Phoenix Rising FC cruises to 5-0 victory on Hispanic Heritage Night

Phoenix Rising FC extended its unbeaten run to five games on Saturday by securing a dominant 5-0 win over Detroit City FC on Hispanic Heritage Night, propelling them into the fourth spot of the USL Western Conference standings.

After the kids' choir rendition of the national anthem, forward Panos Armenakas opened the match by launching a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area. Detroit's keeper, Ryan Shellow, managed to get a fingertip on it, causing the ball to skim the woodwork.

Edwin Munjoma, who had been actively supplying crosses into the box throughout the game, became the recipient of a seamless connection from Gabriel Torres to Manuel Arteaga to Armenakas in the 19th minute. The series of passes led to Munjoma receiving the ball just beyond the penalty box on the right flank. However, his cross ended up in the keeper's hands.

As the first half progressed, Phoenix Rising FC persisted in switching the field and delivering crosses into the box. Yet, these cross attempts failed to align for the Rising, ultimately landing in the Shellow's control.

A delay in the match in the 33rd minute led to an injured Torres being subbed out for Erickson Gallardo in the 39th minute. The unfortunate injury situation left the Rising without two of their regular starters, as Darnell King remained sidelined due to injury. Consequently, Munjoma shifted from right to left midfield.

Just as the first half was drawing to a close, Detroit FC made a critical error, toying with the ball just outside their own box. Arteaga exploited this situation, applying continuous pressure and eventually finding the ball at his feet. With a precise one-touch move, he dropped the ball off to Trejo, leading to a 45th-minute goal.

The second half unfolded in similar fashion for the Rising. In the 56th minute, Munjoma received a pass along the left flank, skillfully transitioning the ball from his right to left foot. His pinpoint delivery found Armenakas, resulting in a spectacular nutmeg goal.

"It's nice to have my first home goal in front of these fans," Armenakas said. "The main thing were the three points and already looking forward to Wednesday."

Detroit's backline was left in disbelief in the 65th minute when Danny Trejo found himself in space, culminating in a right-footed chip shot that marked his 17th goal of the season, drawing him level for the Golden Boot award. The Detroit defenders suspected an offside, but the goal would ultimately stand.

Emil Cuello, introduced as a substitute in the 80th minute, wasted no time in leaving his mark, providing an impeccable left-footed cross in the 81st minute. This pinpoint delivery found Arteaga completely unguarded in front of the net, solidifying his position into the third spot for the Golden Boot standings with his 15th goal of the season and first of the match.

"My goal is to get you (Danny Trejo) and Manuel fighting for the Golden Boot," Armenakas said. "In doing that, the more goals we score, the more possibilities we have to win. From the backline to the midfield, it's really starting to click the last couple weeks. It's coming together at the right time."

To put the icing on the cake, another substitute etched his name on the match. In the 89th minute, Dariusz Formella, with a right-footed strike, squeezes in a shot through the keeper's hands, courtesy of an assist by Federico Varela, finalizing the score at 5-0.

Rising goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo notches his seventh clean sheet of the season and increases his tally to 88 saves, with the only save needed taking place in the 58th minute.

"It was a full team performance," head coach Juan Guerra said. "From the guys that played, to the guys that came from the bench, to even the guys that didn't dress today. This is what we want, we are one team, one family. We are going to need absolutely everyone and tonight proved that."

Phoenix Rising FC will look to continue the unbeaten streak at home on Wednesday, Sept. 20 against Indy Eleven on One Dollar Beer Night.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Rising FC claims shutout win against Detroit City FC