Sporting KC II Manager Benny Feilhaber
Thoughts on the match...
The first half was pretty good but the whole 90 minutes, our guys were very focused and very committed to doing what we wanted to do as a team. We were a little unfortunate in their goal. I don't think anybody at that moment realized that it was not the right time to play. We got stuck and there was a slow reaction, we let a guy turn in the box when we should have had a few more guys aware. The response was fantastic. The guys that came in off the bench were very impactful. It's fantastic to see. It's really good to see guys like Jake Davis that come in from the first team and be prepared and committed to what we're trying to do with the second team. Him getting on the end of that cross and heading it into the goal is big for the group and big for what we're trying to build. I'm proud of the guys. The penalty kicks, I thought we were good with four for five, but they took all the cobwebs off the goal and were fantastic in what they wanted to do and deserve that extra point.
On the progression of the team since the first time they faced WFC2...
It's been the winning mentality and the attitude of the guys. They understand that it's not going to be perfect. Whether we go up a goal or down a goal, can we fight our way out of it? That's what we're becoming as a team, it's not just another game to get minutes in. It's a game to go out and fight, work and build on something. Whether it's the team, individually or whatever motivates these guys. Everybody is motivated and that's what we're building on right now.
On the balanced attack of the team...
We've had both luck and bad luck with goals coming from various people. We've shuffled guys in the front line a little bit with guys that have been in form, other than Julian Vazquez and Mateo Bunbury who have started to solidify their spots. Guy Michaeli has done well but it's been a rotating door at the nine. We've gotten production from different players and different positions which is how it needs to be. There's not going to be a world-class player in this league because as soon as you become that you're going to move up to another league. It has to be by committee. We have to score and produce by committee whether that's offensively or defensively. It's been really good for the guys and an excellent quality to have.
Sporting KC midfielder Jake Davis...
On his goal...
I knew the game was opening up. It's not really a set piece but it's something you notice in the game when the ball goes back, the defense steps up and you go against the grain. I know Collin Fernandez has that ball in him so I took a risk and made the run. Collin got it to me and I had to put it away.
On getting first-team minutes, and playing with SKC II this season...
Especially being an Academy Player, a young guy, you have to be flexible and understand the process. Me being on the first team, when I come down here, it's not just using this team for minutes, it's trying to help them win. I'm here to get myself better and give 100 percent. It's helping them get better. No matter where they put you, it's about giving 100 percent and having a good attitude. Everything can change so quickly and if you're giving 100 percent all the time you have no excuse to complain. They'll see that you really want it.
On SKC II picking up their fourth straight result...
Things are turning around. We're starting to understand how to win games. It's not about always playing beautiful soccer as this club wants to do but we find a way to get a result like today. Fight back, and get a point. It stinks but now we're on to the next one. The same mentality got to go out there and win. We can't worry we just have to find a way.
