Head Coach Adrian Heath
On how a tournament run and a penalty kick shootout win boosts a team’s confidence…
“In reflection, I’ve tried to watch most of it again last night when I got home, they’re [C.D. Toluca] a good team, and they ask you a lot of questions. So, I was really pleased with our organization, really pleased with the commitment with what we asked them [MNUFC players] to do. We realized that we were going to have periods of the game where we have to just defend in numbers. But, I did say to the guys that I feel as though if we break properly the way we can, then we can cause them trouble. That’s what happened. All evening, I thought we were dangerous on the counterattack.”
On the atmosphere and camaraderie that a cup run builds for MNUFC…
“It’s always good. There’s nothing like winning for that. Then, it get’s to penalties and it sort of enhances everything. For Dayne [St. Clair], it’s been outstanding. I’ve got to mention our crowds [at Allianz Field]. When you look at the crowds around the league, our supporters have been outstanding in their commitment to the tournament, but [also] to the team. The atmosphere was electric last night, again, and we’ve just got to hope that we can go one more [at home] again. I think that if we get there, we have a chance at playing at home, unless it’s LA [LAFC], and that’s what we’ve got to do.”
On facing Nashville SC on Friday…
“It’s always tough there [GEODIS Park], they played against Club America [LIGA MX] and more than held their own. A bit like our game, looked a really exciting game, penalties and the atmosphere. So, hopefully [it will be] the same again on Friday. Going there with the likes of [Hany] Mukhtar, now it’s [Sam] Surridge, Teal Bunbury always seems to want to do well against Minnesota, being from here. Whoever it may be, is it Fafa Picault – is always a threat because of his speed. Yeah, it’s going to be a tough game. But as we’ve proved in the past, we’re more than capable of going in there and winning.”
Defender DJ Taylor
On what a tournament run does for the team…
“It’s an exciting experience. It’s always exciting to get some more [games] on your resume, especially for all the guys. It kind of brings us together, brings that competitive spirit and we just keep grinding as a team. It’s been awesome so far.”
On Joseph Rosales playing on the back line…
“I think he’s been excellent and he’s been playing really good. I almost think he’s better playing on the outside, whether it’s winger or fullback rather than in the middle. I think he’s starting to enjoy that outside back position. You have the field in front of you and pressure’s coming in front of you rather than midfielder’s coming from all sides. He’s having a lot of fun there and he’s doing really well for us, an assist and a goal real quick. So, I’m just hoping he can keep helping us out like that, just continuing as we go throughout the season.”
On the camaraderie that a run in a cup tournament brings to the squad…
“It brings tons of camaraderie. All we want to get at the end of the day is win and make each other happy. As long as we just keep fighting for each other and to keep this streak going, honestly. Like I said, fighting for silverware is completely different. And, obviously the money talks for the players. With this Leagues Cup, we get paid more than I think we do in MLS. Super exciting for us and brings us together.”
