Match Preview: Phoenix Rising

I've been hesitant to put this out because of the looming CBA negotiations. It is late Wednesday night and we've heard nothing about a deal nor anything about a strike. If things change I guess we'll deal with it, but as of now I'm assuming we're going to play.

SAFC takes on Phoenix Rising for the first game of the season. Considering how important these games end up being for tiebreakers it feels like a big opportunity at home.

Starting XI

Sanchez

Ward-Crognale-Taintor-Flores Blanco

Maldonado-Cuello-Jorge

Parano-Patino-Grieve

First game of the year is kind of a blind guess. I know Batrouni got the start and the full 90 in the last Friendly but I still think Sanchez likely begins the season as the starter.

I feel confident in the backline if everyone is healthy. We've very clearly played around with a back 3 but I doubt we start the season in that unless Llamosa thinks something Phoenix does requires it.

Midfield is harder to predict. Maldonado feels like a lock and Jorge is a must have, but that 3rd guy could probably be anyone. I picked Cuello but Calov could work his way in there.

Front three is also a guess. I picked Parano just because I know what he can do. Wouldn't shock me if Pacheco and Haakenson start on either side of Patino.

Opposition

Phoenix finished 5th in the West last year with 40 points, ahead of us based on tiebreakers. Phoenix won both regular season matchups against last year (we did beat them 1-0 in the League Cup) and if history is any indication these matchups are usually important in the playoff race. I know it's only March but these games matter and we can't spend time playing our way into form.

Phoenix retained HC Pa-Modou Kah and he is highly thought of by most people I see talking about the league. They bring back 15 players from last years team, including CB Pape Mar Boye who is one of the best in the league when healthy. Kah loves to have his teams play an attacking style with tons of possession.

Hope Avayevu and Charlie Dennis are some players to watch. Both played well in their last preseason game against League One team Spokane Velocity (Rising won 5-0). They did not list a lineup for that game but Kah did mention both guys in his post-game comments.

Prediction

Honestly it is anyone's guess so early in the season. Other than Nicky I think we're relatively healthy and we're at home so I'm going to go with a 2-1 win. Llamosa needs a good start with two very good teams from last year to start the season (next week he has Tulsa).

Hopefully this is the start of a good season. Love what we've done on the attacking end but I do worry about our midfield. Would love to hear any insight we have from the community.