PHOENIX — Phoenix Rising won its first match at home against Monterey Bay FC on May 17, 2-0, but not without a peculiar play that pushed momentum to Rising’s side for the rest of regulation.
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— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) May 18, 2025
Rising’s JP Scearce found the net for the first goal in the 65′ minute of the match and it wasn’t without controversy. A Monterey Bay player deflected Phoenix’s corner kick into the air while Scearce and others waited anxiously for the ball to come down. Screace headed the ball past Monterey Bay’s goalkeeper to get Phoenix on the board first.
Monterey Bay signaled that Scearce made contact with the goalkeeper but he was ultimately given the goal. When asked about the goal, Scearce said he needed to get the ball in and took the chance.
“In my head, I was telling myself I had to win this ball, and I went for the ball,” he said after the game. “I jumped, headed it, and I don’t think I made contact with the goalkeeper.”
Saturday’s win hopes to bring back the club’s groove, with injuries and suspensions holding the team back. Scearce doesn’t think it’s anything out of the ordinary and believes the team has enough talent for more wins.
“Facing these situations is part of football,” said Scearce. “Obviously, it’s not ideal but it’s part of football. We have to stay strong as a team, and believe in our ability and that we’re a good team.”
May 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Dynamo defender Erik Dueñas (16) shoots the ball by Phoenix Rising midfielder JP Scearce (17) during the first half at Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Scearce has been given more starting opportunities due to the injuries. He has taken advantage of every opportunity, and credits head coach Pa-Modou Kah for believing in him.
“Last year was a difficult year for me, and this year, [Kah] has put a lot of trust in me,” said Scearce. “Getting a lot of minutes playing games consistently, I get a lot of confidence.”
Phoenix Rising will take an extended time to rest before going to Sin City to face the Las Vegas Lights on Wednesday, May 28.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
