It was a scoreless tie at halftime and Atlanta enjoyed most of the possession in the second half. However, the Phoenix were able to pull off a brilliant goal that was started with a Jeff Looney cross from the wing that connected with David Stovall who headed it back across to a blazing Keenan Copeland who buried it in the back of the net.
The second goal was again started by Jeff Looney who played in another cross which bounced around in the box for a bit before David Stovall ran through and tucked it home.
It was a very exciting first match in which the Phoenix showed a lot of promise. Especially considering that this was the first time this group of young men have ever played together as well as the first time that we have had them all together in one place at one time due to school and coaching commitments.
This was a great win for the Phoenix and we look forward to more to come.
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Phoenix struggle to find scoring.....
June 14, 2008
The Phoenix have had mixed results this season after starting the season so brightly with a 2-0 victory over Atlanta FC. The Phoenix currently hold a 1-3-2 overall record and have struggled to find consistency in the squad after suffering injuries and absences to some key players in the squad. The road has been the most difficult for the team conceding the majority of its goals allowed this season and losing both matches.
“Home is where the heart is..” this is certainly true for the Phoenix who hold a 1-1-2 record on their home pitch this season and have only conceded 2 goals in those two matches. It is scoring in key moments of the match however that has created the most frustration for Performance FC this season, and all can agree this has been the area that has hampered the squad the most.
The Phoenix will enjoy the next two weeks off which will allow them to rest key players, and work towards putting in quality performances in their last three NPSL matches. The Phoenix also will take time to do some youth outreach with the Boys Home of the South, Saturday June 21st for the first ever PFC Phoenix/Boys Home of the South Performance Olympics!!!!
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Performance FC Phoenix end season in impressive fashion!!!
August 1, 2008
The Performance FC Phoenix finished their first ever season in the National Premier soccer League with an impressive 3 wins and 2 draws in their last four matches. The highlights of the four game stretch were an impressive 2-1 victory in Atlanta and another road win, this time in Huntsville, AL, to secure second place in the NPSL Southeast Division.
The Phoenix were the only team to beat division champions Atlanta this season in regular season play, and spit the season series with them 2-2. The Phoenix celebrated their Independence Day in winning fashion by earning a fantastic 2-1 result in Atlanta. The team played arguably its best match of the season and won its first game on the road. Goals came from Matt Morris in the 4th minute assisted by Keenon Copeland, and Man of the Match, Copeland managed to get himself on the score sheet with goal in the 85th minute assisted by Eric Baffour.
The Phoenix had to play its second consecutive match in as many days when it took on Rocket City United in Greenville, SC on July 5th. It was easy to see that the previous night’s endeavors contributed to the sluggish start for the Phoenix as they conceded two goals in the first 20 minutes of the match. Mother Nature had her say as the game was then delayed for lightning with the Phoenix down 2-0. Whether or not the lightning energized the Phoenix or not is up for debate but they were certainly energized after the short delay and managed to find the back of the net through David Stovall. The Phoenix continued to put pressure on Rocket city’s goal throughout the rest of the match and drew even at 2-2 through a spectacular individual effort by Eric Baffour. Baffour picked up the ball at the edge of the 18, rounded on defender, put the ball through another defenders legs, and then blasted a left footed shot into the far upper corner of the Rocket City goal. PFC continued to dominate possession and chances and were unlucky to have a goal called back in the last 10 minutes of the match for a mystery foul on a free kick.
The Phoenix were out to redeem themselves when they traveled to Huntsville, AL to play Rocket City United one week later. The winner of the match would finish the season not only with a moral boosting win but also as NPSL Southeast Division Runners-Up for the 2008 season. PFC controlled the match from the onset and created chance after chance before being rewarded with a fruituitous own goal from Rocket City United after fine play down the right wing from Josh Nguyen and Stephon Henry. With the game under control PFC had a lapse in concentration that plagued them throughout the early parts of the season and conceded a soft penalty. The Phoenix picked up where they had left off in the second half and were rewarded with a penalty in the 60th minute of the match. Matt Morris coolly slotted it home for his 3rd goal of the season and gave the Phoenix a deserved 2-1 lead. PFC never really were bothered throughout the remainder of the match and earned their second consecutive road victory.
In all Performance FC’s inaugural season in the NPSL was a successful one, the Phoenix ended as the Southeast Division Runners-Up while recording a 3-3-3 record. Highlights were the consistent goalkeeping from Andy Barth with a 1.7 GAA, defensive leadership and solid play from captain Lewis Chaloner, Takato Ban, Branson Hyatt, and Josh Nguyen. The midfield found its form later in the season anchored by Matt Morris (3 goals 1 assist), Michael Zion, David Stovall (3 goals 1 assist), Phil Beene, and Stephon Henry. The attack also produced some fine moments throughout with Keenon Copeland (2 goals 1 assist) and Eric Baffour (3 goals 1 assist) leading the line. The Performance FC Phoenix hope to build on a successful end to their season as they compete for the NPSL Southeast Division Championship and a place in the national play-offs.