As the Western Conference's soccer landscape shifts, Phoenix Rising FC will face off against the formidable Sacramento Republic FC in a highly-anticipated match. Currently sitting in 7th place, Phoenix is teetering on the edge of the playoff spot. The odds may lean towards Sacramento, but with a dash of hope and a surge of fan support, Phoenix could pull off a draw or even potentially look to gain 3 points at home.
In the aftermath of the recent press conference with Head Coach Juan Guerra, it's clear that there's a collective recognition of the need to improve. Guerra noted that the team was too cautious in the first half of the previous match and that the intensity was inconsistent. "We have higher standards," Guerra said, reflecting on the performance against Las Vegas. "The game didn’t have even intensity."
Rising's performance against Las Vegas was, to be frank, underwhelming. The team seemed absent for the first 45 minutes, and some argue, the first 70 minutes. They were not playing up to their potential, and if they had been facing any other team, the outcome might have been different. Despite the three points gained against the lowest-ranking team in the Western Conference, the level of play seen in those initial 45 minutes provides little comfort going into a game against Sacramento.
Guerra also noted the need for humility and the recognition that they need to be better. "Teams around the league are adapting to our play, and it has caught us by surprise on some occasions," he admitted.
Meanwhile, Sacramento Republic, currently first in the table, has been very consistent this year, according to Guerra. "They deserve where they are," he said, clearly acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead.
The last encounter between Phoenix and Sacramento was a bitter pill for Phoenix, as Sacramento breezed through with a 4-0 victory. Juan admitted that the loss hurt the team but also insisted that they learned a lot from that match. "We are mentally and physically prepared to play tomorrow," he assured.
One ray of hope for Phoenix is the return of Carlos Harvey. After representing Panama at the international level, Harvey is back with the squad. His presence could potentially inject some much-needed vigor into the team that seemed to be missing in the Vegas game. Guerra confirmed that Harvey would be in the 18 for the upcoming match, but emphasized that Rising is majorly focused on his recovery.
Looking forward, Guerra asked fans for patience as he works to rebuild the team. "In the past year, we have built a culture here in Phoenix and we will get better," he said. "This rebuild has been very, very difficult, but we are currently in the stages of building. It will take time."
While it's crucial not to overhype this match, it's also essential to recognize its significance. Every game counts, and this one is no different. It's an opportunity for Phoenix Rising FC to prove their mettle against a tough opponent and hopefully rise above their current standing. The team's morale remains high after their win in Vegas, with 98% of the roster available for selection. Now, it's a matter of maintaining consistency and meeting the high standards set by the Juan and the players themselves.
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