Voices from Victory: Post-Match Reactions After a 5–0 win at the halfway mark

Five goals. Another clean sheet. And a performance that showed just how deep, disciplined, and dangerous this Sláinte squad has become. After a dominant away win over Peru United, we caught up with key figures from the match—Leland Brigham, Malachi Emmanuel, Jevan Leyh, Danny Hallowell, and head coach Aaron Burbridge—to get their thoughts on the performance, the mentality behind it, and what’s next with the title race heating up.

Leland Brigham (MOTM)

Two more goals today, including one from 35 yards out—how did you see that play develop, and were you always thinking shot?

“I sensed some weaknesses in the goalkeeper’s positioning ever since the start of our first match against Peru United. He was often positioned far outside the box or way too close to either post. In this case he was positioned both outside the box and too far to the right, so I went for a dipping curler to the left. I have a lot of confidence in that particular long range shot, although I understand it looks unconventional or low Xg.”

You’ve been relentless in the press all season. What’s clicking for you right now, and how do you stay that sharp across 90 minutes?

“It is a team effort. The communication is often on point between the midfielders and the strikers, and we press as a unit to collapse on the opposition. They have no outlets to play the ball to and usually turn it over. Pressing comes naturally to me because I am very attack-minded. I have always approached defense as attacking the opponents, rather than sitting back and letting the opposition dictate the game.”

Five games in, unbeaten, top of the table—how’s the group feeling heading into the second half of the season?

“The team is confident going into the second half of the season, but we are forcing ourselves to continue to focus on the process. Winning does not mean we stop preparing and looking for ways to improve. If anything, Slainte is just getting started, and we will become more dangerous from week to week.”

Malachi Emmanuel

First goal for the club—and what a goal it was. Talk us through that strike and what it meant to you personally.

“To be honest, when I stepped on the field, I told myself, “You’re going to score”. I didn’t know how, or when, but I was going to do it. Right before the goal, I whiffed on a similar volley attempt, so the second time my only objective was to hit the ball clean. I actually didn’t even see it hit the back of the net, but I felt a wave of relief when I saw everyone celebrating, knowing that it put us 3-0 up and put the game out of reach.”

It’s been a long road back from injury. How did it feel to be back out there and contributing in such a big moment?

“I’ve been playing in a couple different environments to get my fitness and touch back, but stepping back out there I was actually pretty nervous. I’ve been playing since I was four years old but each game, each moment, every instance is different. Knowing you have to bring it every time you step on that field, stay engaged, and continue to work can be overwhelming but I enjoy the challenge. The key thing is that I can rely on my teammates to guide me, keep communication open and keep me motivated to push towards the win.”

You brought real energy off the bench—how are you approaching your role in this squad as you push for more minutes?

“It’s weird but I’ve always liked coming off the bench. As I said before I was a bit nervous but watching the game unfold allows me to analyze what’s going on. If I come off the bench, my goal is to provide what the team needs. I observe what’s going on; what our team is doing well or what we are doing poorly, what the other teams strengths and weaknesses are. In my opinion a 2-0 lead is the hardest to protect against so coming on I wanted to keep our energy high and finish the game. Moving forward I want to provide what the team needs. We have a phenomenal group of players and guys that has really started to play well, gel together as a unit. I want to support the team in whatever way possible, I’m excited for our growth and continued progress towards bigger and better things!”

Jevan Leyh

First start in the MSSL for Sláinte, first clean sheet—how did it feel out there with this group?

“Felt amazing. I feel like I’m right at home with the boys. We defended as a team and were composed in the final 3rd. I’m really proud of the team and looking forward to future games.”

You and Novian looked solid at the back—what’s that communication and chemistry been like so far?

“Ev and I have known each other dating back to early high school. We trust each other on and off the ball. The communication feels like a 1/2 combo together. The chemistry is key considering we’re friend off the field. We’ve always joked that we’re Pique and Puyol and we’ve stuck by it ever since. Looking forward to more games together with Ev and locking down the middle together.”

What stood out most to you about this team’s identity and performance today?

“I just think the connection between everyone is phenomenal. It showed on the field with our passing and movement off the ball. Everyone was extremely comfortable in their positions. Overall, a phenomenal team performance and we secured the 3 points.”

Danny Hallowell

A goal and an assist for you today—how did you balance leading from the front while also linking play from deeper areas?

“The system that we play has developed into a fairly fluid front 4 or 5 players, with outside mids, forwards, and the central mids working and moving together to press on defense and become a cohesive unit on the offensive. That made it easy for me as a forward to drop into the midfield to find or win the ball and also to help spread the ball to our pacey and talented outside players, while also giving me the opportunity to get in behind their defense and create chances.”

Peru tried to make it a physical game—how important was it to stay composed and impose our style?

“I always love a physical game and I know many of my teammates do as well. It helps us keep our focus and intensity both in games against tough opponents and also helps us stay composed and play to our strengths when we face less challenging teams. In this game, we matched and even surpassed their physicality and intensity, particularly in the second half, and in doing so were able to play our game and our style and dictate play instead of reacting to our opponents style.”

What’s the message inside the squad as we hit the halfway mark of the season?

“We came into this season with the mentality that every single game is its own entity. We focus on the game we are playing and only that, otherwise we would get distracted by what could be rather than what is actually happening. Last season, we got ourselves into some tight spots and learned some hard lessons by looking too far into the future. As we head into the second half of the season, it is imperative that we keep this mindset, treating each and every game as the most important game of the season so our intensity stays high, our focus does not waver, and our drive to succeed only ever increases.”

Aaron Burbridge

5–0 away win, clean sheet, rotated squad—what impressed you most about the team’s performance today?

“The high standard , from showing up early , being mentally prepared and focused, being physically ready days before the game, once those elements are aligned the results just come, days like this just flow because of the work everyone continues to put in.”

You gave minutes to players returning from injury and debuting in the league—how did they respond to the opportunity?

“Rotation is huge, for confidence, for injury prevention, to be able to adapt to challenging competition and be fluid in moments of need. We are building a culture that puts the team first. I love when a player returns from injury and has a great game, everyone supports eachother so much.”

Unbeaten at the halfway point, with a game in hand—what’s the focus for the group heading into the final stretch?

“Well I wish it was all wins but touch kings played well that game. Are eyes are set on promotion and developing our players for the rest of the season , building confidence , skills, and strong identity. Slainte will continue to grow and we have great plans for the future.”

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