Real Monarchs 4 vs. 2 Portland Timbers 2
September 3, 2022; Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah
Real Monarchs (5-14-3, 18 points); Portland Timbers 2 (1-17-3, 9 points)
Assistant Coach Joel DeLass
On filling in for Jamison:
“It was good. I think for the most part it was a normal week for the guys, normal rhythm. We knew [Jamison] Olave was going to be out and were planning for that and credit to the guys who had a really good week of training, came in tonight, played really well. I thought the first half we were just a little flat, getting into the right spots but not moving after that. In the second half, we came out, I challenged them a little bit in the locker room at halftime, and you can see by the scoreline we opened it up really good.”
On Abokye’s first goal and assist:
“It was awesome to see Abokye [Bikyeombe]. First of all, he’s a great kid so you’re really rooting for a guy like that. He’s been a sponge this year. He’s really been soaking up everything that we’ve been throwing at him, and you can just see it. His performance has been going in that direction for a long time now, so hopefully, it’s the first of many for him. I thought his spots, his spacing, his ability just to get us out of pressure once we’ve won the ball is really good.”
On what he challenged the team to do at halftime:
“It was just ‘You know what we’ve done all week.’ We had a really good week of training. We were running a lot, covering a lot of ground. You saw the energy in the first thirty seconds where we came down and had an opportunity right off the bat. Thankfully we got some really nice goals a few minutes later. I just think for them it was like ‘We just need to kick it into a higher gear.’”
On goals for the rest of the season:
“It’s continuing the form we’ve been on over the last 10-11 games if you include the international exhibitions we had. We’ve been on a really good run of form and the guys want to finish well. Credit to them, they could’ve thrown in the towel, but we’re doing really well at home and it’d be nice to go on the road at San Jose next weekend and get some points there as well.”
Midfielder Abokye Bikyeombe
On his growth/development this season:
“It’s really important for me to keep raising my level, come out here, give 100% effort and help the team win.”
On his first goal and assist:
“That was very special for me. It’s only a goal, but it was very important for the team, for the three points here at home. Thanks to the fans for coming out, thanks to my family.
Defender Bode Hidalgo
On training with the first team and playing with the Monarchs
“It’s always good to come get minutes. Obviously, if you’re not getting the minutes you want there, it’s nice to have the Monarchs, come down and get the minutes and put in a good performance. It’s always good to win at home.
On his goal
“It’s one of those that as soon as you hit it, you know it’s going in. It just happened and I’m glad we got the win.”
On what home unbeaten streak says about the fans
“Big shoutout to the fans for still believing in us. Why not keep the win streak going and end the year on a good note.”
