Quote Sheet: MBFC 4-2 NM
Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Sporting Director & Head Coach Frank Yallop
On ending a long week with two wins:
“Having three games in a week, I thought we played quite well last Saturday without getting a result and then a tough game in Fresno against a good side actually. Our guys really dug deep in extra time and played a lot of minutes in that game, so I’m really proud of the way we came out tonight and got a good result at home against a good opponent. We dug deep in both games, and I thought our play around the goal was excellent. We looked dangerous, back to our best.”
On the decision to start Carlos Herrera in goal:
“I felt a bit of momentum. It’s hard on Antony [Siaha] because he hasn’t played badly at all. I just felt Carlos played well on Wednesday night, and I had a feeling to leave him in and continue our momentum from midweek. I played the same front four with Adrian just underneath that we finished the game with on Wednesday and scored three goals. Christian [Volesky], Sam [Gleadle], and Alex [Dixon] scored on Wednesday night and they all scored tonight as well. I’m not saying I am a genius, but it was not a bad pick, those guys. And I feel sorry for people like Chase [Boone] and Alex Lara who didn’t play tonight, and they’ve done great. Team selection is never easy, but we got it right Wednesday night and we got it right tonight.”
On the team’s response to New Mexico’s first goal:
“Going a goal down is never easy. Maybe Carlos [Herrera] can catch that or not just drop it into someone’s path, and he would say the same thing. But what I like about Carlos is that just before that he made a great save. He’s in there to do that. I thought he had a good, calm performance after giving the goal up, which is never easy. Being the last line of defense, it’s tough when you do let one in. But I thought he came back from that really strong, he did well and was assured. He made the distribution to Sam [Gleadle] for Dixon’s goal. I was happy. It’s never easy, but real pleased with his performance.”
Midfielder Sam Gleadle
On his assist to Volesky on the fourth goal:
“The guys were really kicking the ball around, they had really good movement. I actually spun to get it from Volesky hoping I could be on goal myself and the ball just kind of popped, they both committed to me and I knew he was there. So I just knew to put it in a good area and there he was. I was very happy about it. The guys are buzzing about it, so I was very happy I was in the position to get the assist.”
On making plays on and off the ball tonight:
“I didn’t think it was my cleanest game. I was kind of frustrated in the first half, I wasn’t really finding good pockets or being clean on the ball. So I just kind of put my head down, a great flick on from Volesky there for my goal, and then obviously Dixon made a great run into space. I think we are very effective and efficient on the break and the guys are killers in front of goal, so as long as we can get the ball to each other and make good movement, we will create a lot of chances.”
On Dixon’s goal:
“We think we are a pretty good counter-attack team, no matter what started it. This time it was Carlos [Herrera] catching the ball off the corner kick and making eye contact while I was on the run. The defender slowed me down a bit, then Dixon actually made a call for it and he was in acres of space. You guys have seen him in front of the goal already this year plenty of times. He’s very composed and took the chance, so we are very happy with it.”
Goalkeeper Carlos Herrera
On finding out when he would start:
“When we get our film, we get told the lineup. So I had about a day to know that I was going to be able to start.”
On getting two results in two starts in one week:
“It was nice to be on the field. End of the day it’s the whole team, I am just happy to be a part of it and contributing. It’s just nice to be contributing to the group and the points that we just got, as well as the Open Cup win.”
On getting the start at home:
“To be honest, I was a little jittery at first because it’s been a while since I’ve had a home league start, dating back to last year. The first couple of minutes were jittery, but after I got settled in, I was just taking in the moments when I could and doing my best at staying as locked in as I could.”
On the slow start and directing the team from the goal:
“It’s my job to be the one all the way in the back to see the pitch completely. That also helps me stay focused and engaged for ninety minutes. Talking to them, organizing them, and keeping them locked into the game is what I’m supposed to do. Help them do their job.”
