Rising midfielder Carl Sainté believes club 'deserved' win against Lexington SC

Rising were kept scoreless in their matchup against Lexington. Despite only giving up one goal in the match, Phoenix couldn’t find an offensive groove. Sainte spoke to reporters afterwards and voiced his frustration over the loss.

Sainté said that it was hard for the group to find balance during the match and couldn’t find movement from the front where they needed it.

“I know how hard it is, but I feel like we can manage that better,” said Sainté. “It’s just a game that has already passed. We have to focus on the next one.”

He said Rising deserved the win because they were “the better team” overall.

“It was a really tough game,” Sainté said. “I feel like we can manage the ball a little bit better, and I feel like we kind of gave [Lexington] momentum. We didn’t play the way we’re supposed to play.”

Phoenix Rising will have a chance to put the loss behind them as they face the Oakland Roots SC on July 12.