Phoenix Rising FC vs Detroit City FC
April 12, 2025
Phoenix Rising Lose Heartbreaker as Detroit City Hits Three Late Goals in 3-2 Comeback
It was one of those USL nights you almost feel in your bones before it happens — a tale of two halves, momentum swings, and dramatic twists right up to the final whistle. At Phoenix Rising Stadium on April 12, Phoenix Rising FClooked poised for a morale-boosting home win — only to see Detroit City FC snatch victory with a flurry of late goals in a 3-2 comeback that left the home crowd stunned.
Strong Start for Phoenix — Then a Two-Goal Lead
The first 40 minutes felt like a classic Phoenix performance. The Rising struggled early to find offensive rhythm, but slowly began putting together chances — and it paid off just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Collin Smith rose to meet a pinpoint cross and headed Phoenix into the lead, giving the home side momentum going into the break.
The second half began much like the first ended: with Rising in control. As Detroit pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Phoenix struck again. In the 71st minute, midfielder Hope Avayevu finished coolly after a shot-rebound sequence to make it 2-0 and send the crowd into celebration mode — fans surely dreaming of three points.
Detroit City’s Wild Late Surge
But what unfolded next was nothing short of remarkable. With just minutes remaining, Detroit City threw everything at the Rising defense, and it finally broke through in the 87th minute. Darren Smith got on the end of a Rhys Williams cross to pull one back, and then did it again just two minutes later to level the score at 2-2. And if that wasn’t dramatic enough, Detroit struck again almost immediately. Following the restart, Jeciel Cedeño picked up possession and curled a beauty into the net in stoppage time to complete the stunning turnaround and seal a 3-2 win for the visitors.
What the Result Meant
For Phoenix Rising, it was a gut-punch — the kind that ignites frustration in the stands and leaves players shaking their heads after the final whistle. The team had put itself in a perfect position for a much-needed home victory, only to see it slip away in the final five minutes.
Despite the loss, there were positives to take: Collin Smith’s first goal of the season and Hope Avayevu’s continued scoring touch showed that the offense can find ways to finish.
For Detroit City FC, this result was a testament to belief and resolve. Coming from two goals down on the road is no small feat — and the way they flipped the script with pace, precision, and panic-inducing urgency made it one of the most memorable comebacks in recent USL Championship play.
Final Thoughts
Soccer has a way of reminding us that games aren’t won until the final whistle. On this night in Phoenix, Detroit City FCmade that phrase their reality, leaving Rising fans with a mixtape of euphoria followed by heartbreak.
Final Score: Phoenix Rising FC 2 — 3 Detroit City FC
Goals: Collin Smith (42’), Hope Avayevu (71’); Darren Smith (87’, 89’), Jeciel Cedeño (90+’).
-Jose Perez
false9media.com
