CHICAGO (Aug. 20, 2022) – Chicago Fire FC II returned to SeatGeek Stadium from a three-game road trip on Saturday night to defeat NYCFC II by a score of 5-0. Victor Bezerra opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the season while Kendall Burks added his first in MLS NEXT Pro play. Josh Penn and Missael Rodríguez came off the bench to add three goals within the span of seven minutes in the second half. Sergio Oregel, Jr. provided two first half assists to earn a share of the team’s assist lead.
Head coach Ludovic Taillandier, Oregel Jr., Penn and Burks shared their thoughts after the conclusion of the match.
Chicago Fire FC II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier
On his thoughts on tonight’s victory against NYCFC II…
“That was an interesting game for us because we had players from the first team that really helped you know, and we couldn’t hope for more than that from them and it's good. The mindset of those guys coming from the first team and the work they are doing with the first team stuff is great because they come to us with the right mentality and that's really, really good for the younger players to see and to get inspired by those guys. Then definitely put us on track.
The first half, that was good enough to be choosy or open. And we had many experiences this year or many journeys, starting well in the first half and not as well in the second. This time, we're able to perform in the two halves with two different formations, traditional lineups of course, because some players that will be on the bench with the first team tomorrow, they played just the first 45 minutes today. That's why we have to set three players elsewhere. And we're very happy with the guys that came in. The guys that came from the bench were fantastic, their mentalities and the desire to finish the job. And it's always the same objective, starting strong and finishing stronger. So finishing the job. Today we did start strong enough and we finished strong enough to win the game.”
On the importance of the first team players and what they brought to the team tonight…
“That's great. You know, you have different scenarios. They had Jhon Espinosa coming after an injury and he needs to get back in shape. That's a big mission of the reserve team, that's definitely part of the job to help the first team perform and we are very happy to help guys, to keep them in shape. So when they're ready for the first team, Ezra can put them on the field and trust that they will be fit enough.
Then it's a very good thing for the players being able to see them. Like Jhon Duran playing with us a little bit and then a few weeks after performing with the first team and we're very happy with that. That's why we are working with the team, to help those guys first to stay fit. And again, the mentality that they gave tonight was fantastic. It's not always like this. I mean, in the clubs that I was working for in the past. You know it's not always like this, there is big work being done by the first team staff to prepare those guys to come to us with the right mentality. But of course, with Victor he's someone that can finish, he got the first goal and he feels good. It’s always very important in the game because it gives it tempo, gives the games a direction and that's the important one. But all of them, Javi, Missa, Alex, Kendall got his goal, Brady, all of them were definitely in a good disposition to perform today and that was good.”
On the team’s hunger returning to SeatGeek Stadium after the long road trip…
“Yeah, no, that was definitely the right mentality. And again, it's like I told the guys, we measure the half as a group. The way the subs are coming from the bench, I mean they came with the right mindset. Josh, Missa also so I mean all those guys that came in. Grant made his debut at the back, that was really good you know and we could not have hoped for a better performance from those guys. That's great. It's great for Josh, you know, if you're on the bench it's never easy to be on the bench, of course because you want to prove. He came in, he proved that he had the quality and that's really good to see. That's what we're expecting from ourselves coming from the bench. It was the right mindset.”
Chicago Fire FC II Midfielder Sergio Oregel Jr.
On his two assist performance tonight…
“Definitely! But those weren’t easy finishes. Props to them too for putting the ball in the back of the net to give me those two assists.”
On Victor Bezerra’s recent play…
“Victor is a beast, he is definitely the best striker I have played with. His finishing is unreal. I would have trouble stopping him so I can’t imagine how it is for other teams.”
Chicago Fire FC II Midfielder Josh Penn
On his two goals in three minutes…
“Yeah, obviously it was a really good feeling. We needed a big win tonight and you know, coming off the bench you always want to make something happen so luckily I got into good spots and finished plays.”
On the importance of picking up this win following a lengthy road trip…
“Yeah, I think it's massive. I think confidence might have been a little low the last couple of games, but you know, bouncing back is important because we were obviously on a bad streak. But I think this one can help push us forward for the next few games.”
Chicago Fire FC II Defender Kendall Burks
On scoring his first professional goal tonight…
“Feels good. Obviously as a center back it always feels good to score a goal. And it being my first professional goal it feels good to get that ticked off the list and hopefully there is more to come”
On the adjustments made as the match went on…
“Playing as a unit, moving inside and shifting together, moving as one I think that just really helped us go forward and win the ball up high on the field.”
On the effect Missael Rodríguez and Josh Penn had on tonight’s match…
“Those two guys have been playing well and scoring goals recently. It’s always good to have guys come off the bench and keep up the level of intensity. You never want the level to drop. Those guys came on and did their job. Hopefully we can finish the season strong.”
On a message to his mother, Keri…
“Love you mom. I think she’s coming to Chicago in a couple weeks. So I’m excited to see you, love you. And Go Fire!”
