Solomon Asante scores as Rising Phoenix thump Portland Timbers

Ghana winger Solomon Asante was in superb form for Rising Phoenix as he provided three assists and scored in their 6-1 victory over Portland Timbers II in the USL Championship on Sunday morning.

Asante, who was adjudged the best player in the American second-tier league last season, commenced the campaign in a beautiful fashion by leading Rising Phoenix to an emphatic win in the opening fixture of league.

Rising Phoenix broke the deadlock of the game through Rufat Dadashov’s 13th minute goal. Dadashov tapped into an empty net after reacting quickly to Asante’s free-kick that came off the woodwork.

The Azerbaijani forward extended Phoenix advantage in the 24th minute after connecting beautifully to Asante’s low pass.

Junior Flemmings made it 3-0 for the hosts in the 31st minute before Tomas Conechney pulled a goal back for Portland Timbers II on the stroke of half time.

Asante spotted Dadashov on the edge of the box with a nice pass and the strike made no mistake by firing home the side’s fourth goal of the match.

Lagos Kunga climbed off the bench to power home close range to make it 4-1 for Phoenix in the 90th minute.

The Arizona-based side completed the rout in the 93rd minute courtesy inspirational skipper Asante.

Asante won the top scorer award after netting 22 league goals, becoming the seventh player in the history of the USL Championship to reach that mark in a single season.

The Ghana international also set a season single record for the most combined regular-season goals and assists in the league’s history after bagging 16 assists.