Rising gains ground in 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup Group 2 standings with win over Orange County SC
Phoenix Rising deployed it’s youngest starting lineup of 2026 against Orange County SC on Saturday night, with three PRFC Academy products starting as Rising went on to win 2-1 on May 16 at Phoenix Rising Stadium. Following the match, Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah and defender Eziah Ramirez discussed the positive result, first goals and more.
HEAD COACH PA-MODOU KAH
On his thoughts on the match…
“The first goal, I’ll take it on me, and we conceived because I wanted to make a change so that is on me. Overall, I think we did well. You kind of do nothing but smile when you see the way that they play, and you know, truly entertaining and creating a lot of opportunities. We continue to build that momentum and I think, like you say, we had a lot of games.
In the beginning it’s not always easy when you don’t win, and it’s a lot of maybe external talks or reading, because they’re still human, but for us it’s just that mindset and the culture and spirit of creating winning habits to build over time. So I am very happy with where we are, and we’re a club that continues to grow in terms of that with these players we have.”
On Ramirez’s goal and importance of PRFC Academy players…
“(Ramirez) has meant a lot through the whole season. The celebration… that’s what football is about. So when I see those moments, I live for those moments. I’m very proud of the boys, we have a lot of games and that’s why it’s very important that we have a youth academy that is functioning well, the academy is the future you know. Obviously, we’re doing great stuff, but I believe we can always be there, that’s just who I am, but at this moment, let’s all just take a moment and enjoy it, then we keep working.”
On Ramirez as a player…
“I love it, because there’s no other side to him that people don’t often see, because he’s very quiet and doesn’t say much. But once he steps on this pitch, he’s a dog, like he’s a proper dog, and his mentality shifts from being a nice guy you know to now he will do anything to win, and like I say, he’s taken his opportunity and for him he’s just continued to grow and keep doing what he’s doing.”
On the home support at 38th & Washington…
“Having the fans out supporting us is huge. I know it gets a little bit hot in the summer, but what we’re doing, I think hopefully we can bring the community together, and they love what they’re seeing from our players, and that is another great sign to have them behind us. For me I love our fans, and I challenge them to be even louder, you know, and make this a fortress that way people fear to be here right? Fear the valley.”
DEFENDER EZIAH RAMIREZ
On scoring his first goal…
“The first thing I was thinking was just hit it on target. I’m not a natural with that foot, so getting that was a little awkward for me. Before a game I’m thinking if I’m gonna score a goal I want to celebrate with him (Pa). He’s helped me through a lot of this journey and believes in me.”
On playing with other Academy players…
“I love all the young kids that have built up with me through academy. I really love our connection, all the academy’s connection. It’s just a great moment to celebrate with them.”
On leaning on veteran players…
“It’s hard at first when you come in as an academy player, you know, you got to earn their respect and trust, and once you start working hard they trust you, and it’s just great to play with them. Pape our captain is always guiding me to do better and lifting me up if I make a mistake. All the older players and the staff always pick me up and push me to do more.
