Phoenix Rising struggles on the road

PHOENIX — Phoenix Rising fell short last night against ​​Monterey Bay FC, losing 3-1, with two key red cards that played a role in the loss. 

Rising played from behind three minutes into the match, with the red-hot Monterey Bay team attacking early 1-0. Rising responded just as quickly, with Rémi Cabral scoring his second goal of the season in the 17th minute. The rest of the half went eventless, with both clubs tied 1-1 at the start of the second half.

Aggressiveness from Pape Mar Boye and Carl Sainté in the second half caused both to receive red cards, reducing Rising to nine players. Monterey took advantage, scoring two more goals in the 64th and 73rd minutes to secure the victory. 

“I think there was nothing in the game until the red card,” Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah told reporters after the match. “You concede from the red card, again you concede from a set play, which at this moment is hurting our team.”

However, Kah sees that the team will only improve despite the loss.

“We have to get better, and we will continue to get better, but the work the boys have been putting in, we’re very happy with them.”

Phoenix Rising will again be on the road for its next match on April 6, 2025, against San Antonio FC.