Phoenix Rising FC snaps a three-match losing streak and renews their push for a Western Conference playoff spot with a win over New Mexico United. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising)

PHOENIX – After suffering their third defeat in a row last Friday, Phoenix Rising FC’s season was in jeopardy. Interim coach Diego Gómez failed to propel his team to a necessary victory and everything looked bleak for the club.

Despite the loss to Monterey Bay FC in front of Rising’s dejected but loyal fan base, Gómez had a few words to share heading into Wednesday’s crucial match on the road against rival New Mexico United.

“Win,” Gómez said. “We have to win on Wednesday. We have to shake it off and push it. The most important thing right now is our mentality and then continuing to work.”

With a lot on the line, Rising Albuquerque invaded and picked up a 2-1 victory against New Mexico United, the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed, at Rio Grande Credit Union Field. It was a historic victory for the Rising as they secured their first win this season while coming from behind and they did so in a hard-fought battle.

Rising ended a three-game losing streak and put them back on track in the Western Conference. After scoring the winner, Phoenix midfielder Charlie Dennis shared his emotions about the team being in a much better position.

“A great feeling for the goal, but more importantly: three points, because we needed them after three consecutive defeats,” said Dennis. “To boost ourselves we need to get to the top of the league, a difficult place to get three points, especially when we are one goal behind. I hope the fans enjoyed it more than we did.”

Through the first twenty minutes of the first half, the Rising started with the same lackluster effort that has characterized their season. There was hardly any pressure, only one shot on target and Phoenix had only maintained almost 30% possession in that time.

Rising conceded minutes later on 28 minutes, with New Mexico’s Talen Maples scoring a penalty. Trailing 1-0 early, Phoenix has not won a game in which it conceded first.

Despite the history against them, Rising leveled just before half-time, with loanee Tomas Ángel scoring a penalty from inside the penalty area.

Heading into the second half, Rising were firing on all cylinders and took the lead, with Dennis scoring the go-ahead goal after 59 minutes.

The goal would make the difference as New Mexico never found the back of the net in the second half. It was a defensive battle for Rising as they spent the final quarter of an hour in their own half of the pitch. They were down to 10 men in the final minutes of stoppage time, but that wasn’t enough for New Mexico.

After two defeats at home in their three-match losing streak, Rising fans once again have something to cheer for. Rising still controls their fate in the Western Conference, with another chance to get another much-needed win on Saturday, this time in Oakland against the Roots.

Despite Wednesday’s victory, Phoenix still has a tough way to go. Upsetting New Mexico and denying it a chance to celebrate for securing home field advantage is just the beginning, as the remaining three Rising matchups are against playoff teams. It’s a short week with little rest, but after their match against Oakland, they return to the Valley on October 19 to host Memphis 901 FC in the final home game of the season.

Gómez will look to use the latest victory as a momentum shift for his side after his team fought together and showed glimpses of last year’s team on their way to the USL title.

Rising earned a necessary win and will hope to continue this form for the rest of the season as they fight for a postseason berth. The club can clinch a playoff spot on Saturday if it beats Oakland, Tulsa ties/loses at home to New Mexico, and San Antonio ties/loses to Colorado Springs.

“Before the match we wanted to show character and show that the team still believes in it,” said Gómez. “The boys showed that character and fought the No. 1 seed until the end. Now we must continue. The work is not done. We have a short lead time to Saturday and we have to keep working. Still, I am proud of the boys.”