An upcoming run of three games in eight days has caused Rising to switch up its usual training routine, according to coach Rick Schantz.
Phoenix’s busy run starts with an away trip to Charlotte, before facing Oakland Roots in California and returning to the desert to host LA Galaxy II.
“Usually we do film over the course of the whole week, but today we basically did everything,” Schantz said. “All of our Charlotte film today: we did their attacking, defending, their shape, how they want to play key players. Tomorrow, we’ll do 11 v 11 where we work on it, show them what they should expect to see on Saturday and the staff will already be working on Oakland.
“The idea is to always be ahead, and as soon as we land on our return flight from Charlotte, we’ll train here at the facility. We’ll do film and do everything in preparation for Oakland on that Sunday, and then you kind of go all over again on gameday minus two, minus one.”
The Rising coach identified rotation as the key over the next few games, and brought some good news: Joe Farrell will be available for selection this week after missing the last match though injury. However, the bigger impact will come from Rising’s more versatile players who can slot in at multiple positions.
“It’s extremely important,” Schantz said. “That’s why [Joey] Calistri is always on the bench, because he can play every position on the team. When you go into a game, you always say ‘well what happens if this guy gets hurt? Or what happens if that guy gets hurt?’ You have to go through every position and make sure that you have cover. Well, the more players that can play multiple positions, then you can take more risks. Like, you can put three attackers on the bench if you have three guys that can play midfield and defence. So I think the depth that we have, and the variety of players that we have, is very beneficial.”
Meanwhile, Rising’s match away to Oakland Roots has been moved to Las Positas College. Roots’ usual home of Laney College was ruled unplayable ahead of the side’s home opener against Sacramento in June.
“That it’s on grass is what I’m happy about,” Schantz said. “I don’t like turf very much. I never have. I’m maybe a traditionalist but it’s a little bit outside of town I think. I’ve heard that it’s a difficult environment because it’s pretty windy at that university […] Maybe the wind we had this past Saturday was good, because it helps prepare us for next Wednesday.”
Rising begins its away trip by facing Charlotte Independence on Saturday 10 July, kicking off at 4 p.m. Arizona time.
Want to hear more? Preview Saturday’s game with Rising Matchday – streaming at 9 a.m. Saturday morning on YouTube and Facebook, and available on demand shortly after.