In the midst of a short international break due to Copa America Centenario, the Earthquakes’ focus on the training field shifted to the upcoming Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against the Portland Timbers.
On-Field Highlight
Earthquakes midfielder Simon Dawkins returned to the training field for the first time since aggravating his groin injury against LA.
Off-Field Highlight
With Copa America Centenario in the United States for the first time in it’s 100-year history, several Earthquakes took the opportunity to see international teams play at Levi’s Stadium this past week. Defender Andres Imperiale and midfielder Matias Perez Garcia were in attendance Monday night to cheer on their countrymen as Argentina defeated Chile 2-1.
Q&A with defender Andres Imperiale
SJEarthquakes.com
:
You’ve had a couple injuries in the last few weeks. How are you feeling in your recovery?
Andres Imperiale: “I feel good. Last two games I was on the bench. I was ready to play but coach made the decision to put in other players. I’m OK. I want to play now, so I’m trying to step-by-step be better so I can play again. I’m waiting for another opportunity. I have to train harder because, as you said, I was injured. We have a week before we play against Portland in the U.S. Open Cup so I’m waiting for an opportunity.”
SJEQ:How was your experience attending the Argentina-Chile game last night?
AI: “It was very good. We have big players and it’s always good to see them. It was a very good experience. Also I went with my family, so we enjoyed a lot of the game.”
SJEQ:What have you heard about the Open Cup?
AI: “It’s an unusual cup. When I hear about the game next week in Portland, I started to ask how we’re going to play this game. It is just one game, so we need to go take a good result if we want to move on in the next round. It will be a hard game for sure because Portland has a very good team. We went already two times there and we didn’t take points so it will be a hard game, but we must be ready to have a good result there and move on to the next round.”
