PHOENIX -- The Phoenix FC Wolves will host the Richmond Kickers Friday night in Tempe in pursuit of their third win in a row and hoping to move up in the race for one of eight the USL Pro League's eight playoff berths. Phoenix stands in 11th place, nine points back of eighth.
The match begins at 7:30 p.m. at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.
Phoenix (4-10-6) lost 1-0 on the road to Richmond (10-0-7) in the first meeting of the two clubs on May 31. Despite outshooting the Kickers 8-4, the Wolves were unable to score. Richmond is second in the USL Pro standings, having outscored its opponents 33-12.
The Wolves have given up only two goals in their past six outings, with five shutouts in that span, while employing a rotation at goalkeeper.
Andrew Weber was sent on loan to the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer last week to bolster its injured goalkeeper corps. The Wolves' second choice, Sheldon Parkinson, had started three matches leading up to July 6 when he injured his knee against Antigua and will likely be out for the next three to four weeks.
The Wolves secured Lalo Fernandez on a loan from Real Salt Lake for its last match, but Fernandez promptly returned to RSL due to its own injuries at goal. Phoenix native Humberto Soriano is healthy and ready to play this week.
Starting defender Cyprian Hedrick and midfielder Anthony Obodai will not play due to a mandatory one-game yellow card suspension. Picking up the defensive duties will be veteran Isaiah Schafer, who is 100 percent after recent hamstring troubles. The midfielder spot will be filled by Thomas Ramos, Jose Ramos or Reid Schmitt. Forward Travis Bowen (groin) and midfielder Diego Faria (calf) are out with injuries, but Peabo Doue and Darren Mackie are expected to play.
