Juan Carvajal scores late as Rising continues its early-season unbeaten run
Back on the road for the first time since its regular-season opener, Phoenix Rising split the spoils with FC Tulsa behind forward Juan Carvajal’s late goal in a 1-1 draw at ONEOK Field on March 28. Following the match, Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah and Carvajal spoke about the match, recent come-from-behind efforts and more.
HEAD COACH PA-MODOU KAH
On how the match went…
“It was a great comeback from the boys. They showed heart, they showed their will and drive. But I’m disappointed in that so many little moments in the match for (Tulsa) came because of us. We have to rectify that.”
On what another comeback says about the team’s mentality…
“We know deep down what our players have in terms of character, will and the desire to always perform for Phoenix Rising. For us as a coaching staff, what we’re looking at now is whether we can be the team on the front foot. Taking the leads, not giving away simple mistakes that – not now, but later on – will be costly.”
On managing another busy stretch of matches…
“We have our preparation plan in place with Devon (Manifold) and Greg (Spence) taking care of the boys and understanding how to manage loads. We as a group are very prepared with the things we must do to get the players through the three matches we had a week ago, and now have again this week. But that’s the beauty of football. You better be ready to go again. We don’t have any time to waste. The focus is now on (Orange County) and try to get through to the next round of the (U.S. Open Cup).”
FORWARD JUAN CARVAJAL
On his thoughts on the match…
“I thought it was a very competitive, hard-fought match against a rival. At the end, we were able to get back into the match and come away with a draw, but now with a greater desire to come away with a win (against Orange County).”
On scoring his first goal in league play for Rising…
“I’m very happy and I’m also grateful for my teammates. Without the cross from (Sacko), I wouldn’t have been able to have that moment.”
On trying to play more on the front foot…
“I think we have to be a little more concentrated right when both the first and second half starts, because we’re giving up goals in those moments. We need to focus more on those moments so we can start matches by going ahead and not always trailing.”
