Lights FC Head Coach Dennis Sanchez
On his overall impressions on the match…
It wasn’t an easy match by any means. We knew coming into it that it was going to be like this and dealing with the altitude. The break we had is a blessing and a curse in the sense that it was good for our guys to get some time off, but sometimes you can lose rhythm and consistency. Overall we know we can be better, but we’re happy to come away with a good deserved point on the road.
On a nine-match unbeaten streak and grinding out results when you aren’t playing your best…
That’s the mark of a team that’s playoff-capable and developing a championship mindset. Credit to Colorado Springs, they’re a good side with some dynamic players. We suffered a bit more than we wanted to, but at the end of the day we bend but don’t break. I’m really proud of the guys’ efforts.
On Raiko Arozarena’s stellar game in goal…
Raiko’s been fantastic for us. Every player has to step up at different points and ‘keepers are no different. He definitely stood on his head and made a few great saves to keep us in the game. Credit to him and the work he’s put in this year.
On the debuts of Ousman Jabang and Grayson Doody…
They were brought in to help us in these types of moments. We were able to bring them on pretty early in the game. We felt we needed to solidify a little bit more in the midfield, and Ousman did that for us. We felt we needed some more verticality in our highest line with Shawn being higher, and Grayson came in and he and Ousman helped us secure a point.
On getting ready for first-place New Mexico United on Wednesday…
The biggest thing is to rest and recover right now. We’re getting back into a rhythm of games. We know New Mexico is first in the table and a good side, and we have to go in and keep believing in our process and our identity and come away with some points on the road. The guys will be ready.
