third meeting between the sides this season. Rising has earned a result in both previous matchups and will look to carry that momentum into California as it continues its push toward the postseason.

One... Two... Three

The Rising’s attack was led by two of its most consistent goal scorers in Ihsan Sacko and Gunnar Studenhofft, who combined for all three goals on the night. Sacko recorded a brace to bring his season total to 15, while Studenhofft added his fifth goal of the campaign. The connection between the two was especially impactful just before halftime, when Studenhofft drew the penalty that Sacko converted to extend Rising’s lead to 3-0.

But it wasn’t just them — Jean Eric Moursou assisted Sacko’s first goal, marking his third assist of the season, while Danny Flores set up Studenhofft’s finish for his second assist. Flores has now contributed to goals in back-to-back Las Vegas matches, continuing to make an impact in the Rising’s attack.

“[Sacko] showed what he can do and I’m very proud of him,” Kah stated in a news release. “He shows up at the right moment when the team needs it most…that is the caliber player that he is.”

Peaking before playoffs

With the win, The Rising moved up to 10th in the Western Conference standings, level on 36 points with the Las Vegas Lights. The Rising now head into its final away match of the regular season one match out of playoff position, with a chance to close the gap against Orange County on Saturday, Oct. 17. Orange County enters the matchup after losing four of its last five matches and sits tied with San Antonio FC for eighth place with 39 points, setting up an important match for all.

“You can control your attitude, your mentality, your application,” Kah stated in the release. “At the end of the day, football is crazy and there’s a lot of crazy things that can happen. Until the fat lady sings, we’re still alive.”

Editor's note: The above was republished from a Phoenix Rising FC news release.