Phoenix Rising FC vs Monterey Bay FC
May 17, 2025
Finally a Night to Celebrate: Rising Shut Out Monterey Bay 2–0
For weeks, it felt like something was missing at home for Phoenix Rising.
The performances weren’t terrible. The effort was there. But the results? Not quite. That all changed on May 17.
In front of a relieved and energized crowd, Phoenix Rising FC delivered a composed, confident performance, defeating Monterey Bay FC 2–0 — and maybe, just maybe, turning a corner in their 2025 season.
A Slow Burn First Half
If you showed up expecting fireworks right away, the first half made you wait.
Both teams spent much of the opening 45 minutes feeling each other out. Possession was shared, chances were limited, and neither side really found a breakthrough. Monterey Bay had a couple looks from distance, while Phoenix probed but couldn’t quite unlock the final pass.
It had all the signs of a match that would come down to one moment.
Or, as it turned out… two.
Scearce Breaks the Deadlock
That first moment arrived in the 65th minute.
Off a corner kick, the ball popped awkwardly into the air inside the box — the kind of chaotic situation defenders hate. JP Scearce reacted quickest, rising to meet it and guiding it into the net to give Phoenix a 1–0 lead.
It wasn’t the prettiest goal you’ll ever see, but it was exactly what Rising needed: a breakthrough, a release, and a reason for the crowd to finally exhale.
Flood Seals It in Style
As Monterey Bay pushed forward searching for an equalizer, Phoenix stayed disciplined — and then delivered the knockout punch late.
In the 88th minute, Ryan Flood stepped into space outside the box and unleashed a rocket that flew into the bottom corner. Game over.
From tension… to celebration.
A Defensive Statement
While the goals will grab headlines, this match might’ve been just as much about the defense.
Phoenix didn’t just win — they controlled the game defensively from start to finish. Monterey Bay failed to register a single shot on target, and goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky wasn’t forced into making a save all night.
That kind of performance says a lot about the organization and focus of the squad.
More Than Just Three Points
This wasn’t just another win.
- It was Phoenix’s first home victory of the 2025 season
- It marked back-to-back wins for the first time in months
- And maybe most importantly, it featured key contributions from local Arizona talent
You could feel it — not just relief, but momentum.
Final Thoughts
Some wins are loud. Others are meaningful.
This one was both.
Phoenix Rising didn’t just beat Monterey Bay — they showed control, confidence, and a level of balance that had been missing earlier in the season. It wasn’t perfect, but it was complete.
And if you’re a Rising fan, this felt like the kind of night you’ve been waiting for.
Final Score: Phoenix Rising FC 2 — 0 Monterey Bay FC
Goals: JP Scearce (65’), Ryan Flood (88’)
- Jose Perez
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