Quote Sheet: MB 3-2 OC
Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Head Coach Jordan Stewart
On the result:
“I think there were longer periods compared to Wednesday where we dominated the game, especially midfield. I think obviously with Anton [Søjberg] being back in the team, you can see how it helps. Dicko [Alex Dixon] played in his second game in a week, gaining a little momentum. Similar again, having guys that can come off the bench and make a difference – it’s going to be like that all the time. Granny [Grant Robinson] coming on, and then Xavi [Gnaulati] has come back from injury as well, Jacob [Muir] coming on and getting an assist for Larsson. All in all, very good. A bit scary at the end, but I think we like to please the crowd. It’s two out of two wins in the competition, onward and upward.”
On the offense:
“We wanted our strikers to be more central, we felt like Ilijah [Paul] was wasting too much energy, running wide, coming deep, so I think having them two work as a pair. You’ve seen it right in the first half, Adam [Larsson] getting on the ball, and then Ilijah fighting to get the opportunity and then class finish. For the second goal, ball out wide, fighting and scrapping to try and win the header – it was a great goal. Then Adam scored his, so it’s always good when your strikers score goals because it always gives them confidence. It’s good for them to gain the momentum, obviously back-to-back wins at home now. Now we take a break and shift our focus into next week’s game against Lexington.”
On bringing cup momentum to league play:
“Having a little lull in the league, sometimes it helps to shift into another competition. I think, like I said, back-to-back wins at home is always a plus. We have another home game against Lexington, which we know they have quality players. So it’s about trying to keep that momentum going, keeping the positivity, and knowing throughout the season there’s going to be ups and downs. You just don’t want the downs to go on for too long and obviously you try to hold onto the ups when you do get them.”
Forward Adam Larsson
On the match:
“It was a tough game. The games are coming quick, but I think we played a solid game and the offense feels good now. We have been struggling a little bit, but today it felt very good. A little bit of an unnecessary goal to concede at the end, but to start playing well offensively means a lot. And of course it’s great to get three points.”
On his first goal for the club:
“I’ve been waiting for this. Obviously it’s been a tough time with the injury, but today I felt strong and my lungs were with me. It was a good pass from Jacob [Muir] and then I was through from half field. I was just waiting for the keeper and then I put it in with my toes. When you feel light on your feet, you can play what you see, you can play fast. On the assist, I saw Ilijah [Paul] on the move. It was a very good run from him and a good goal from him. I’m pretty sure this is just the start of something really good.”
