Rising earns two points in penalties after coming back to draw El Paso in regulation
Phoenix Rising concluded its run in the Group Stage of the USL Jägermeister Cup with a third straight result in the competition, drawing El Paso Locomotive FC 2-2 after 90 minutes and winning the ensuing penalty-kick shootout 7-6 on July 19 at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas. Following the match, Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah and Academy midfielders Jamison Ping as well as Anthony Capetillo discussed the match, the club’s run in the competition, opportunities for young players and more.
HEAD COACH PA-MODOU KAH
On his thoughts on the match…
“I thought we started the game well with the goal. The two giveaway goals were poor. Gabi (Torres), we knew he had that in his locker, and it was the second time he scored against us. The second goal was poor defending, and we should absolutely do better. It was a cross to the back post, and we weren’t picking up our players.
On the team’s success in penalty-kick situations this season…
“That’s all (goalkeeper coach) Cory Robertson. He does a fantastic job with the players, which starts with the goalies. Then the players being calm in those moments because that’s very important. You never know down the line what can happen come playoff time. To be able to be good in penalties helps you breed confidence.
On putting six academy players in the matchday lineup…
“I was very proud to see our academy players. We started with three, including the youngest captain in history for our team (Jamison Ping). That goes to show the pathway we created as a club due to the work of (PRFC Director of Coaching) Andy Chapman as well as (Assistant Coach) Darnell King and Cory. It’s very important to have that pathway into the club.”
On how he would analyze Rising’s performances in the USLC Group Stage…
“If you look at where you didn’t advance, there are two games that stick out. The first was home against San Antonio where you don’t create anything and you don’t get a shot. Then you allow a tie against New Mexico. When you look at the Group Stage overall, you look at those two games. This game today you had to win and then rely on other people. For me, I don’t like those scenarios. I would rather us do our job. You win three and maybe tie or lose once and you go through. That was our aim, we didn’t get it, but at least we just lost one game. For the confidence going into this Mental Health Break we have, that was important for the players.”
MIDFIELDER JAMISON PING
On wearing the captain’s armband…
“It’s a very special thing to wear the captain’s armband at Phoenix Rising. I have seen so many people, like Darnell King, wear it. Obviously, it means a lot to me as a person to wear the armband for a club I’ve played for for six years, it’s very special. I give thanks to my teammates and coaches for trusting me.
On the trust his teammates and coaches have placed in him…
“It’s amazing. The coaching staff and players have helped me in many ways on and off the field, and I’m very grateful for that.
On all the young players in the lineup…
“We’re a very tight group. We all believe in one another, support one another and try to lift one another up, pushing each other each and every day.”
MIDFIELDER ANTHONY CAPETILLO
On making his professional debut…
“It’s a dream come true. I have been waiting for this moment ever since I started playing soccer. This wasn’t a moment just for me, but for the coaching staff, team, my parents. For all the people that believed in me. It was a very special day.”
On what the coaching staff told him before coming in…
“They told me this was the moment I have been waiting for. That I have been working so hard for. It’s a dream come true for me. They just told me to work hard, try to get a goal and bring it home.”
On how he found the level of the match…
“Comparing this to the youth, this was ten times faster. Ten times more physical. The fans get in your head. It’s a different environment for us, the players, and me a 15-year-old making his debut.”
On advocating to take a penalty in the shootout…
“We took (penalties) in training and I was confident. I said I wanted to take one, I wanted to bring it home. I made mine, we still got the points. It was a beautiful day.”
