PHOENIX – Second-half goals by Santi Moar and Joey Calistri led Phoenix Rising FC to its first victory at the 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup as the side rallied from a one-goal deficit to defeat Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City 2-1 at Casino Arizona Field.

Phoenix had chances to take the lead in the first half, with Solomon Asante denied by a sliding block in the 13th minute at the top of the six-yard area. Junior Flemmings then stung the palms of SKC goalkeeper Richard Sanchez with a well-struck shot from 10 yards after a corner kick from the left in the 31st minute, but the sides went to the break scoreless.

Sporting took the lead in the 56th minute when Scottish international Johnny Russell was found in the penalty area by a low cross from Jaylin Lindsey, and after taking a touch Russell shot low into the left corner of the net.

The lead lasted only 10 minutes, however, as Calistri picked up the ball off a midfield turnover and quickly transitioned into attack, releasing Moar into the left channel. After one touch with his left foot, Moar curled a right-footed chip over the goalkeeper and into the top-right corner of the net.

Calistri then gave Phoenix the lead as he took advantage of another turnover in the 78th minute. The attacking midfielder jumped a pass by Sporting goalkeeper Tim Melia intended for a teammate and clipped his finish over the advancing goalkeeper into the right corner of the net.

Rising FC concludes the Visit Tucson Sun Cup this Saturday with a matchup against Real Salt Lake at Casino Arizona Field, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.