Voices from Victory: Post-Match Reactions After a Dominant Opener

After Sláinte Athletic opened the Spring 2025 MSSL Division II campaign with a dominant 4–1 win over Peru United, we caught up with four key figures from the performance: Man of the Match Isaac Ngobu, debut goalscorer Leland Brigham, center back convert Logan Funk, and head coach Aaron Burbridge, who oversaw his first match in charge.

Here’s what they had to say following the club’s statement win on Matchday 1.

ISAAC NGOBU (Man of the Match)

First game of the season, goal, assist, and Man of the Match—how did that feel?

“It felt good. Can’t do it without AJ crashing the box and BP playing me in. Nothing is won in week one though and now we prepare for week two.”

What was working for you on that right side today?

“On the right side it was easier to unbalance the defense. I watch a lot of Saka and I felt like this was an opportunity to try what he does.”

Talk to us about the chemistry with Arlie Hitt and BP Seivers—how important was that link-up?

“The Chem with AJ and BP has been there since the start and gets stronger each day. Chemistry is strong on this team and you can’t win without it!“

Ngobu prior slotting the ball in the bottom corner to round out the season opener

LELAND BRIGHAM (Debut Goal)

Dream debut—how did it feel to score 10 minutes into your first official match?

“It felt amazing to go up 2-0 in the first ten minutes of the match, setting the tone for the game and our season. I loved that it was a team effort that started with some great combination play between Meyers and Perez, a perfect cross from Perez, and an easy header for me. We all celebrated it together.”

You and Andres Perez looked comfortable playing off each other—how’s that partnership developing?

“This is my second game with Andres, and I definitely feel confident connecting with him on the pitch. He’s an amazing all-around player, and I’m particularly impressed by the accuracy of his shooting and crossing. In our first game, he placed a shot perfectly into the top right corner—and this game he placed a cross right to my head in the box. The chemistry has come naturally, and I think it can only get better as the season progresses.  “

What are you hoping to bring to this squad as the season builds?

“I think I can bring a certain level of intensity and strength to the final third, whether it’s pressing hard, firing shots, or winning 50-50 battles. I’ll continue to figure out how to best support the team as the season progresses.”

Brigham scores on his debut

LOGAN FUNK (First Match as Center Back)

Logan, big shift today—how did it feel playing center back in a competitive match?

“It honestly was an adjustment but I got back into the groove quick. Working in tandem with Evan Novian and the other guys on the back line kept me in form.”

What’s been the biggest adjustment moving from striker to defender?

“I think the biggest thing is the feel on the game and communication. You have to be decisive on the ball and communicate, as you can see the whole pitch and guide the team.”

How did the communication with Francio and Novian work across the backline?

“It was solid. Those guys made my job easier by far and we have strong communication”

Logan funk, center back turned striker turned center back once more

AARON BURBRIDGE (First Match as Manager)

Coach, first official match in charge—how would you sum up the performance?

“Solid day out , I love the energy of MSSL and soccer season in general, we showed up strong and proud. Looking forward.”

What impressed you most about the execution from the squad today?

“More than anything the players want it. They want to win, they want to fight , they want to go hard - we all love this game so it comes easy.”

Ngobu, Seivers, Perez—so many strong individual performances. How do you balance structure and freedom for them?

“We have a lot of talented and hard working players , one player can’t win a match alone , we need everyone to work for eachother and pick each other up. We have a lot of leaders in the team and when one falls , another rises up to help”

How do you keep the group grounded heading into Matchday 2 with momentum?

“Training, memes in the chat.”

What’s your message to the supporters after this first step?

“Stay tuned in , we are looking to get more people involved , host watch parties , go to events together!”

Burbridge and a sidelined Mooney on the season opener

Stay tuned for more interviews, highlights, and updates as the Spring 2025 season continues.