Head Coach Adrian Heath
On taking four points in two matches…
“I thought we were excellent in both occasions. Certainly, the game against LAFC at the weekend I thought [it was] maybe the best we’d played all year. I thought our ball circulation, the movement of the players, the willingness to defend, the willingness to run forward; I couldn’t have asked anything more. It’s not very often when you’re doing the post-game video, like we’ve done this morning, there’s not many negatives and that was the case this morning.”
On Emanuel Reynoso’s match fitness...
“As I said after the game on Saturday, he’s as good of talent as I’ve ever been around, that’s either playing with or coaching. The hardest thing in football is scoring goals and making goals, and this kid is capable of doing both. I think it was last year he got 10 [goals] and 15. This year he’s on three already. If we can keep him engaged the way he is in training, I think that the second half of the season looks very promising for us.”
On his reaction to the midfield performance of Hassani Dotson, Kervin Arriaga, and Wil Trapp against LAFC…
“They did everything that we asked of them because obviously they [LAFC] played – everybody knows it’s a 4-3-3 [formation] – so we put another body in there to match them up with that and I thought it was maybe Hassani’s [Dotson] best game since he’s come back from his injury. Started to look like himself: turning with the ball, running with it, driving forward, efforts at goal. I thought there was an awful lot of positives, and we need to take that into the game at the weekend.”
On putting forth the best lineups for Leagues Cup matches…
“Yep, the best team will be available and will play at the weekend. There’s an awful lot at stake in this tournament. As the tournament progresses, I think you’ll see this to get a little bit spikey and a little bit competitive because [there’s] an awful lot at stake for everybody: Champion’s League spot, a lot of money for the club. I’m looking forward to it, actually.”
On preparing for Club Puebla on Sunday…
“With the technology they’ve got these days, we can watch every game in Mexico of every team. We won’t be caught by surprise by anything they do. They [Club Puebla] do play a little bit different, the game is a little bit more strung out and probably, the games are a little bit more technical than physical. But we know that they can move the ball really well and when they play well, they’re a good team. So, [I’m] looking forward to the game.”
On hosting both group stage games…
“Yeah, it’s unusual for us to get a lucky break so let’s make the most of it and let’s make the home field advantage count.”
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair
On the importance of taking four points in regular-season play to Leagues Cup…
“To get back into getting points - I think we were disappointed not to get all three points at home - but to stay undefeated going into the break is definitely good, and we’re looking to bring that into a tournament where we need to win. It’s been a positive thing and we’re going to look to build on that now for Leagues Cup and to make a run there as well.”
On facing a club from a different league…
“It’s just understanding them [Club Puebla]. Probably a lot of us are not as familiar as we are with other MLS teams so it’s about getting the scouting right and understanding what we’re going up against. But at the same time, we’re at home and we expect to get the results that we need to progress in this tournament.”
On matches going into a penalty shootout instead of a tie…
“When people talk about soccer, a lot of people who complain about ties are not familiar with the game. It could be good to bring some new fans in but it’s also going to be a different dynamic now having something at the end of the game if the game is tied. It could be interesting for new fans and weird for people that have enjoyed the game for a long time.”
On preparing for the new game format as a goalkeeper…
“First and foremost, my focus is on the 90 minutes. I’m hoping that we can get the job done in those 90 minutes and then if I’m called upon for penalties, I’m looking to do my job and to help the team with at least a couple of saves.”
