Phoenix Rising FC goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novos helped the Rising earn a point on the road Friday night and inch closer to the eight-team USL Championship playoff race.
In a scoreless draw with Hartford Athletic (5-11-3) at Trinity Health Stadium, Rios Novos -- who led the USL in saves last season -- posted his seventh clean sheet of the season, a mark he finished with last year.
The Rising (6-7-7), 18th in the USL in attacking after finishing among the best in 2023, received a boost from the defense in Friday's match.
The small things on offense, though, might soon produce results. Last week, two first-year additions scored their first goals as members of the Rising, and this week, they continued a positive trend. The Rising took advantage of Hartford Athletic's weak attack and controlled possession of the ball for the third consecutive match.
Dominating possession time (55%), the Rising created more shot attempts, more shots on goal and refused to surrender extended periods of duress on defense.
The Rising's most promising opportunity against Hartford Athletic arrived in the first half courtesy of Rising midfielder Emil Cuello, who created one of three free-kick opportunities for the Rising. His shot attempt, however, misfired.
Hartford Athletic goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro had a busy night. The Brazilian, in his second season with the club, has been one of the USL's more solid goalkeepers and was able to ward off the Rising with three saves.
The Rising trail USL Western Conference foe Monterey Bay FC by one point for eighth place in the standings and will have a chance to get back on their feet Saturday night at Weidner Field against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (8-4-8), an opponent the Rising defeated 1-0 on April 13.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Rising FC draws in scoreless match at struggling Hartford Athletic
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