Jackmon: “It was a team effort; we’ve been working hard and it finally paid off”

Hear from head coach John Galas and forward Jordan Jackmon after the team’s 2-0 win over Oly Town FC below.

HEAD COACH JOHN GALAS

General thoughts on the match…

“That was great. I think you probably heard from Jordan: The boys have been working hard all week. This is a culmination of a lot of hard work and pain. Last week, you know, dropping two points late… [we] put in a good shift. It wasn’t the prettiest of football tonight, but it was a good result.”

On any differences he saw in the team this week…

“No, I mean, we scored and we defended just as well as we did last week, and we closed the game. Our game management was better, but the focus was equally as good as it’s been.”

Head Coach John Galas (right), converses with his assistant, Conner Cappelletti. (Peter Bellerby/NW Sports Pics)

On which players stood out in addition to Jordan Jackmon…

“The backline. I mean, the whole group really. Duncan’s pressing… everybody had an impact. The subs came in and helped the game. The intensity was good, focus was good, but the backline was excellent. [They had] to deal with a lot of aerial balls, balls over top, wet surface you know, one mistake and they’re in and our guys did exceptionally well tonight.”

On taking Jordan Jackmon off while sitting on a hat trick…

“Easy! It’s always easy to take goal scorers off. I don’t care about a hat trick. He did put in a shift. He was exhausted, you know, and I told the guys at half: ‘So do me a favor and work hard so I can get guys off the bench and into the game to close out.’ And that’s exactly what they did.”

Jordan Jackmon chases down a long ball. (Peter Bellerby/NW Sports Pics)

FORWARD JORDAN JACKMON

His feelings after the match…

“[It was] amazing to get our first win of the season. It was a team effort, you know, we’ve been waiting for it, working hard and it finally paid off.”

What scoring means to him after a rough last week…

“I mean, yeah, after last week scoring an own goal. So it feels good to score for the team… both the goals. The first one, I think Duncan chased it down and I happened to be there and headed it in; and that second goal was all the team, you know. I think Mikey, Diego, Duncan, me and then goal. We’ve been working on it, so it’s great to see it pay off.”

On almost getting a hat trick…

“Yeah, but it’s OK. We got the clean sheet. I’m happy for Albert [Escuin] and the defense. Let’s keep it rolling.”