BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (July 30, 2023) – Chicago Fire FC II (6-7-7-2) and New England Revolution II (10-5-5-4) played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday evening at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Noeh Hernandez scored his second goal of the season for the Chicago Fire II, equalizing New England’s opening goal by Jack Panayotou. Following the conclusion of the match, Chicago would earn an additional point with a 5-3 shootout victory.
Chicago Fire FC II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier and forward Noeh Hernandez discussed the result following the conclusion of the match.
Chicago Fire FC II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier
On his thoughts on the result of today's game…
“Very good. Two points for us because we had a lot of injuries and I told the players that we had to step in today because we are more than just 11 players. We train with way more than that. We pretty much have two players per position, it's a big roster. And it's good to see that the players that didn't get too much play time before, stepped really big today. And that's great. That's very encouraging. That means when the guys that do not get much minutes are able to step in with the right mentality. It's a sign that the group is healthy, and that's good, and I told the guys I'm very proud of them.”
On Jake Fuderer’s performance…
“He played one of the first games, second game he played a little bit and then he didn't play since then he got injured. He comes back but like I told him before the game, everybody's able to play. That's why we signed you then there is no doubt about that. But they surprised me positively. Because it's not just playing the game, he played well. He played well with composure and confidence. And that's good. That means again, as with the teammates, we’re also able to make sure that everybody feels good on the field. And tonight was a good result. ”
On how New England had little room to operate in attack….
“I have to admit that we probably played a little more defensive style today. Not because we decided but they were so good at starting their play from the back. And then we had to adjust. We had to be together, compact, a little lower on the field, having some counter attacks. But it's important to be able to do different things. There are some games where you will win because you press. There'll be some games where you can get a result because you defend very well in your half. And we want to develop players that are able to do both. So they can adjust later with the first team to a different kind of style of play.”
On improving from the previous game against New England…
“Definitely a good feeling. You probably heard the guys are very happy. And that's, that's good. Very good.”
On the strength of the group being able to have a quick response from conceding a goal…
“It shows that we are able to suffer and were not always able to suffer and I think that's something that grows in the group. We had difficult months before June and July, March, April. I mean, we didn't play bad but we had a little bit of a struggle to get the results. And since June and July, we’ve had two months where we get a little more points 10 points out of 15 in June and nine out of 15 in and it's way better. It's better because we are able to suffer in those difficult moments in the game. You can have a great game but there will be a moment or two moments or big moments or a full half where you will struggle. You will have to be able to defend together and I saw that tonight and that's very encouraging.”
On what Noah Hernandez has meant to the team in the recent months…
“Yeah. He's leaving soon for college. I think he has one more game. Noah, he's a very talented player. He's still a little young, so we didn't see everything. We'll see way more, I think we will definitely follow him at his college games because he can be a guy that comes back later a little older. But he is full of talent. An amazing left foot, one of the best finishers that we have for sure.”
Chicago Fire FC II Forward Noeh Hernández
On the goal he scored to tie the game...
"I saw the ball get popped up and I saw Luka (Prpa) checking in. I do this in practice a lot, just lay off, get it back and put it one-time in the corner. So, just, routine."
On how it feels for that type of risky shot to work out...
"I think it has a lot to do with consistency, just in practice, practicing that one shot a lot and consistently putting it in that corner. I think all that practice paid off."
On his growth during this summer, with a lot of games and a lot of different events...
"So proud of myself and so happy to be here. I'm going to miss it. I know I'm leaving soon, but I love this place and it will forever be my home."
On when he realized he felt comfortable with the Fire and could really thrive...
"I think that first game in Columbus, I felt really confident. I felt like getting those minutes under my belt was very helpful and put me in a good spot."
On his work ethic and seeing his efforts pay off...
"Obviously, I have to strive for more but I think it's a good first step and just have to continue with it."
On the penalty shootout and his emotions when he's walking up to the spot...
"Obviously, being first is a little nerve wracking but as soon as I put the ball down, I just take my breath and put it where I tell myself I'm going to put it, follow through, score and celebrate."
On how his good form over the past couple months can carry over to his season at DePaul...
"I think, obviously, this culture is setting me up to be a professional. I think I just carry that on with me to college. I think I should be pretty good."
