The Swope Park Rangers (5-2-4, 19 points) would take all three points against Phoenix Rising FC (6-3-3, 21 points) at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday evening. An early goal from Hadji Barry and three saves by Adrian Zendejas solidified the victory for the Rangers.
In the fourth minute, Barry kept with a ball that was given up by Phoenix goalkeeper Zac Lubin and was able to slide it past a laid out Lubin. This would be Barry’s fourth goal on the season as the Rangers took an early 1-0 lead.
In the 11th minute, SPR midfielder Felipe Hernandez had a great shot from 25 yards out, but it would ding off the left post.
Phoenix captain Jason Johnson attempted to head a ball in from a corner, but it would sail high of the goal. The heat index was 92 on Saturday afternoon which slowed down the pace of the game and cooling breaks were awarded in both halves.
Sporting KC loanee Adrian Zendejas made a great diving save in the 42nd minute on an attempt from Phoenix’s Kevaughn Frater.
Barry had a great opportunity in the 48th minute, however was foiled by a Phoenix deflection. In the 58th minute, Barry had some amazing footwork and another great chance on goal, but the flag would go up and he would be called offside.
Zendejas had a spectacular sequence of saves in the 61st minute with multiple attempts from Phoenix, but Zendejas was able to block all the shots.
In the 76th minute, Barry had a beautiful cross to the left side of the goal but Tyler Blackwood was unable to get a foot on it to send it to the back of the net.
In second half stoppage time and all within quick succession, Blackwood and Rodrigo Saravia had shots on goal but were both blocked by Phoenix goaltender Lubin. Within seconds, Camilo Benitez also had a shot, however it would hit the crossbar.
The Rangers will head on the road for a two-game away stand. They will first face Saint Louis FC (3-2-5, 14 points) on Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Rangers will return home on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. CT to face Real Monarchs at Children’s Mercy Park.
Swope Park Rangers vs Phoenix Rising FC
May 26, 2018 – Children’s Mercy Park
Swope Park Rangers 1, Phoenix Rising FC 0
Scoring Summary:
SPR - Hadji Barry 4 (unassisted) 4
Misconduct Summary:
PHX – Amadou Dia (yellow card) – 30’
SPR – Amer Didic (yellow card) - 49’
PHX – Jason Johnson (yellow card) – 57’
SPR – Adrian Zendejas (yellow card) – 78’
Swope Park Rangers:
Adrian Zendejas; Brad Evans ©, Parker Maher, Amer Didic, Jaylin Lindsey; Rodrigo Saravia, Felipe Hernandez (Bryam Rebellon 68), Matheus Silva; Hadji Barry (Camilo Benitez 90), Wilson Harris (Chase Minter 46), Tyler Blackwood.
