Sporting KC II Manager Benny Feilhaber
On what set off the comeback...
In terms of the second and first halves, there was definitely a switch that was flipped. We were extremely lucky to be level at halftime. We didn't deserve to be. Real Monarchs outplayed us big time in the first half. It could have been three or four to zero. We got a little bit lucky and got one goal that energized us so we could salvage a draw at halftime. In the second half, the guys played we talk about playing. We were solid defensively, we created good runs off the ball and we turned them over in good situations for us. We were very dangerous on set pieces which was a very good thing to see. The second half was enjoyable to watch as a coach. In terms of the first half, we got away with murder in terms of getting to halftime at 2-2.
On the set piece goals...
It was something that we definitely worked on but we just wanted to get these guys in good spots because they do have the ability to score. We've had some pretty good services so it was good that guys were able to take some things that we've worked on as a team. We've all committed to improving in that area of the field and it's not often, but today we were able to see the results right away. It's a nice trendsetter for future games.
On Julian Vazquez's performance today...
He's been pretty consistent all year. He's played a lot of minutes on the left side. he's been very good in the high press in terms of getting around the ball especially when he presses the centerbacks. He forces teams to make mistakes so it was good to see. He's been rewarded for his work on the ball as well, going down the line and putting balls in. It was a fantastic ball that he put into Mataeo Bunbury on the first goal. There was a little bit of luck in terms of the solo run but you create your own luck and we did in that sense. We were able to press shortly after the third goal, create a turnover and drive it to get some fortune and the first goal. All credit to the team and obviously Julian in that situation.
On his tactical change in the first half to bring on Rauf Salifu...
We were struggling in terms of keeping possession and we were losing a lot of balls. We were having a tough time with their pressure and we didn't really have another sub in terms of keeping the same formation in that moment of the game. Salifu has had a really good training week and we wanted to see if he could impose some kind of positive moment going into halftime. He had a really good game, and was unfortunate to not get a goal himself. He had a really good game and impacted the game in a good way.
Sporting KC II forward Mataeo Bunbury
Thoughts on the team's performance today...
In the first half we started off rough but it was good to get those first two goals. In the second half, we definitely improved with our pressing and everything. We must have to make sure that we come out and start every game like how we started the second half.
On the difference in the first 20 minutes vs. the rest of the match...
We knew that we needed to come out and get a win and everybody knew that on the field. There needed to be a change so we started playing more aggressively and kept the ball. Those were the main changes for us.
On Julian Vazquez's assist on his first goal...
That pass was incredible. It was great that I was able to tap it in. It was a great pass.
On Kendall McIntosh's performance in goal...
Incredible performance from him. Who knows what would have happened if he wasn't able to make some of those saves and we were down more.
