Post Match Round-up: Reactions After Our 1-1 Stalemate

Following Sláinte Athletic’s gritty 1–1 draw with league leaders Touch Kings on Matchday 3, we caught up with four key voices from the squad: Man of the Match Arlie Hitt, midfield general Danny Hallowell, impact sub Garrett Peters, and assistant coach Gavin Mooney. In a match that demanded composure, toughness, and tactical discipline, their reflections speak to a group that knows exactly what it’s building toward.

Arlie Hitt (MOTM)

Walk us through your goal—what were you thinking when that ball rolled out to you at the top of the box?

“I’m f****** having this. Before the ball was even played to me I recognized I had tons of space, I figured if the ball somehow comes my way I would have plenty of time to pick out a corner. Fortunately, Isaac does what Isaac does and he threaded the needle to the top of the box. From there it was just muscle memory. The ball spun how I wanted it to and it was able to find the side netting. Honestly the hit didn’t feel as clean as it looked but it was refreshing to see the net ripple”

This felt like a match where intensity mattered more than style. How did you and the squad match that physical edge?

“We prepped a lot for this game, we made sure we came in with a plan. Part of that plan was playing our style, which includes being a physical team, and a high intensity squad for ninety minutes. We’ve got some physically big guys on our team, but even our smaller guys have that edge about them where they’re not afraid to get stuck in. When any of the Touch Kings players wanted the physical battle, our guys stepped up and welcomed it. One big tackle can spark us back to life so we don’t shy away from them.”

You’ve now been involved in multiple key moments across all three matches. How would you describe your role in this squad right now?

“Both coaches have been super clear in what they expect from me, someone who just tirelessly runs and covers space on both sides of the ball from start to finish. With our style of play its important us wide guys do our job of helping out all over the pitch, because if we don’t the team will suffer. My role is to do the dirty work, not score the goals, I am just fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time the last few matches.”

How does a result like this fuel confidence and hunger going into a massive fixture next week?

“From a team aspect, it proved a point that we can come from behind. We haven’t been in that kind of situation until this game, I was really proud of how we responded because we see teams fold after going down, that’s not us. It gives us the confidence that no matter the scoreline is in the future, we are always in the fight until the last whistle. We’re all hungry to get to the next game. We’ve been really clear this season, it’s one game at a time, each game is treated as a final. We like the challenge, and now the stakes are even higher for our next match against MSI. We’re hungry, we welcome the opportunity, and we will be there to take all three points.”

Danny Hallowell

As captain, how proud were you of the group’s response today—especially with so many key players unavailable?

“I’m very proud of the team and how we worked together today. It shows the league, but most importantly us, that we are growing very well as a cohesive unit and no longer a group of individuals. With guys stepping into new roles and with some of our usual starters absent, it was important that we maintain our game and our intensity, and I think we did that well against a talented and organized opponent.”

The midfield was a battle all match long. What adjustments did you and the group make to keep things under control after the opening goal?

“In previous seasons and competitions, we would struggle mentally after going a goal down, especially early on in a game. Today we reacted in a very positive way: moving the ball more purposefully, defending with more intensity, and overall being hungry for the equalizer and more.”

What’s the mindset now heading into MSI? How do you keep the group focused and sharp for another six-point clash?

“The mindset for us remains the same as it was at the start of the season: we go out each week, play our game, and focus on working hard and getting the result we know we can achieve. The group has been incredibly focused since day one, and with two solid wins under our belt as well as a fair result when we did not play our best, we have a good bit of confidence that we can face any opponent and emerge with a victory.”

Garrett Peters

You came into the match in a tough moment, with Touch Kings pushing hard through the middle. What was your mindset stepping into that pressure?

“My mindset was to be sharp and stay ready for when my number is called. I’m a player who loves the pressure of being in the middle. Quick 1-2 touch and we move out of trouble.”

Tactically, you seemed to do a great job of cutting off their midfield progression. What were you seeing that allowed you to help shift the momentum?

“To their credit, Touch Kings had a number of players who had good feet and liked to dribble. It was clear their target man was the main way they initiated attacks in our defensive end, and he loved to lay the ball off to their midfielders to continue forward. In response, I sat deeper and formed a triangle with our two CBs to box him in. When he wasn’t an option, Touch Kings circled the ball around to try and find him in other ways. There were a lot of unforced errors when they tried to force the ball into him.”

How do you think this match sets the tone for you personally and for the team moving into another big one against MSI?

“On a personal note, this match helped me settle in. This is only my second appearance on the team altogether and there were even more new faces (to me) Sunday then there were last week. My goal was to be as trustworthy for the team as I could and to just play my game. I’m happy as to how things are forming. MSI is another solid team and the more we gel, the more dangerous we will become. Two goals conceded in three games is a nearly impossible task, which speaks to our communication levels and defensive qualities. It’s exciting to be a part of this team and we must continue on for success.”

Assistant Coach Gavin Mooney

Going into the match light-handed, what was the staff’s message to the group beforehand—and how do you think they executed it?

“Going into the game the message was clear: play our game. It was our first true challenge of the season, but the squad is confident in the tactics and style we’ve been developing. We’re fortunate to have an abundance of versatile players that can rotate as needed. Multiple players shifted all over the field while playing a full 90. As coaches, you can’t ask for much more than that from a squad. Possession statistics may not have been in our favor, but we never let TK progress up the field. We’re more than happy to let a team hold the ball in their own half while we wait for a calculated press. “

Sláinte responded really well after conceding early. From the sideline, what stood out about how the group settled in?

“Unfortunately, the boys had a shaky start. We may have been one step behind the pace of the game as we were able to dominate our last two opponents. The early goal was a quick wake-up call and we rallied. The boys thrive off the press so a little slap in the face was much needed. The rest of the first half was dominated by Slainte and we were able to level it before halftime.”

What impact did players like Garrett Peters and others off the bench make from a tactical standpoint?

“This game was an opportunity for the subs, and coach Burbs, to really shine. We were missing a few key pieces which forced some starting eleven changes. Early substitutions were crucial to growing into the game and getting the equalizer. Bringing in Garrett completely changed the pace of our game. TK was pressing hard, but Garrett wasn’t phased. Being in the right place at the right time, settling the guys around him and keeping possession gave the squad a chance to get the jitters out and lock in. This was Garrett’s second game with us and I think I speak for everyone when I say he’s earned the trust of the coaches and players. We saw the return of Tanner and Moe, as well as a new position for Dylan. All of them brought much needed energy and work rate to the midfield late in the game. Tanner and Moe will be crucial for us late in the season as they get back up to speed.”

What’s your overall assessment of the first three matches—what’s impressed you most about the team’s evolution this spring?

Overall, I’m very pleased with the first 3 matches. 13 goals for and 2 goals against is a fantastic record. Seeing how much this team has grown in the past year shows the effort and dedication each of the guys bring to every training and match day. The mentality is completely different. The focus, the finishing and the fitness are all there. Although finishing and fitness may still have room to grow. As a former player, I’m proud to be a part of this organization and I’m honored that the boys are trusting me to help lead them alongside coach Burbs.

Looking ahead to MSI, how do you and Coach Burbridge keep the group grounded but ready for what’s arguably the biggest test yet?

“Honestly, I think this game was great for the team. It’s a reminder that we are not perfect, but we’re pretty damn good. No matter who we’re playing, we still have things to prove. A little humility never hurt anyone, ya know. Going into the game against MSI, we’re focused mostly on tidying up some tactical misses and recovering. We want to be at full strength across the board for MSI. We’re confident and hungry. We know it’s going to be a challenge, but nothing can rattle this team. This is the new Sláinte Athletic.”

Stay tuned for more interviews, match analysis, and coverage as the Spring 2025 MSSL campaign continues.