Phoenix Rising FC defeated Las Vegas Lights FC, 5-1, in its first game with fans since the COVID-19 pandemic led to suspended play and limitations on mass gatherings. 

Rising became the first professional sports team in Arizona to host fans.

On the pitch Phoenix, energized by its fans, cashed in early on with two goals in the first half (26′ and 43′) by forward Rufat Dadashov. Junior Flemmings, forward, and Sam Santo, midfielder, added back-to-back goals in the 56′ and 57′. Jon Bakero scored the dagger (70′) on a penalty kick. 

Even without midfielder Solomon Asante — who wasn’t on the gameday lineup due to a lower-body injury — Rising remained undefeated at home this season, now with the support of fans. Head coach Rick Schantz felt the intensity from the stands.

“I went in at halftime and said to the guys ‘How does that feel?’,” Schantz said. “When you have fans, it’s that energy. You want to run, and run and run. Then they realize that the game is so fast. Credit to our guys because it didn’t look like they dropped off at all.” 

The win gives Phoenix another three points, putting them with 26 and a commanding lead in Group B as the season nears its end. 

“It’s the motivation we needed,” forward Santi Moar said. “Coming here and playing for them [fans], make them enjoy is all we need as the players. Even though it was 1,000 fans today, hopefully there’s a little more in the future. It felt much, much better.”

As cases continue to decline in Arizona, Rising were able to hold 1,000 fans in its 6,200-seat pop-up stadium at Casino Arizona Field. The club took numerous measures to ensure the safety of all guests including scattered seating and a no-bag policy. Fans who were able to attend the game, chosen by priority number, felt comfortable at the field amidst the ongoing pandemic. 

“We looked at the infection rates and positivity rates which looked favorable,” Marcelo Vela said. “We also looked at the plan they had for safety, and it was a pretty comprehensive, well-thought-out plan. We thought it was safe enough.”

For fans like Vela, it is a shared sentiment that the club took the correct steps, especially for Angelica Moffitt, who recovered from outpatient surgery two weeks ago.

“This is the first time I’ve been in public since the entire thing and of course it would be a Rising game,” Moffitt said. “We’re season ticket members. If there was a possibility we were going to do it.”

Moffitt emphasized the conference call the club had with fans on Wednesday night to lay out its plan for game day.

“I took notes because since post-surgery I’m very safety conscious,” Moffitt said. “I even had both my in-laws — who are doctors — on the call and they were surprised. There’s a reason why they’re [Rising FC] the only ones holding a live sporting event. They’re the only ones willing to do the measures to make it happen.”

Around the rest of the group, Orange County FC (18 points) plays fourth place San Diego Loyal SC (16 points) on Sunday. Second place LA Galaxy II (18 points) lost to the Loyal on Wednesday.

The Rising stay home for its next game, Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. against San Diego Loyal SC.