In Their Own Words: Having Fans Behind Us and Having the Stands Full is Everything

For the second time this season, Republic FC welcomes Phoenix Rising FC to Heart Health Park for a massive matchup between fellow Pacific Division foes. 

With an evening kickoff at 8 p.m. PT, the weather might feel cool but the energy on the pitch will be scorching as the Indomitable Club looks to return to winning ways. 

Before the squad takes the pitch Saturday night, the boss and a pair of his players shared their thoughts on the game this weekend.  

For the second time this season, Republic FC welcomes Phoenix Rising FC to Heart Health Park for a massive matchup between fellow Pacific Division foes. 

With an evening kickoff at 8 p.m. PT, the weather might feel cool but the energy on the pitch will be scorching as the Indomitable Club looks to return to winning ways. 

Before the squad takes the pitch Saturday night, the boss and a pair of his players shared their thoughts on the game this weekend.  

Head Coach Mark Briggs

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On how to keep the squad focused and fit…
“You have to keep the intensity. You have to keep the level high every single day, that’s the only way you can truly recreate that atmosphere. Can you create what happens matchday? No. But you can replay scenarios, you can put them in situations that they are going to face so they are better equipped to handle those situations and understand how to get out of those situations.”

On the support from traveling fans this past weekend…
“It was awesome. We went to leave on the team bus and we went over to say thank you to the fans who took their day and spent money traveling down to Oakland in various ways – some on the bus, some on the train, apparently somebody even biked! That tells you absolutely everything about our supporters and for the players to go and mix with them and for the fans to be able to meet some of our new players, for people to be playing the drums, and basically just enjoying one another’s company. It shows what a great atmosphere there is here at this club.”

Fatai Alashe

On training this week…
“Training was good, the guys are excited and ready to go. Obviously, it’s a big game for us, we haven’t been on our best form so we’re looking forward to trying to right the ship a little bit. We’ve been working hard and trying to work on ideas that we have on how we want to play so hopefully we can show that tomorrow.”

On what the squad has been doing to stay in form…
“Train. Train every day. That’s standard, I think you always want to make sure your fit. All the guys do a good job of making sure they’re working hard at training every day so when the game comes, you’re prepare to play in it. Not everyone can play 90 minutes every game, but I think all the guys that will start will be ready and also the guys that will play a role will be ready as well.”

Kharlton Belmar

On preparing for this week’s match…
“It’s been a very good week of training. We put in a lot of work this week, really just ready to get a result this weekend. I think everyone’s excited, there’s going to be more fans in the stadium so it’s going to be nice and loud and a big game – we’re after the three points and we’ll hopefully have a good night.”

On the confidence level in the locker room…
“We’re feeling pretty good. I think we’re all aware of what we need to do and what’s at stake and that’s three points. That’s what we’re after. I think the group is feeling well-rested and the guys are ready to get after it. We’re ready to get this season back on track.”

On how to keep the squad focused and fit…
“You have to keep the intensity. You have to keep the level high every single day, that’s the only way you can truly recreate that atmosphere. Can you create what happens matchday? No. But you can replay scenarios, you can put them in situations that they are going to face so they are better equipped to handle those situations and understand how to get out of those situations.”

On the support from traveling fans this past weekend…
“It was awesome. We went to leave on the team bus and we went over to say thank you to the fans who took their day and spent money traveling down to Oakland in various ways – some on the bus, some on the train, apparently somebody even biked! That tells you absolutely everything about our supporters and for the players to go and mix with them and for the fans to be able to meet some of our new players, for people to be playing the drums, and basically just enjoying one another’s company. It shows what a great atmosphere there is here at this club.”

Fatai Alashe

On training this week…
“Training was good, the guys are excited and ready to go. Obviously, it’s a big game for us, we haven’t been on our best form so we’re looking forward to trying to right the ship a little bit. We’ve been working hard and trying to work on ideas that we have on how we want to play so hopefully we can show that tomorrow.”

On what the squad has been doing to stay in form…
“Train. Train every day. That’s standard, I think you always want to make sure your fit. All the guys do a good job of making sure they’re working hard at training every day so when the game comes, you’re prepare to play in it. Not everyone can play 90 minutes every game, but I think all the guys that will start will be ready and also the guys that will play a role will be ready as well.”

Kharlton Belmar

On preparing for this week’s match…
“It’s been a very good week of training. We put in a lot of work this week, really just ready to get a result this weekend. I think everyone’s excited, there’s going to be more fans in the stadium so it’s going to be nice and loud and a big game – we’re after the three points and we’ll hopefully have a good night.”

On the confidence level in the locker room…
“We’re feeling pretty good. I think we’re all aware of what we need to do and what’s at stake and that’s three points. That’s what we’re after. I think the group is feeling well-rested and the guys are ready to get after it. We’re ready to get this season back on track.”