Phoenix Rising FC defensive midfielder James Musa appeared on The United States of Soccer  with host Jason Davis on SiriusXM FC as part of their weekly Division Two Tuesdays (D-Tuesdays).  The show, hosted by the soccer pundit some fans love to hate, can be heard on Channel 157 at 9am Arizona time every day, and past show archives are available for 3 to 4 days after using the SiriusXM web or mobile app.  The roughly 10 minute interview really showed the personality of the New Zealander and gave a keen look into the mind of defenders, who don’t often share the limelight with their attacking counterparts.

Davis opened the interview by asking Musa what is one thing that helped the team stay in the race for the top of the Western Conference.  Musa’s simple response was “Goals.”  The midfielder followed up stating “We’re always capable and we know as a team we’re capable of scoring at any time and thats what makes it so exciting and so interesting to watch.”

Though he has nine total shots (2 on-target) to his credit, Musa’s job is not to score goals.  He had a concise and academic job description for the role he plays on the field.  “My role is connecting the game from back to the front players.”  When it works, Musa says he gets to “watch them score goals.”  Davis followed up by asking what it is like to take part in a celebration that you may have started, but didn’t finish.  Musa responded “… A big part of my position is accepting that you’re not going to get the glory and accolades … When we score it makes me happy because I know I’ve done my job well.  Thats what I get my thrills out of.”

Musa, who has appeared in 20 matches this season, gave high praise to the coaches and front-office of Phoenix Rising FC, telling Davis that the professionalism of the club is such that “all the coaching staff and players are treated like MLS players … Maybe from the financial point of view there is a difference, but in terms of what we do from day-to-day it is the same principles.”  He also lauded the coaching staff as they transitioned from Head Coach Patrice Carteron to Coach Rich Schantz.  “… it shows the character of our coaches that they are able to get through it and work out a plan and get us all together.  The good thing is we didn’t dip in  form too much and kept going about our work quietly doing things the same way and I think it shows.”

Discussing Phoenix’s playing style, the 6′ 3″ midfielder shared that the unpredictability of the team has played a large role in the squad’s success.  “It could be three at the back it could be 5 in the midfield, it could be 4, it could be a long ball to Chris.  It could be we’re playing short out the back.  There are so many different dynamics that we can put out as a team it is tough for them to prepare.”  With such a deep squad, the goal is to keep teams guessing.  “With our talent we’re already putting teams on the back foot.  And then when they’re coming up against different players with our squad rotation, its difficult for teams to adapt.”

With eight matches to go, Rising FC are in a final push for the top spot in the Western Conference.  Thanks to a loss last Saturday to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, only three points stand between Phoenix and league leaders Real Monarchs SLC.  Phoenix Rising faces Rio Grande Valley Football Club on Wednesday September 5 at 7:30 PM at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex.  The game will be free for students with college ID, and will be the last $1 beer night of the season.  For tickets, go to phxrisingfc.com.  To subscribe to SiriusXM, go to siriusxm.com/subscribe.