Phoenix Rising Rallies to Draw with Oakland Roots

Late goals from Diego Gomez and Gunnar Studenhofft help Phoenix overcome 2-0 deficit

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Phoenix Rising overcame a 2-0 deficit against Oakland Roots, scoring twice late in the game to earn a 2-2 draw at home. The visitors took an early lead with goals from Wolfgang Prentice and Julian Bravo, but Phoenix fought back in the second half, with Diego Gomez and Gunnar Studenhofft finding the net to rescue a point for the home side.

Why it matters

This result continues a concerning trend for Phoenix Rising, who have struggled with slow starts and late comebacks in recent seasons. While the team's resilience is commendable, the inability to control games from the outset is an issue that the coaching staff will need to address. Additionally, the low attendance numbers are a worrying sign, as the club looks to celebrate its 10th season under the Phoenix Rising name.

The details

Phoenix Rising had a lethargic start to the game, recording just two shots in the first 45 minutes. Oakland Roots took advantage, with Prentice and Bravo scoring late in the first half to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break. Phoenix improved in the second half, pressing with more urgency, and were rewarded when Gomez scored in the 85th minute to give the home side a lifeline. Deep into stoppage time, Studenhofft found the equalizer to rescue a point for Phoenix.

  • By the 17th minute mark, Phoenix Rising had recorded just two shots.
  • Prentice and Bravo scored late in the first half to give Oakland Roots a 2-0 lead at the break.
  • Gomez scored in the 85th minute to pull one back for Phoenix Rising.
  • Studenhofft scored deep into stoppage time to level the scores at 2-2.

The players

Pa-Modou Kah

The head coach of Phoenix Rising FC.

Diego Gomez

A Phoenix Rising player who scored the team's first goal in the 85th minute.

Gunnar Studenhofft

A Phoenix Rising player who scored the equalizing goal deep into stoppage time.

Wolfgang Prentice

An Oakland Roots player who scored one of the team's two goals in the first half.

Julian Bravo

An Oakland Roots player who scored the other goal in the first half to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

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What they’re saying

“I believe in him and the work that he's put in. He's far from being a finished product, but with what he has, he's a handful.”

— Pa-Modou Kah, Head Coach, Phoenix Rising FC

“I'm very happy with how we're progressing, but it's not enough. Especially when you're at home, it's not enough. We can't give away points at home. It's far too many.”

— Pa-Modou Kah, Head Coach, Phoenix Rising FC

What’s next

The Phoenix Rising coaching staff will need to address the team's slow starts and inability to control games from the outset, as this has been an ongoing issue for the club. Additionally, the low attendance numbers are a concern that the club's leadership will need to address in order to build a stronger fan base and support for the team.

The takeaway

While Phoenix Rising's resilience in fighting back from a 2-0 deficit is commendable, the team's ongoing struggles with slow starts and late comebacks are a cause for concern. The club's leadership will need to find ways to address these issues and build a stronger, more consistent team if they hope to contend for a championship this season.