Tuesday night Flower City Union beat USL-2 Side Manhattan SC in the Second round of the U.S. Open Cup. For a complete breakdown of that match check out Rick Lewis’s recap
After the match, I caught up with the Valiant 33 Player of the Match, Stephen Elias, to ask a few questions:
How did it feel to score your first goals for Flower City in front of the home crowd?
“It felt great, especially when the first one went in. The energy from the fans was unreal, especially for the first goal. I think it helped the team to see one go in finally. Hopefully, it is a sign that there is more to come for the team”
The team started a bit slow in the first twenties minutes or so, what in-game adjustments did the team have to make?
“I think most of it was just trying to shake the rust off. You know we played Saturday, so it was a quick turnaround to this game. It also took a little self-awareness from the guys, we had to try to just play loose and let the game come to us.”
What’s your role for this team? We noticed you tend to drift wide a lot, is that something you are expected to do?
Really, Jordy [Sullivan] gives us freedom in the midfield to move around. He wants us to be dangerous, and so we can go wide if needed. You know Jordy really trusts us to make plays. It helps too that Luke [Ferreira] and Freddy [Opoku] are basically midfielders. They are both versatile players who can move in from the wing to help.”
There are a few weeks without another league match, do you have any plans for the break?
“Well, we still have training to do, so it’s not like we just have a couple of weeks off. However, I am planning on making the five-hour drive to see my family for Easter. So, the plan is to spend a couple of days with them before coming back and training continues.”
Flower City Union’s next league match will be away on April 22nd against Chattanooga FC, followed quickly by an Open Cup match on April 25–26 away to Loudoun United (USL Championship).