Sacramento Republic FC and Phoenix Rising FC shared the spoils in a 2–2 draw in USL Championship action on Saturday night. Tyler Wolff and Memo Rodríguez struck early for Sacramento, but Ihsan Sacko's brace — including a late equalizer in the 85th minute — ensured Phoenix left with a point.
Sacramento started on the front foot and broke through in the 19th minute. Wolff finished off a chance created by Mayele Malango to give Republic FC the lead. Seven minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage when Rodríguez converted from a Daniel Crisostomo delivery, and Sacramento looked well in control heading toward halftime.
Phoenix, though, pulled one back right before the break. Sacko got on the end of a Diego Gómez pass to cut the deficit to one in first-half stoppage time, completely shifting the momentum heading into the interval.
The second half was a more fractious affair. Crisostomo picked up a yellow card three minutes after the restart, and Phoenix's Collin Smith was cautioned in the 76th minute as both sides battled for control of the match. Sacramento held their slim lead deep into the second half but couldn't see it out. Sacko struck again in the 85th minute, latching onto a Tate Schmitt assist to level the score and complete his brace. Luke Biasi received a late booking for Phoenix in added time, but neither side could find a winner.
The draw will frustrate Sacramento, who let a two-goal cushion slip, while Phoenix will take encouragement from a comeback that keeps their own push up the table alive.
USL Championship