MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – University at Albany alumnus Daniel Krutzen has won the USL Championship League title with is club, Phoenix Rising FC.
Phoenix defeated Charleston Battery in the league’s title game on Sunday. Charleston scored to take the lead in the 36th minute, before Phoenix netted an equalizer in the 90th. Krutzen subbed on for defense after the goal.
Let me introduce you to your 2023 USL CHAMPIONS!!#IgnitePhoenix | @Carvana pic.twitter.com/xmaYQPOzx3
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) November 13, 2023
Neither team scored in extra time, and the game headed into penalty kicks, where Phoenix knocked off Charleston 3-2 to claim the title.
Phoenix earned the six-seed in the Western Conference this season, going 12-10-12 during the regular season. Their first game of the year was a 1-1 draw at Charleston Battery on March 11. Phoenix was the lower seed in each of its four playoff games. First, Phoenix defeated three-seed San Diego Loyal SC before knocking off two-seed Orange County SC in the Western Conference semifinals.
The win over Orange County set up a showdown with Western Conference one-seed Sacramento Republic FC. Sacramento’s starting goalkeeper, Danny Vitiello, played with Krutzen at UAlbany, winning two America East titles together. Phoenix defeated Sacramento 2-1, scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes.
Charleston Battery was the three-seed in the Eastern Conference, and defeated six-seed Indy Eleven, seven-seed Birmingham Legion FC, and five-seed Louisville City FC, en route to the title game.
Completing his first season with Phoenix Rising, Krutzen appeared in 25 games, including the league title match. Before joining Phoenix, Krutzen won three titles with Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League.
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