Head Coach Alen Marcina
(On the match…)
“I thought it was a good experience, a good opportunity for our academy players – we had 11 take part in the game. So it’s a once in a lifetime experience for the academy players. It was also a good opportunity for some of our guys on the first team who haven’t got a lot of minutes to go out and get as many minutes as physically possible. So all in all I think it was very beneficial, and also very good opportunity for our fans to see a good team from Mexico.”
(On the result…)
“Exhibition games aren’t about the end result, it is about performing. We told the guys, those who have the opportunity to step on the field, be it training, a friendly, in-season game, you have the opportunity to perform and execute game model principles. Demonstrate that you deserve minutes on the field, so this is a platform and opportunity to do so. It’s a good team you go against, it’s about the experience, the opportunity, and all in all I think it was beneficial for everyone involved.”
Forward Justin Dhillon
(On the match…)
“I think tonight was just a good experience for everyone, a lot of the guys that maybe haven’t been on the field as much, along with some academy guys, kind of a ‘getting to know you’ on the fly, but I thought a lot of guys brought good energy. When you have moments like that it’s about enjoying it, and just giving it your all and getting the most out of it. I think as a group we did. Yeah the result didn’t quite fall our way, but I think for the most part the guys put in a good shift.”
(On his goal …)
“Obviously it feels great to score. I think just any kind of momentum you can get with that, any kind of games, is important as a team so for us to prove that we can score on any opponent with any lineup I think is important for the group.”
Postgame Notes:
- C.D. Tapatío earns the Duelo de Campeónes trophy, winning the matchup between the reigning champions of the American and Mexican second divisions.
- 11 San Antonio FC Pro Academy players appeared in the match, joining first team players.
- Forward Justin Dhillon’s goal in the 10th minute was his first since July 29, when he scored the winning goal against Hartford Athletic.