Stephen Smith

Digital Sports Reporter at @Sportscronkite

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

Cha-ching! The cost of youth soccer in the U.S. is like nowhere else in the world. Our @StephenSmithAZ takes a deep dive into why participation rates drop as kids get older. Hint: 💰 https://t.co/mKqjTqBaPt

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Last one for @sportscronkite, on a topic I care deeply about. Words on the rising cost of youth soccer here in the United States, how other countries approach youth soccer financials, who suffers the most and is often priced out and what is being done to fight this worrying trend

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

Cha-ching! The cost of youth soccer in the U.S. is like nowhere else in the world. Our @StephenSmithAZ takes a deep dive into why participation rates drop as kids get older. Hint: 💰 https://t.co/mKqjTqBaPt

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Some words on TOPSoccer, a program providing value to so many in the Arizona community.

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

The TOPSoccer program in Arizona provides athletes with disabilities a stable and supportive environment to play sports and learn life lessons. @StephenSmithAZ has more on how athletes, families and volunteers all feel the lasting impact: https://t.co/H9Z3kUaoRg

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

The TOPSoccer program in Arizona provides athletes with disabilities a stable and supportive environment to play sports and learn life lessons. @StephenSmithAZ has more on how athletes, families and volunteers all feel the lasting impact: https://t.co/H9Z3kUaoRg

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Phoenix Rising FC coach Pa-Modou Kah with an update on fullbacks Collin Smith and Daniel Flores ahead of Saturday's Western Conference Semifinal: "They are training well. Hopefully they will be able to travel. They look like they are trending the right way."

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[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Saturday's USL Western Conference Semifinal between Phoenix Rising FC and FC Tulsa will kick off at 6 p.m. MST.

@sportscronkite

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Phoenix Rising FC's season will continue, after a late Charlie Dennis penalty on Saturday saw them advance to the USL Championship Western Conference Semifinals.

Kickoff time has not been announced yet but Rising travel to face FC Tulsa this Saturday.

@sportscronkite

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Phoenix Rising FC's season will continue, after a late Charlie Dennis penalty on Saturday saw them advance to the USL Championship Western Conference Semifinals.

Kickoff time has not been announced yet but Rising travel to face FC Tulsa this Saturday.

@sportscronkite

[Phoenix Rising FC @PHXRisingFC]

Western Conference Semifinals here we come! 🔥

#TodosRojos | @terminix

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Some words on Phoenix Rising’s Western Conference quarterfinal matchup against El Paso tomorrow evening in Texas

#TodosRojos

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

Phoenix Rising FC begins its playoff campaign Saturday, when it travels to Texas to take on El Paso Locomotive FC. @StephenSmithAZ has more on the group’s mindset ahead of the playoffs: https://t.co/9J2V5ErnAp

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

Phoenix Rising FC begins its playoff campaign Saturday, when it travels to Texas to take on El Paso Locomotive FC. @StephenSmithAZ has more on the group’s mindset ahead of the playoffs: https://t.co/9J2V5ErnAp

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Kah on potential penalty shootout: "Penalties vary, but it is a very good experience to have (three shootouts this season). We look to play and win the game in 90 minutes, but if it goes to that, I am very confident in what we have with our penalty takers and our goalkeeper."

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Quotes from Phoenix Rising FC media ahead of Saturday's playoff match away to El Paso

Defender Pape Mar Boye on defensive form (three straight shutouts): "I will die for a clean sheet. I will run everywhere. I know, for the other two defenders, it is the same."

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[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah on any potential lessons from three matches against El Paso this season: "It is playoff time, so you don't know what they are planning. We know what we are planning, and that is what our focus is."

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

Grand Canyon University soccer has become a reunion for the Kiefers. George coaches twins Jack and Max on the men’s team and Kendall plays on the women’s team. @StephenSmithAZ has more:

https://t.co/KI595s0pUU

[Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports @sportscronkite]

The Cardinals aim to snap their five-game skid on Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys. @StephenSmithAZ has more on the potential return of Kyler Murray, and how the circumstances may be aligning for a big return for the Cardinals’ quarterback. https://t.co/qCOA3TesP6

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Injury updates from Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon:

CB Garrett Williams and LB BJ Ojulari have had their practice windows opened. QB Kyler Murray is ‘doing better’ and will practice today but no definitive news on his potential return this week

@sportscronkite

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Phoenix Rising FC's playoff opponent is set.

Rising will travel to Texas to face El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast nationally on ESPN+.

Last matchup between the two: 3-3 draw in Phoenix in August

@sportscronkite

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Flood on back-to-back clean sheets for Rising: "It has been good for us, especially going into the playoffs. I think it is down to everyone being on the same page and having the same goal. Right now, everyone is on the same page, which is ideal."

[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Thread of quotes from today's Phoenix Rising FC media availability

Manager Pa-Modou Kah on regular season finale, with playoffs still undetermined: "Nothing changes from us. The mindset is that we know what we need to do. We still control out destiny."

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[Stephen Smith @StephenSmithAZ]

Defender Ryan Flood on what Rising expect from Pittsburgh this weekend: "We know that they're going to try to kick it long and use Augi (Williams) as a target."