Kah and Dennis reacted to Rising’s first-ever match at historic Oakland Coliseum
A pair of long-range goals were enough for Phoenix Rising to turn an early deficit into a win and three points as it defeated Oakland Roots SC 2-1 on July 12 at Oakland Coliseum. Following the match, Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah and midfielder Charlie Dennis addressed the morale-boosting result, road success and more.
HEAD COACH PA-MODOU KAH
On his thoughts on the match…
“It was an excellent response in the second half. We had a game plan that we executed a little in the first half, but we weren’t aggressive enough. Once we rectified how we wanted to play, we created chances in the second half. For me, the response was unbelievable and that’s the team that we are. Playing with intensity, hunger and drive.
Even in the first half we created opportunities. With the chance with (Margaritha), he should score. There was a little bit of sloppiness in the first half, but in the second half I thought we took control of the game and finished it wonderfully.”
On the difference Charlie Dennis made when he came on…
“(Dennis) has quality, that’s what we have said. The beauty of this team is that we know we have difference makers on the bench. We have starters and finishers. Today Charlie was a finisher, which was fantastic and a credit to him. He came into the game, did his job and was wonderful on offense and defense. Also, the game meant a lot to him, coming back here and wanting to win. We saw him changing the game for us, which was vital and important for us.”
On deciding where to play Dennis on the field…
“We said from the beginning that we know (Dennis) can play midfield. Having players that are versatile and ale to play in different roles is very important. Today, (Dennis) showed that by coming in and doing his job. We’re happy with that and it’s what we want. We want to create players who can come in and play so many different positions.”
On how he views games with so many controversial moments…
“That’s part of football. Is it something that you want and hope for? No. But, again, we’re in that part of the season where it’s hard for a lot of players. But our players are fit and they showed it tonight. We got a little bit injured, but I know the boys are going to come back, so I have no worries.”
On playing at the Oakland Coliseum for the first time…
“I think it’s beautiful. I told the boys that this is where you want to play football. That’s what’s important for the league. To have stadiums like this. To have fans like their fans and our fans. That is important for the growth of the league, you need that, and when you can play in this type of stadium… As an ex-player I was smiling when I came out. It was excellent. The sun was shining, great atmosphere, music. We want to continue to be the gold standard of this league in Phoenix, but to come here and play was fantastic.”
Midfielder Charlie Dennis
On the result…
“I’m buzzing to win. Up Phoenix, let’s keep pushing up the table. This moment was important. We didn’t win last week, so to turn it around and come win away from home was massive.”
On his preferred role…
“I came (to Phoenix) as a midfielder, so I know that role pretty well. It was just the case of doing my bit for the team, giving my 100% and making sure I was focused to win.”
On his goal…
“(Oakland) expected me to play the ball wide, but I knew I wanted to get it back on my left foot. That’s where I’m confident, so that’s what I did.”
