Phoenix Rising wins a penalty shootout thriller against New Mexico United

The visitors started the scoring early off a Mukwelle Akale goal in the 14th minute. Rising answered back with two goals from Ihsan Sacko and Hope Avayevu to take the lead into halftime. However, New Mexico started to pick up pace in the second half.

New Mexico’s Luiz Fernando and McKinze Gains scored to get the lead right back. Down 3-2, Rising looked as if it would lose its second Jägermeister Cup match. In the 70th minute, Rising’s JP Scearce tied it up, erupting Phoenix’s crowd. Both clubs couldn’t get the lead back and went to penalty kicks.

Six different players made goals in the match at full time.

Penalties For the Win

New Mexico started with a missed first penalty, with a blocked shot from Rising goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky. It couldn’t get in its next three shots, as Rising made its first two.

Rising would miss its third and fourth shots while New Mexico made its fourth and fifth shots. With penalties two a piece, Phoenix made its fifth and final penalty shot and sealed the win, 3-2.

To The Next

Phoenix Rising returns to Jägermeister Cup action in a third-round matchup against Texoma FC on June 28 at 5:30 p.m.