Phoenix Rising came into tonight’s match with a golden opportunity to separate themselves from the pack in the hunt for a spot in the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs.

Unfortunately after full time, their matchup against Orange County SC, and former Phoenix Rising Head Coach Danny Stone, made the journey to the playoffs a bit tighter than desired.

A first-half brace by Orange County’s Ethan Zubak left Rising playing catchup for the majority of the match. Outside of flashes from Jearl Margaritha, Rising could not replicate anything close to last Saturday’s improved attacking output.

Join Owain Evans and Max Simpson as they break down tonight’s defeat.