On another hot evening in Phoenix, Arizona, Phoenix Rising welcomed San Diego Loyal SC to Casino Arizona Field for their USL Championship match. Rising welcomed the newcomers to the USL by dominating most of the match, earning all three points in their 2-0 victory over San Diego.
This tactical analysis will examine the tactics used by both Rick Schantz and Landon Donovan throughout the match. The analysis will look at the play of Rising’s midfield, their set pieces, and where San Diego struggled throughout the match.
Lineups
Rick Schantz sent Rising out in a Barcelona-esque 4-3-3 with Zach Lubin in goal. Darnell King started as the left-back, with Corey Whelen and A. J. Cochran as centre-backs, and Joey Calistri as the right-back. Kevon Lambert was the holding midfielder with Jon Bakero and Sam Stanton as the other two central midfielders. The front three consisted of Junior Flemmings on the left-wing, Solomon Asanté on the right-wing, and new signing Rufat Dadashov, who has spent time in the lower leagues of the Bundesliga, as the centre-forward.
Landon Donovan had his club line up in a very defensive 5-4-1 formation with Jake Fenlason in goal. Their back line consisted of Elijah Martin, Sal Zizzo, Grant Stoneman, Emrah Klimenta, and Jack Metcalf, with Metcalf on Martin on the outside of the back three. In front of them were Charlie Adams and Carlos Alvarez in the centre, with Tumi Moshobane on the left flank and Collin Martin on the right flank. Their lone striker at the start of the match was Francis Atuahene.
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