Rising’s season started rocky in the campaign—with new players, a new head coach, and significant injuries, it’s not surprising there’s been some turbulence.
During the off season, Rising brought in new players, alongside a new head coach in Pa-Modou Kah, former assistant coach for Charlotte FC in the MLS.
It took Rising five games to notch their first win, as they drew two games and lost two. They followed with a tough fought draw after starting 2-0 down against Sacramento Republic, after only two days of rest.
In their most recent regular season game, Rising faced the Colorado Spring Switchbacks, the team that had won the USL Championship last season.
They would go on to draw 1-1, and take an MLS side to extra time despite losing 4-1 and having many injuries.
“They gave it their all,” Rising head coach Kah said regarding the team’s effort.
“To see that they fight, they played, toe to toe with them. Sometimes, I know how it is, because the result is what everybody cares about, so for me, I can live with that but the progress that these players are making and how they’re growing every day, is the best thing about football.”
Injuries have been a big factor for Phoenix with starting players missing multiple games.
Even a new loan signing from LA Galaxy, Ascel Essengue, missed Rising’s cup game due to injury.
With so many setbacks, it hasn’t been an easy campaign for Rising, as they currently sit 10th in the league, but a fully fit Rising have also shown fans a glimpse of great promise with draws over the USL Champions and USL Runner-Ups in Rhode Island and a win versus the team that sits top of the west in San Antonio.
“Because of all the injuries we have, we can’t put people that we want also to come off the bench,” Kah said. “
“That is football. These players come in every single day to give it their all, and for us as a staff, we’re very proud of the club and we know what we can become once we are fully healthy. I have no doubt that once we are fully healthy and we get to see players in the position that we haven’t had, we’re going to be a different team.”
With more than 20 games to go in the regular season, there’s no reason to believe Rising cannot turn it around.
Despite the many new faces entering the club, they continue to gel as a team— and at the center of the camaraderie is a very likable and respected by the players, head coach, Kah.
The players are “trusting the process” and buying into what Kah continues to articulate.
There’s time for Rising to get healthy, build momentum and push for not just a playoff spot, but a chance to win their second USL Championship.
