Lights FC Head Coach Dennis Sanchez
On his overall impressions on the match…
It was a difficult game. My message to the guys after was that the foundation that we built over and had success during the last three games was due to our collective defense. I think we were naïve in certain moments tonight, and it’s always difficult coming back in games. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t come back all the way, but we can’t expect to concede three goals and find ways to win.
On regrouping quickly to face USL League One side Spokane Velocity on Wednesday in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup…
The lucky part is that it’s a quick turnaround. There’s no time to sulk. The message to the guys throughout the year is to never get too high, never get too low. It’s another learning opportunity for our guys. There were some positive things tonight that we have to continue to build on, and we’ll find the areas we can be better at.
On adjusting to not having defender Emrah Klimenta next weekend against Rhode Island FC while he serves a one-match suspension…
It’s a next-man-up mentality, so there will be an opportunity for somebody else. We’ll miss Emrah and his presence and leadership back there, but it will be somebody else’s opportunity to step in and solidify the defense.
On Gaoussou Samaké’s goal…
One of the things that we’ve been focusing on is when players receive with time on the ball facing forward is to have guys run in behind, and Samaké’s understanding and reading of space and ability to run in behind is very dangerous. He took his chance well.
On Charlie Adams getting his first start…
Charlie brings a lot to the group, not only on the field, but just his mentality, his intangibles, leadership qualities. It was great to have him back out there tonight. He was on a minutes-restriction, but we’ll continue to build him up.
