Quote Sheet: MB 1-2 SJE
Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Sporting Director & Head Coach Frank Yallop
On playing against SJE:
“It’s always good. We went up there twice last year, which was fantastic. I’ve been trying to get them to come down. When I saw Luchi got the job, I congratulated him and asked if they would come down to play us in preseason and he said no problem, we’ll figure it out. I really appreciate them doing that, I’m very happy about that. It was a great exercise. San Jose enjoyed it because it was a real game with a great crowd in tough conditions, so I think they enjoyed that, and it got them ready for their season.”
On the fan turnout:
“Brilliant. I think it was close to 5,000 people, which is amazing. I think they saw a good event. Rain doesn’t always do us well, we haven’t got any sort of cover, but it was great. I think the fans were entertained tonight.”
On Simon Dawkins:
“He’s doing great. I thought he had a really good second half of the season last year. He’s in good shape coming in. I played him in the middle of the field in the second half, and that’s not an easy position for anybody to play, so he’s right where he wants to be. He’s going to be nice and sharp for the season. He’s a good player.”
On the goal for the season:
“Make the playoffs. I think that’s important, but the real goal is to try and get a home playoff game if we can. That would mean being top four in a very tough Western Conference. I’m not trying to get ahead of myself, but that’s what we’re aiming to do. Obviously, making the playoffs is important because you have a chance of winning. We still have to add two or three more players. Hopefully, we can get that squad settled and have a good rest of preseason and have a good start to the season.”
Midfielder Simon Dawkins
On how it feels to play against his former team:
“It’s good, I’ve played against them quite a few times now, and it’s good to see some old faces and old coaches as well. It’s just good to get a run out for us as well. Overall it was a good evening for us.”
On the team’s goal this season:
“To make the playoffs. We came close last year. A few bad results at the end of the season last year stopped us, but this year we’re in good spirits. Hopefully we can do some damage with this team that we have.”
On skills he’s still honing as a veteran:
“I’m here to help the younger guys. I’m learning myself, every single day, that’s how I look at it. I think this is year 19 or something like that for me now and I’m still enjoying it. I just want to give back wherever I can and do well myself on the field. I’m still trying to get better at everything. I still see myself as one of the guys, and I know I’m older obviously, but I want to be a part of the team and be seen that way. But if I have advice for them I’ll give it to them. I’m always here to help.”
