Phoenix Rising Earns Three Points as Eziah Ramirez and Jean-Eric Moursou Shine, Despite Orange County’s League Victory by Jamir Johnson

Phoenix Rising FC secured a dramatic victory in the USL Cup final on Saturday, May 18, 2026, with a late equalizer from Eziah Ramirez ensuring a 3-3 draw and a 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Orange County SC. The win marked the club’s first league championship in its history, capping a season in which Phoenix Rising overcame a 2-0 deficit to force extra time and ultimately prevail on penalties.

The decisive moment came in the 89th minute, when Ramirez, a standout forward for the club, converted a cross from Jean-Eric Moursou to tie the match. The goal sent the Phoenix Rising faithful at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex into a frenzy, with the team’s supporters filling the stands to witness a historic moment. The penalty shootout saw Jamir Johnson’s decisive penalty for Orange County SC denied by goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski, who had already been instrumental in preserving clean sheets throughout the season.

Phoenix Rising’s triumph follows a season of record-breaking performances. The team, which had finished as Western Conference Champions in 2018, returned to the USL Championship final with a strong campaign, culminating in their first-ever league title. The victory also solidified the club’s reputation as a rising force in American soccer, building on previous milestones such as its first playoff win and highest regular-season finish in its history.

Ramirez, who scored the winning goal, has been a key player for Phoenix Rising this season, contributing both in attack and as a leader on the field. His goal against Orange County SC was his second in the final, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. Moursou, who set up the equalizer, has also been a critical figure in the team’s offensive strategy, combining with Ramirez to create opportunities in the final minutes of the match.

The victory was particularly sweet for Phoenix Rising’s supporters, who had endured a season of highs and lows. The club had previously fallen short in the USL Championship final in 2018, losing to Louisville City FC in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat. This time, however, the team’s resilience and determination paid off, with the penalty shootout providing the dramatic conclusion that fans had hoped for.

Phoenix Rising’s success in 2026 continues a trend of growth for the club, which has seen increased attendance and engagement from its local community. The team’s home matches have drawn record crowds, including a peak attendance of 7,701 at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in 2018—a figure that has likely grown in the years since. The championship win is expected to further boost the club’s profile, both in Arizona and across the United States.

Looking ahead, Phoenix Rising will now turn its attention to the 2027 season, where the club will aim to defend its title and build on its historic achievement. The team’s management and coaching staff have already begun planning for the future, with a focus on retaining key players and developing young talent within the academy system.

For now, the celebration continues in Phoenix, where the championship victory will be remembered as a defining moment for the city’s soccer community. The win not only honors the players who delivered on the field but also recognizes the passion and dedication of the fans who have supported Phoenix Rising through every challenge.