PHOENIX — More playoff magic is coming to the desert, as Phoenix Rising has punched their ticket to the USL Championship playoffs for the third year in a row.
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Credits: Phoenix Rising FC
After a tough matchup against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Rising came away with a 0-0 draw. While the offense struggled to break through, goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky gave Phoenix a lift by making three saves and recording his third consecutive clean sheet.
Saturday’s draw marked the third straight match in which the club went undefeated, extending its shutout streak to 270 minutes.
Phoenix ended the regular season fifth in the Western Conference with a 9-8-13 record. The club finished sixth in 2023 — the same year it won the USL Championship.
Credits: Phoenix Rising FC
Head coach Pa-Modou Kah, wrapping up his first full season with the team, said he hopes his club can continue keeping opponents scoreless.
“Once you keep a clean sheet, we know we can score goals,” he said post-match on Saturday. “This will just help the team to continue to grow in its confidence.”
Phoenix fans are excited to see their team back in the playoffs, hoping the club can make a deep run and add a second star to its crest. After a few heartbreaking playoff exits by notable Valley teams in recent seasons, fans are hoping this time ends differently.
Let’s go!!!🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/br4FyeEiCW
— Connor N (@CNayl09) October 27, 2025
Let’s go @PHXRisingFC!!!! 🔥 🔥 https://t.co/PuPGleOF1T
— Kyle Nay (@KyleNay4) October 26, 2025
we should have pushed for the win and hosted home, we would have made playoffs regardless but either way we chase for a second star! ⭐️ ⭐️
— LifeInAZ (@TheLifeInAZ) October 26, 2025
Credits: Phoenix Rising FC
Rising now look toward their first challenge in the postseason on the road, going up against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Phoenix is known as a dark horse in the playoffs, while El Paso is looking to advance past the first round for the first time since 2020.
Mission continues.#TodosRojos pic.twitter.com/YPyphmomUZ
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) October 26, 2025
Phoenix Rising and El Paso Locomotive FC face off in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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