Takeaways
El Paso Locomotive FC: The hosts underwhelmed in their first home playoff game since 2021, recording only four shots in the game as what had been a strong improvement on the 2024 season came to an end came to an end in disappointing fashion.
Phoenix Rising FC: After recording three consecutive shutouts to end the regular season, Rising maintained its impressive defensive form to take a victory they were good value for in the end, with Charlie Dennis providing the key moment from the penalty spot.
Key moment
Phoenix’s Charlie Dennis delivered a precise finish from the penalty spot to the bottom-right corner in the 86th minute to lift the visitors to victory.
Key stat
Rising allowed only 0.16 Expected Goals Against, its second-lowest mark of the season defensively, while also matching its season low in shots faced with four.
USLChampionship.com Player of the Match
Charlie Dennis, Phoenix Rising FC – The English playmaker scored the only goal from the spot and had three shots and three chances created overall while completing 21 of 31 passes and winning 7 of 11 ground duels.
Scoring Summary
PHX – Charlie Dennis (penalty kick) 86’