Flemmings Brace Highlights 8 Goal 2nd Half in Blowout Win Over Grand Canyon U.

For many Phoenix Rising Football Club fans, this was the first glimpse of what team they would expect to see on the field in 2020. And if this game was any indication, there’s plenty to look forward too – especially on the offensive side of the ball. PRFC weathered a goalless first half and falling behind 1-0 in the 53rd minute to score 6 in the 2nd half in a 6-2 rout of Grand Canyon University at GCU Soccer Stadium in Central Phoenix on Saturday night.

Phoenix sent out a starting XI that featured newcome Santi Moar in the #9 slot, along with what seems to be the consensus starting back line, with the midfield and forwards coming from the likely bench crew – alongside Moar, the front line was completed with loanee Lagos Kunga and super-sub Joey Calistri on the wings. Kevon Lambert and Jose Aginuaga featured in the midfield alongside a trialist, and the back line had Owoso Ansah-Kontoh and Corey Whelan on the wings, with AJ Cochran and Darnell King in the middle. #1 keeper Zac Lubin got the start. GCU frustrated the Rising’s 2nd choice set of midfielders and forwards, forcing the first half to end with no score.

The 2nd half, however, was a different story. Phoenix brought in most of the first-choice forwards and midfield lineup, while bringing in Austin Ledbetter to lead a set of backup and trialist defenders, with PRFC Academy product Brandon Keniston between the sticks. Things started off rocky, with a miscue giving GCU a 1-0 lead on 53 minutes. The Rising quickly responded through Junior Flemmings, who burned the left side of the GCU defense the entire 2nd half, scoring a goal on 55 minutes to tie the game. The Rising then took the lead on a flukely deflection goal that appeared to miss the back of the net but was awarded to Phoenix for a 2-1 Rising lead. Newcomer midfielder Jack Barmby netted his first goal in a Phoenix uniform on a spectacular volley from outside the box, followed up by another Flemmings goal and then a beautifully placed shot from outside the box from reigning USL Golden Boot and MVP holder Solomon Asante.

Jack Barmby’s spectacular volley opened his Rising account and gave the team a 3 goal lead in the 2nd half.

GCU pulled one back but the game ended 6-2 to Phoenix, a strong performance on the offensive side of the ball. Brandon Keniston’s performance along with the backline in the game could raise some questions, but Keniston is only 17 years old and coming off an ACL injury that prematurely ended his 2019 campaign.

On the front line and midfield, Phoenix looked sharp and dominant. Great possession play with pinpoint passing was one of the highlights of the game, along with the great play of forward Junior Flemmings, who had a brace and plenty of more chances as the Rising first team forwards excelled in ball distribution. Starting #9 Rufat Dudashev debuted for Phoenix in tonight’s game, and while he did not find the back of the net, his play was encouraging. His ball control in close quarters and ability to hold up play are a vast improvement over Adam Jahn, but it seemed like he lacked finishing ability and a sense of where to be when service would be delivered into him. However, his play was encouraging, and he adds a dynamic aspect to the team with movement and ball control that will give other Rising forwards chances on goal that could not have been created through a player like Jahn or Ben Spencer.

Phoenix saw impressive play from midfielders Jack Barnby and Jon Bakero in the run of play. Bakero displayed his normal #10 skills in a number of tic-tac-toe plays that created multiple chances and appeared to have maximum chemistry with the rest of the lineup on the field, probably cementing his status as the starting #10 for Rising for the 2020 campaign.

Phoenix Rising picked up their first victory of the 2020 pre-season after dropping their first pre-season match 3-0 against FC Cincinatti in Tucson on January 29th. They take the field again in a closed-door match in Oro Valley, AZ on Feb. 12th against Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls before they make their 2020 debut at Casino Arizona Field on Saturday, Feb. 15th at 7:00 PM against the MLS’s Columbus Crew as part of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup.

CORRECTION: The original article stated that Eric Dick played keeper for PRFC in the 2nd half. That role was actually filled by former PRFC Academy product and 17 year old Brandon Keniston, who was signed to a full professional contract by Phoenix last year and missed 2019 with an ACL injury.