SKC II Head Coach Benny Feilhaber
Thoughts on the match...
The guys came in with a lot of attitude and physicality. We talked a lot about high pressing and trying to turn the ball over in the offensive half. All the guys complimented each other today and it was a very, very good team performance but even better was the 90-minute aspect. We had a 4-0 lead at halftime but were able to add to it with the style that we play. It was a really good performance.
On tonight's defensive performance...
It's tough to get clean sheets in this league. The fact of the matter is that there's a lot of change in the lineups. Today we had a completely different lineup than we've ever had before because Kayden Pierre got his first opportunity to play for the team this year after an injury. We had Robert Voloder, Chris Rindov and Nati Clarke who is an Academy player playing alongside him. It's not easy. I thought they were fantastic today. The whole backline was very good today including Lucas Rosa who came in in the second half. They had a very good way of communicating with one another and making sure they were on the same page. Obviously, they were unlucky a little bit and maybe tired in terms of stepping instead of being a little bit risk-free in the last minute but no complaints. The team was very connected and we gave up very few opportunities, and when we did Pulskamp was there to back us up.
On his favorite goal out of the seven...
I thought one of the best plays of the game was the last action where Felipe [Hernandez] had a shot, but I'll go with Andrew [Draper]'s goal. It was really good with the high press. Late in the game, we pressed them and created an opportunity to steal the ball. Lucas [Rosa] read the play really well and then was able to scoot around a few guys and delivered a really good cross on the back post. We had the perfect run there which we've worked on in training. One of my favorites for sure.
On the team's continued success moving forward...
It's about winning. It's about competing. I tell these guys every single day, whether it be second-team guys or first-team guys coming down. That was the best thing that I saw today, the unity of the group. We didn't get that last year in terms of the unity between first-team guys and second-team guys and both wanting to win. I saw that today. We're excited about next week. We have a couple of days off with the holiday, but we're excited to get back on it and continue to climb the standings.
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernandez
Thoughts on the match...
It was a good game from start to finish. Right from the get-go we were all over them. Getting early goals was huge. The guys gained confidence with each goal. We didn’t back down and just kept wanting more. That’s why the scoreline was what it was.
On his goal and assist...
On the assist, I made that late run and saw Alenis [Vargas]. I told the wingers and outside backs that I like the late runs and that the cutback is always on. He found me, I took a good touch, beat the man and slotted it back. Luckily Stephen [Afrifa] was in the spot he should be in and he got that easy goal. Then on the goal, just like I just said, the cutback was on with that late run. I got a good ball and was able to finish. When coming down here it’s good to get minutes, but to get goals and assists is always good. Today, and always I’m hungry to get on the scorer’s sheet. This was the perfect match to do it and I’m glad I was able to.
