Rising secures fifth road victory of regular season as Collin Smith, Charlie Dennis find the back of the net
Phoenix Rising secured a crucial win in its push for the playoffs Friday night, taking a 2-0 win over North Carolina FC at WakeMed Soccer Park. Following the match, defender Daniel Flores and Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah discussed the victory, building off the result, maintaining intensity and more.
Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah
His thoughts on the match…
“It was a fantastic performance from the boys. They put the shift in, they put in everything they got and I was very proud of them. It was truly a grind mentality and every single one of them gave everything that they have.”
On the importance of this type of performance with the playoffs looming…
“I think it has been building up. Obviously, we have had slow starts, but we have come back. I think the performance has been building up, especially after last week. To respond like this shows the character of this group, the grit it has and its never say die mentality.”
On building off the win…
“We just have to keep stacking the days. Making sure our preparation is right, making sure the accountability we have upheld all season is there and making sure (the players) give their max effort every day.”
Phoenix Rising Defender Daniel Flores
Overall thought on the match…
“It was a pretty intense match with the travel across the country. I think we managed it well and played well as a team. We trained well throughout the whole week, we knew what we had to do and we came out here and made it happen. We’re happy to get the three points.”
On keeping a clean sheet…
“It means a lot for the whole team. It’s always good to keep the ball out of the net and defend the whole 95 minutes. The defense starts from the forward all the way to the goalkeeper, so we all defended well and that’s how we got the zero at the back.”
On building off the result…
“I think since the last game against New Mexico we have been gaining good momentum. We know what we’re fighting for, the group is in a good place right now and we’re looking forward to the next two games.”
