Ghanaâs Solomon Asante guides Phoenix Rising to opening day victory in 2021 USL Championship
Solomon Asante and Phoenix Rising teammates after an impressive 4-1 win over San Diego Loyal FCGhana forward Solomon Asante led Phoenix Rising to a 4-1 win against San Diego Loyal in the opening fixture of the 2021 USL Championship on Friday night.San Diego Loyal traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to take on the Rising, one of the toughest squads in the USL.There were major aspirations for this matchup as these two clubs went head-to-head multiple times last season in dramatic fashion.Both teams look different heading into the 2021 season, but the Loyal showcased a ton of new talent on the night.However, two-time USL Championship MVP Solomon Asante ensured the Loyal defenders definitely felt his presence in the matchup.Phoenix Rising found the net four times, once in the first half and three times in the second in their new Wild Horse Pass stadium in Chandler, Arizona.John Bakero scored on a deflection in the 39th minute before Santiago Moar similarly increased their tally nine minutes after recess.Ben Spencer climbed off the bench to reduce the deficit for San Diego in the 64th minute.But three minutes later, Aodhan Quinn restored the hosts two-goal cushion with a fine goal in the 67th minute.Then in the 79th minute, Risings Kevon Lampert sent a low shot inside the right post to hand Phoenix a healthy 4-1 victory.Asante, who contributed greatly to the sides win, was replaced with Joey Calistri in the 94th minute, after Rick Schantzs men appeared to have wrapped up the points.
