Phoenix Rising Head Coach Pa Modou-Kah:
On his thoughts on the match…
“We did what we needed to do.”
On Sacko’s brace…
“I’m so happy for him because he’s had a dry spell, which is normal in football. But in those dry spells, look at the chances he had. It’s not that he went without creating or having chances—they just didn’t go in, and sometimes that’s football. He shows up at the right moment when the team needs him most, and that is the caliber of player he is. I’m very happy for him and for the team.”
On getting three goals…
“In football, everywhere you see, sometimes you go through dry spells and sometimes the ball goes in. Last week we should have scored multiple times in the first half and didn’t. Tonight we punished them very well, so there’s no magic to football—it’s always doing the same things.”
On chasing playoffs…
“We just have to focus on ourselves and do what we need to do. The only thing we can control is our attitude, mentality, and application. We can never control the rest of the results because that’s out of our hands. Football is crazy and a lot of crazy things can happen, but until the fat lady sings, we’re still alive.”
Phoenix Rising Forward Ihsan Sacko:
On his thoughts on the match…
“I think we took the front foot and that’s good. We were more attacking than staying in the block and defending. So I think it’s a good three points for us. We’re doing well when we do that, so we have to keep going because we have the players for the transition.”
On thoughts of the Golden Boot…
“I’m taking it one game at a time, so we did it today. I’m glad for that, and we need two more games to reach the playoffs. Then, if I can contribute to score goals and be closer to the Golden Boot, I will do it.”
On his leadership responsibilities…
“I think I have a role in this team and a responsibility. I feel like the team is doing well. When I push forward, I speak a lot, and it’s different than last year. Now I have my mark. When I score, I give them a boost and more energy. A player told me that when I scored, to keep going and speak a lot because it gives him energy to keep going. So I feel like I need to do it a lot to push my teammates.”
