MNUFC2 Head Coach Cameron Knowles
On the second straight win for the team…
“Obviously good to back up last week's result with a win here and to get our first clean sheet, to get our first win at home, two big milestones for us. Overall, a good professional performance from what was a strong team that we put out today.”
On incorporating some first-team players into the lineup…
“I think they all came in with a great attitude. It’s not easy to be at a game last night, especially one that has a lot of emotion. Some of those guys came in for a couple of minutes to the end of the game, and some others sat and warmed up and were on the bench and didn’t play. To manage the emotions of the game last night and then come in today, this morning for an earlier kickoff and put in a really professional performance, you have to give a lot of credit to those players. I think they all took the opportunity that was in front of them, whether it was 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or the guys that ended up going the full 90. The result reflects that performance from those players.”
On the overall growth of the group…
“It’s been really good. We’re getting to know each other. The players are getting to know each other. We’re a new team, in a new league, and with that, there’s a lot of growth that needs to come with it. The expectations from the staff, from the players, for each other, and I think week to week, we continue to grow and get better, get stronger, and that should continue throughout the season.”
On the offensive performance featuring multiple goals…
“We’ve been good in the final third, creating a lot of chances. Even today, there was a number that we’d want back. We could’ve had a few more goals. The fact that we’re getting in good positions, a lot of that is coming from our defending positions first, winning balls higher up the field and guys being aggressive in those moments, and taking advantage of it. The guys have been great. It’s always exciting to score goals. We’ve spread those goals around the team a little bit too. Hopefully, we continue that.”
On expectations going into the next game…
“We’re playing against a very good team [St. Louis CITY 2]. We go on the road now, after being at home and on the back of two wins and six points. We’re playing a team that is very good, very experienced, and should be a good crowd. Should be a great atmosphere for our guys to play in. I know everyone will be looking forward to it once we get past and put this game behind us.”
On the importance of getting minutes for first-team players before the Open Cup match…
“It’s of high importance. We have another competition starting up. We have an opportunity to use other players in the roster and it’s important that we have as many players as sharp and game-ready as possible to navigate not just the MLS season, but the other games that get added to the schedule. That’s the value that we have and how we’re choosing to use this reserve team.”
