Sporting Kansas City head coach Raphael Wicky reflected on his team’s performance following their recent match against San Diego, acknowledging the strength of the opposition and highlighting areas for improvement.
“First, we have to say and we all know, that they are a very good team. They were excellent last year. They were one of the best in the league last year, and we knew what to expect. We knew that we were going to play against a team that has more of the ball than we have,” said Wicky. He noted his team’s disciplined play in the first half and pointed out missed opportunities before conceding the opening goal.
Wicky expressed disappointment with how his side started the second half, explaining, “We started to open up and we started to stretch. That wasn’t the plan.” He attributed some of Sporting’s difficulties not to defending but to issues maintaining possession: “I think we had way too many sloppy balls… it was too fast, too quick.”
Despite these challenges, Wicky praised his players’ effort and determination throughout the game. “The effort of everyone until minute 96 was excellent. I think the effort was there. The belief to be able to come back was there. That is very positive,” he said.
San Diego’s high average possession did not surprise Wicky: “The percentage of possession from San Diego doesn’t really surprise me because when you look at their average, that’s 60+ per game.” He stressed decision-making during limited spells with the ball as an area needing work.
Addressing Sporting’s search for their first win this season, Wicky emphasized patience and development: “We have to keep working hard, keep believing, keep giving these young players opportunities to grow… And then I’m 100% convinced that we will win games.”
Wicky also commented on younger players Stephen Afrifa and Taylor Calheira taking their chances: “That’s obviously what we want. They come in, and they take their opportunity… Stephen (Afrifa) is coming back from a little hamstring injury… (Taylor) Calheira’s been here a few weeks… They keep working, and then they will score.”
He spoke about balancing speed in play by using video analysis and training sessions: “We try to get better and be more calm in certain situations… That’s where we want to improve…”
On goalkeeper John Pulskamp’s contributions: “John obviously had a very good game, big saves… We’re happy with the way he performed today, and happy with the goalkeepers we have.”
Looking at overall team growth since joining Sporting Kansas City staff recently, Wicky remarked on player commitment: “This group has been amazing with the commitment and energy they have…”
Midfielder Manu Garcia echoed similar sentiments about facing a strong opponent: “I think first half it was quite close; we had a couple of chances… Then second half they got chances when we just tried to go for the game…”
Garcia identified pressure from San Diego as challenging but believes Sporting matched them well at times: “Their pressure after they lost the ball was quite good. We struggled to find spaces… When we had the ball I think was much better.”
Discussing handling high-press tactics from opponents like San Diego, Garcia added: “The idea was to try to be a bit more calm… I feel like they are one of the best teams with the ball…”
Garcia concluded by reflecting on positives taken from recent performances compared with earlier matches this season: “I think there’s just good things to look forward [to]…”