Stoppage time own goal nets Phoenix Rising FC a win over LA Galaxy II

Playing to the whistle six minutes into stoppage time, a missed Phoenix Rising cross caught an LA Galaxy II defender and rolled into the back of the net, giving the Rising a walk-off 4-3 win Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The goal, off Galaxy defender Jesus Vasquez, came after a back and forth night of scoring for the two teams.

Aodhan Quinn, Kevin Lambert and Santi Moar scored for the Pacific Division leaders, who return for two matches at Wild Horse Pass next Wednesday and Saturday. 

It was a disappointment for LA, which had fought back to tie it 3-3 in the 86th minute on a Jonathan Perez goal, attacking the Rising who were down a man after centerback Joseph Farrell was sent off for his second caution four minutes earlier.

Rising goalie Andre Rawls came up with a huge save at the beginning of the second half. The goalkeeper darted off his line, taking the ball off the head of Judd inside the six-yard box in the 59th minute of the match to preserve Rising’s one-goal lead.

The first half was defined by attacking, offensive play.

Rising took a 3-2 lead in the 35th minute after a heel pass from Darren Mattocks left Rodriguez with an open look at goal, 15-yards from the end line. Rodriguez’s shot forced an epic, diving save from Lopez, but Moar was there to finish off the rebound for his 10th goal of the season, making it 3-2 heading into halftime.