Six players make first goal contributions of 2026 as Rising pick up first win of season
Phoenix Rising picked up its first win of 2026, netting four goals en route to advance to the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Following the match, Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah, defender Eziah Ramirez and forward Anthony Capetillo spoke with media members about the match, moving forward in the competition and more.
HEAD COACH PA-MODOU KAH
On how the match went…
“You look at the 4-0, you see it, we played well. But at moments I think we could have been better, especially in the first half. In the second half, we were under more control. We’re okay with the results, but we have to be better.”
On facing San Ramon…
“I call them the trap games. But for me, these are the games I want to see real professionals that understand the job. Obviously, we got the job done. We wanted to play better, but in the right moment we did finish our chances. That is a good thing to see.”
On the performance of the young players…
“I’m very proud of the kids. When you talk about finishing, (Anthony Capetillo) is one of our best finishers. And today, he was one of the best players. I’m very happy with Eziah (Ramirez). He came into this preseason locked in, and today he could have had maybe multiple assists, but the overall performance is what I’m proud of. I said it last year, we relied a lot on the youngins, and they showed up.”
DEFENDER EZIAH RAMIREZ
Thoughts on the match…
“I think we did well as a team. We stayed compact and everything worked. I didn’t do it myself. Everyone in the coaching staff I want to thank for my opportunity to start. I got an assist, and you know, we’re on to the next round (of the U.S. Open Cup).”
On playing alongside the club’s veterans…
“It was really nice playing with all the guys that grew up in the academy, especially with guys like Noah (Cross), Tony (Capetillo) and (Alexander Balanzar de la Cruz).”
Forward Anthony Capetillo
On being the youngest player to score for Rising…
“It was an incredible moment for me, for my team, my parents, the coaching staff… I’m blessed to be here, and it was an amazing night.”
On the difference between playing with the academy and First Team…
“It’s a whole different level, with much more competitive players and a different playing style. It shows where my level is and where I need to be. I know I can improve in many ways, and this (opportunity) is helping me show it.”
