Rising FC draws against Hartford Athletic in second regular season game

Phoenix Rising FC goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novos helped Rising FC earn an away game on Friday night, bringing them closer to contention for the eight-team USL Championship playoffs.

In a 0-0 draw against Hartford Athletic (5-11-3) at Trinity Health Stadium, Rios Novos, who led the USL in saves last season, kept his seventh clean sheet of the season, a feat he also accomplished last year.

The Rising (6-7-7), ranked 18th in the USL in offense after being among the best in 2023, got a boost from defense in Friday’s game.

The little things in attack can quickly pay off, though. Last week, two newcomers scored their first goals in their first year as members of the Rising, and this week they continued a positive trend. The Rising took advantage of Hartford Athletic’s weak attack and controlled possession for the third straight game.

The Rising dominated time of possession (55%), created more shot attempts, more shots on target and refused to be pressed for long periods in defence.

The Rising’s most promising chance against Hartford Athletic came in the first half thanks to Rising midfielder Emil Cuello, who created one of the Rising’s three free kick opportunities. However, his shot attempt failed.

Hartford Athletic goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro had a busy night. The Brazilian, in his second season with the club, is one of the more solid goalkeepers in the USL and was able to hold off the Rising with three saves.

The Rising, one point behind USL Western Conference rival Monterey Bay FC in eighth place in the standings, will get a chance to bounce back on Saturday night at Weidner Field against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (8-4-8), an opponent The Rising defeated 1-0 on April 13.