Head Coach John Galas and striker Duncan McGuire shared their thoughts after the team’s 3-1 victory over Lane Community College in a preseason friendly.

JOHN GALAS, HEAD COACH

On today’s game:

“We want to thank Lane Community College for playing; it was exactly what we needed to prep for Ballard. They defended well and as a solid group, and it took us a lot to break them down. What an equalizer it was for them! It was great for us because we needed to see how our guys would respond. With a little bit of pressure and adversity, they responded well and began to manage the game better. We saw some good individual performances and some collective stuff that we like. I’m pleased with the effort and pleased with the minutes. It was exactly what we needed and wanted.”

Positive Takeaways: 

“Certainly Duncan [ McGuire] coming in after driving 16 hours from Omaha. He comes in, we give him 30-35 minutes, and he bangs in two goals. All good across the back line, and more importantly we managed the minutes. Caleb Tammi was another bright spot for sure. Collectively, I’m really pleased.”

Things to work on going forward:

“That final ball, and being a little cleaner in possession. We had technical break-downs here and there, but we have to shift now to prep for playing away in front of 1,500 fans in Ballard. We were a little loose in transition because we committed so many numbers forward, but we have to do better against Ballard and it’s going to start on defensive side of the ball this week.”

DUNCAN McGUIRE, FORWARD

On his feelings after the first game:

“It feels good; just got to meet the guys today. They made it easy for me and it was good to get out here after a quick break from the summer. I’m excited for the season and I think we are going to have a lot of fun and a successful season.”

On his plans to integrate with the squad: 

“I think going through training and getting to know my teammates on a personal level will help chemistry and playmaking on the field. Getting closer with them over the next few weeks is what’s going to really bind this group together.”

Additional thoughts on the overall performance:

“I just want to give a shoutout to the guys who were putting the balls on a platter and making it easy.”