PHOENIX — Phoenix Rising FC wrapped up a three-match homestand unbeaten but had to settle for a point in a 0–0 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC on Friday night at Phoenix Rising Stadium.
Goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky made two saves to preserve Rising’s third clean sheet of the season, bouncing back strongly after a difficult prior outing. The result pushed Rising’s record to 7-7-9 (30 points), keeping them in fifth place in the Western Conference standings, four points back of second-place Sacramento Republic FC.
Rising enjoyed 62.6% of possession and connected on 462 passes compared to Vegas’ 277, but they struggled to translate control into clear scoring chances. Both teams finished with just two shots on target, with the best Phoenix opportunity falling to Hope Avayevu in the first half following a slick one-two, only for his effort to miss the target.
Head coach Pa-Modou Kah said his side lacked the speed and incisiveness that had fueled a seven-goal explosion over their previous two matches.
The first 30 minutes we were sharp, with a couple of opportunities that we could have got; then the game became stale,” Kah said. “The positive is you kept a clean sheet. It was great to see Rakovsky bounce back and keep us in the game, because that was an incredible save late in the match.
Rakovsky, who has now recorded shutouts in two of Rising’s last three home games, said the defensive solidity was a welcome rebound.
Obviously last week was very disappointing for me,” the goalkeeper said. “It was a good feeling for me to keep the team in the game tonight. That’s why I’m here, to keep a clean sheet.
Defender Pape Mar Boye anchored the back line and earned Player of the Match honors. The veteran completed 95% of his 81 passes, won every duel, and tallied four clearances while not being dribbled past once. New signing Rafael Czichos also made his first start, adding leadership and composure in central defense.
The shutout also extended Phoenix’s defensive mastery over Vegas this season. Across two meetings, Rising did not concede a single goal, with Rakovsky saving a late penalty in the 1–0 win at Cashman Field back in May.
Friday’s contest wasn’t without tension. The Lights picked up four yellow cards, culminating in Rory O’Driscoll’s stoppage-time ejection, but Rising were unable to take advantage of the extra man in the closing minutes.
The draw capped an undefeated homestand for Phoenix, who collected five points (1-0-2) from three matches. With four of their final seven games at home, Kah said his squad must maximize its upcoming schedule.
When you look at the other side of it, (the absences) have created opportunities for everybody, and we’ve seen players play that normally may not have gotten minutes.
Next up, Rising travel to California to face Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, September 13 at Heart Health Park. The teams previously drew 2–2 in Phoenix on April 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT on AZFS and ESPN+.
