Rising’s Jearl Margaritha reflects on last match and long road trip

Rising were kept scoreless in the match, with Lexington scoring the only goal of the match in the 34th minute. Margaritha spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon about the loss, saying the club should have created more chances with the environment they were in.

“We train every day in this weather,” he said. “[Lexington does] not. When they scored the one zero, they [were] a little shocked themselves… I already saw, in the first half, they were really tired.”

Phoenix begins a three-match road trip this weekend, beginning with a match against the Oakland Roots SC. Margaritha said it’s important to pick up wins and points in July while they’re away from home.

“It’s good to win some games, get some points in,” Margaritha said. “At least nine, I would say. That would be great… I think if we start winning games, everyone will feel good again.”

Phoenix Rising and the Oakland Roots SC will play against each other on Saturday, July 12.