PHOENIX – Adrián Pelayo scored with 10 minutes to go for his first goal in the professional ranks to lift Phoenix Rising FC to a 1-1 draw against San Antonio FC on Saturday night at Phoenix Rising Stadium despite the hosts having been reduced to 10 players late in the first half.
The hosts made a bright start to the contest and just past the half-hour mark Jean-Eric Moursou forced a good save from San Antonio’s Joey Batrouni to keep the game scoreless. The game turned in San Antonio’s favor a minute before halftime when Rising’s Charlie Dennis was sent off for serious foul play and SAFC took advantage in first-half stoppage time as an attempted clearance deflected to Emil Cuello, and his pass set up Dmitri Erofeev for a low finish to the left side of the net for his second goal of the season.
Phoenix hit back with 10 minutes to play, however, when Adrián Pelayo slotted home a first-time finish from the top of the penalty area after a long throw-in had only been half-cleared by the visitors. Both sides then had chances in stoppage time to grab all three points, with Phoenix’s Gunnar Studenthofft having a header off a long throw-in saves before San Antonio’s Jorge Hernandez had a shot from 20 yards parried away, but honors ended even in the end.
Takeaways
Phoenix Rising FC – The hosts showed resolve in coming back from a goal down despite Charlie Dennis’ red card late in the first half with Adrián Pelayo’s finish superbly taken by the 19-year-old for his first professional goal. Rising didn’t take victory but extended its undefeated streak in league play to four games, its longest of the season so far.
San Antonio FC – The visitors were unable to take advantage of being up a man in the second half, logging only a pair of shots before Rising found its equalizer with 10 minutes to go, and while there were late opportunities to regain the lead they came up empty. SAFC remained on top of the Western Conference but will likely consider this a missed opportunity.