AFC Champions League Elite
The Filipino custodian, who made two crucial saves to help his side win 4-2 on penalties, praised both his teammates’ commitment and the unwavering support of the fans.
#ACLElite | R16 2nd Leg: Buriram United (THA) 0-0 (1-1 agg: 4-2 PSO) Melbourne City FC (AUS)
“I’m extremely happy,” said the 36-year-old Etheridge. “I’ll take the Player of the Match award but to be honest every player who stepped on the field and everyone involved in this team showed the depth we have in the squad as well as the determination to get through.
“The supporters have been amazing since the day I arrived and they were incredible again against Melbourne City. When we went down to 10 players early in the game, they became the 11th player on the pitch and pushed us all the way from start to finish.”
“The supporters have been amazing since the day I arrived and they were incredible again against Melbourne City. When we went down to 10 players early in the game, they became the 11th player on the pitch and pushed us all the way from start to finish.”
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Head coach Mark Jackson echoed his goalkeeper’s sentiments, highlighting the unity of his squad.
“It was clear what helped us get the victory,” said Jackson. “The players showed unbelievable commitment, work rate, understanding and togetherness.
“Whether we had 11 players on the pitch or 10, we won that game as a squad. The belief from everyone behind the players was fantastic and the way they executed the tactical plan in difficult circumstances was unbelievable.
“I can’t give the players, the squad and the staff enough credit. They deserve it – it was a big win for us.”
“It was clear what helped us get the victory,” said Jackson. “The players showed unbelievable commitment, work rate, understanding and togetherness.
“Whether we had 11 players on the pitch or 10, we won that game as a squad. The belief from everyone behind the players was fantastic and the way they executed the tactical plan in difficult circumstances was unbelievable.
“I can’t give the players, the squad and the staff enough credit. They deserve it – it was a big win for us.”
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Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar reflected on a performance full of opportunities but ultimately ended in heartbreak.
“I think we had a fantastic performance tonight but we didn’t manage to get the winning goal in normal time or extra-time,” said Vidmar. “We had some decent chances and to be honest, Buriram defended very, very well for long periods. This one is difficult to take because I feel it was a game that slipped past us tonight."
“I think we had a fantastic performance tonight but we didn’t manage to get the winning goal in normal time or extra-time,” said Vidmar. “We had some decent chances and to be honest, Buriram defended very, very well for long periods. This one is difficult to take because I feel it was a game that slipped past us tonight."
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“They defended very well, and we weren’t able to convert the few chances we had. Even after extra time, the score stayed level. Penalty shootouts are always a lottery, and tonight they were the better team from the spot.
“I know it will be tough for the players but reaching the Round of 16 is a significant achievement for our team. I’m very proud of the way they fought throughout the tournament even if the result didn’t go our way tonight.”
“I know it will be tough for the players but reaching the Round of 16 is a significant achievement for our team. I’m very proud of the way they fought throughout the tournament even if the result didn’t go our way tonight.”
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