Rising scores twice in the final 10 minutes as it earns a point against Oakland Roots SC
Phoenix Rising left it until late, but found the goals it needed late to cap off a frantic comeback against Oakland Roots SC and leave with a 2-2 draw on March 21 at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Following the match, Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah, forward Gunnar Studenhofft and midfielder Diego Gómez discussed the thrilling comeback, the importance of faster starts and more.
HEAD COACH PA-MODOU KAH
On how the match went…
“I think the first 20 minutes we started well, but then after that, we didn’t control the game. Then we gave away two goals and lost the intensity we started with. After taking the pitch in the second half, we played how we should play and fought back to equalize.”
On Studenhofft’s performance…
“I was very happy with Gunnar. He did what we asked of him, and he was aggressive. He got in the box and created opportunities for himself. This is what he always wanted, and so we should support him. I believe in him and the work that he’s putting in. He’s far from being a finished product, but with what he has, he’s going to be great, and I’m very happy with him.”
On the final 10 minutes and looking forward…
“What I will take away is also having a better start and making something of the 20 minutes that we have, but also not giving away the goals that we give away. We’re doing well coming back, which is that shows the mentality. But that shouldn’t be necessary. We should be taking points at home.”
FORWARD GUNNAR STUDENHOFFT
On the club’s late-game comeback…
“I think the first half we started off slow. Then we came out with the intensity to get us back in the game, and that’s all through trust in each other. And when we put it back together, we showed why we can perform at a high level when we keep the pressure we had in the final minutes.”
On scoring the equalizer…
“I stayed calm, and I waited for my chance to come again. I missed my first chance, and when I was able to get the second one, I just focused on getting it on target”
MIDFIELDER DIEGO GÓMEZ (IN SPANISH)
On scoring his first goal for the club…
“I’m happy, I got my first goal with this shirt, with this club. And then with the confidence that we can get the result because it was a big moment for the whole team, and I think the second half was ours, and I felt that we could equalize.”
On the difference between playing in Mexico and the US…
“It’s more physical, but longer. There are a few more pauses, but it’s intense. The majority (of players) here are strong and quick, and that just makes me work more to give the effort this weekend.”
