Rising continues to pick up points as the calendar shifts to May
Phoenix Rising did just enough to pick up another point in USL Championship play against a high-flying San Antonio FC side, scoring late to take home a 1-1 draw on May 9 at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Following the match, Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah and defender Adrian Pelayo discussed the comeback, first professional goals, facing adversity and more.
HEAD COACH PA-MODOU KAH
On his thoughts on the match…
“Obviously, it’s never good when you get a red card, but the character of the players was marvelous. I cannot ask for better. If you look at the whole game, I think we were the better team, even down with 10 men and that is a true testament to this group and how much they hate losing and to and to come back, just shows their character. They’re resilient. As a coach, I couldn’t be more proud.”
On Adrian Pelayo scoring his first professional goal…
“(Pelayo) is one of the players with the most potential and his future is very bright, I am very happy for him.”
On the club’s comeback effort…
“It’s a testament of (the player’s) character. It’s a testament of their mentality and one of this team that we never give up, regardless of what we are facing. Adversity is part of life, because soccer is also part of life.”
DEFENDER ADRIAN PELAYO
On his thoughts on the match…
“It was super hard, especially since we went down to 10 men early. The team stayed composed, professional and stayed in the game.”
On (Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah’s) message at halftime…
“I think his message was the same as always. When there’s adversity, just push through it. Push through it until the end, and I think the result came out. We got an extra point, and the team deserves a little bit more, but it is what it is.”
On scoring his first professional goal…
“It’s my first professional goal, so super happy. I think we were all pretty happy to be able to get that extra goal, especially playing down a man. I don’t get a lot of opportunities as a defender, so it was great to have a chance.”
On his emotions celebrating the goal…
“I want to dedicate the goal to my mom. I love her and want to say happy Mother’s Day.”
