El Paso Locomotive FC 0-1 Louisville City FC
Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Head Coach and Technical Director Brian Clarhaut
On the state of the team after three matches:
“The boys that are running are mentally tired. It’s been a hard week and we got to do it again next week, which is tough and we have three guys leaving for international team duty (Jeremy Garay, Amando Morneo – El Salvador; Jahmali Waite – Jamaica). It’s not going to get easier and we still have to see with Brandan Craig’s injury. We knew this was going to be a tough start like last year. [The start of the season] was just about trying to get through it and it’s not the start we wanted or expected.”
On the loss to Louisville City FC:
“We were more organized than we were against [Monterey Bay F.C.], that’s something we tried to focus on in the limited time we had, so I give credit to the boys. We have opportunities… but I do think at the end of the games when we’re down, we need to be more ruthless, put more balls in the box and our finishing needs to be sharper. I think that’s clear.”
Captain and midfielder Eric Calvillo
On the match:
“Coming in and trying to respond today [after Wednesday’s match against Monterey Bay], I feel like the team did against a top team in our third game of the week. We responded well in the first half, we created some chances and were more organized defensively. Then again, one little [mistake]… and they find the back of the net.”
On his personal next steps:
“For myself, I’m so [critical] of my game and the way I play. I question myself ‘Am I giving what I need to give for the team, especially as the captain, one of the leaders of the team?’ I’m taking it very personal and I feel like I should raise my hand first. I don’t want to keep blaming myself… but at the same time, there’s more that the fans have seen from me and I need to do more.”
On the loss of Brandan Craig to injury:
“It’s going to be hard. Obviously, it’s heartbreaking to see a young player like that who has a lot of quality go down in such manner. Who knows what’s going to happen after this but that opens another door for somebody else to step in, prove themselves, take responsibility and show their personality and character.”