Revolution II Feeling Good After Hard-Fought Win
Revolution II Feeling Good After Hard-Fought Win
Hear what Richie Williams, Alex Monis, and Moshtaba Al-Hasnawi had to say following Saturday's 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire II
Saturday saw Revolution II pick up their third win of the 2024 campaign following a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire II.
Following Saturday’s victory, we chatted with head coach Richie Williams, forward Alex Monis, and newly acquired defender Moshtaba Al-Hasnawi. Here’s what the trio had to say following the win.
Williams said he thought his team “did really well for most of the game”. Despite nearly having the game slip between his fingers, Williams was quick to applaud his player's ability to stay in the game and find the winner.
“Even as the game went on, they came back into the game and we gave up the lead, I thought the guys kept battling and kept pushing, and obviously created the opportunity to get the penalty at the end to get that third goal to win the game,” he said.
One of the big things Richie emphasized to Sam Minton back in March was his desire to use his role with Revolution II to help players develop. Williams emphasized that following the win.
“That’s soccer, and that’s what we try to tell our younger players in terms of their development,” the head coach said. “Some games are going to be hard-fought games that you’ve got to keep battling, and you never know what's going to happen in a game. Things change, but when there’s adversity, you fight through it, you keep battling to get a result.”
Williams also praised Monis, calling him “a good young player.” The former Chicago Fire II striker was ecstatic after notching a brace against his former club. Monis said he tries not to make it too personal but added it “definitely felt nice to get the two goals against them.”
Turning to the team’s performance, Monis said a win like that showed what the team is made of.
“I think over the past few games, you can see that we’re really meshing, and that starts in training,” Monis said. “I think going forward, you’re going to see a lot more of that. The group is starting to mesh, and we’re getting the results, which is great. Hopefully we can keep it going.”
After spending about a week and a half on trial with the club, Moshtaba Al-Hasnawi earned his first professional contract on Friday. The Michigan Wolverine was open about his soccer journey.
“I feel like this whole journey has had its ups and downs,” he said. “Not knowing what to do after college, wanting to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a professional player.”
Despite being here for about two weeks, Al-Hasnawi is already feeling integrated with the group.
“It’s been nice. I played with a couple of the guys back in college,” he said. “My roommates Alex and Liam welcomed me in right away, and I’ve felt a part of the team from the get-go, and look forward to getting familiar with everyone.”
While excited, Al-Hasnawi admitted his debut did not go as he anticipated.
“When I first got in, I think we conceded in the first minute, and then a couple minutes later, we conceded again,” he stated. “Not the start I wanted, but thankfully we were able to get the three points and the victory.”
Richie Williams “thought he did okay” for his first appearance.
“It’s not easy just throwing him out there, especially when you’re under pressure a little bit,” the head coach said. “They had some really good wide play, some speed, some good skill out wide, and they attacked down the flanks, so it was probably difficult for him.”
When talking about what he wants to bring to this New England squad, Al-Hasnawi emphasized how he wants to help the group grow.
“Obviously, I’m on the older side, 23, so I look at that as experience, be able to mentor them when need be, and look to improve myself,” Al-Hasnawi stated.
New England Revolution II will look to continue their recent success on May 8th, when they face Crown Legacy FC on the road at 7:30 PM ET.