Podcast

We’re four matches into the season, and Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah returns to the pod for a mid-early-season check-in. After our first conversation in preseason, Coach Kah reflects on the team’s progress, early challenges, and what’s clicking on and off the pitch. Hear his thoughts on the squad’s mindset, standout performances, and where the team is headed next.

After a 13-year career in Major League Baseball, Brandon McCarthy transitioned from the locker room to the front office, first working in baseball before becoming a minority owner of Phoenix Rising and the club’s first Sporting Director.

McCarthy’s passion for the beautiful game began around the same time his professional baseball career took off—in 2004—when Steven Gerrard celebrated a goal against Olympiacos in Champions League play. Since then, he has been an avid follower of the sport, dedicated to its growth. He has played a pivotal role in constructing this Phoenix Rising team, which, just two seasons ago, won its first USL Championship title.

In this episode, McCarthy dives into player management, the process of building the 2025 squad, and the club’s newly launched scouting program. This initiative provides fans with no prior experience the opportunity to learn on the job while contributing to the team’s player pipeline.

A candid conversation with goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky about competing for a starting position within a club, being a backup, the current state of USL, and training in the Schalke system — a program renowned for producing great German goalkeepers.

After just two weeks with the team, Collin Smith joins Rising Radio co-hosts Kevin Kardasz and Ryan Sykora, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Phoenix Rising’s training as the squad comes together. Smith, who made his professional debut in 2020 with North Texas SC, developed under Pa-Modou Kah and has now reunited with him at Rising this season. At only 21 years old, Smith brings four years of professional experience and feels ready to take on a leadership role at the club. Tune in and be sure to follow the Phoenix Rising podcast on your favorite platform!

Rising Radio co-hosts Kevin Kardasz and Ryan Sykora sit down with Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah to get to know his coaching philosophy and what brought him to the organization at the end of last season.