Phoenix Rising Head Coach Pa Modou-Kah:
Overall thoughts on the match…
“I think we were brilliant, but we gave away two goals, which is a bit of a wall you could say. But I’m happy with the performance, though a little bit disappointed in terms of how we feel today.”
On reaching the postseason…
“I’m super proud of the team. I’m super, super proud because it hasn’t been an easy ride to get to where we are. What I credit them for is they never lost hope, they never lost belief. And again, it’s New Mexico right away, so it’s a rivalry game and there’s no better game. We’re looking forward to going to their house.”
On the anxious minutes waiting for outside results after the whistle…
“I mean, for me, I never doubted that we would be in, but I don’t like leaving my destiny in other people’s hands. When we are 3-1 up, I think we have to kill the game better and make sure that it becomes a 4-1 or 5-1 game. But I’m very happy and super proud of the group, even though I’d rather control our own outcome.”
Phoenix Rising Goalkeeper Chituru Odunze…
Overall thoughts on the match…
“Like I said last week, we’ve been having the phrase ‘by any means necessary’ going around the team. And that’s how we did it today. We got it done. We made the playoffs—it’s four new games.”
On making the crucial late save at the end of the match…
“Honestly, when it’s a big breakaway and someone comes in 1-on-1 like that, there’s a whole bunch of space. It’s sometimes harder for them because they’ve got so much time to think and a 6’8 goalkeeper standing in front of them. So I just did my best to make myself big and stand up to it.”
On facing New Mexico in the playoffs…
“Fantastic! Isn’t that what you want? You want to play big games, you want to play rivalry games. Whenever you see them on the schedule, you want to go there and win. It’s going to be even better if we go there, win, and keep advancing.”
Phoenix Rising Midfielder JP Scearce…
On becoming an Ironman…
“Yes, I am very proud to have played every game, every minute. I’ve stayed healthy. Even though there are matches where you aren’t at 100%, I always want to be there for the team, I want to be available for every game. And thank God, I’ve done it.”
On the upcoming match and rivalry against New Mexico…
“Well, yes, as you say, it’s a rivalry. It’s going to be an important game, it’s away, they have a good atmosphere, but we are going to be ready, keep our confidence, and push through.”
On future improvements…
“As I mentioned, I think we started the game very well. We were winning, and I think we sat back a bit. Maybe we didn’t pass the ball as well and played too defensively. And they, with each difficult moment, had a response. And we have to fix that when we are playing well and winning—we have to keep attacking and try to kill off the match.”
