I contacted Andy Flory about a month ago about his team competing in Manchester United Premier Cup and posed a few questions to him to get an idea of how he felt about the team he was taking. I've know Andy for a small time now, and have to say he's not only a great guy and a great coach.

The best part about Andy is his honesty and his style of coaching and obvious love for his teams. It was awesome when he got back to me and had answered all of my questions. He also was very kind and told me any questions I had just ask him and he'd answer them in the future or at the tournament.

Below are the questions...........

Okay Andy here are some basic questions to start with.

1. What are your chances of winning manchester cup this year and having a repeat for the club?

For many players and coaches, they say the Manchester
Cup is the best tournament in the states. It will be a very difficult task to win the competition, but everyone involved with the trip down to Portland are going there to win. We have a good chance of repeating last years crossfire team in winning the whole tournament. We have a very strong and experienced squad of players. The quality of the twenty teams that are at the tournament this year is the best line up of teams I have ever seen
at this age group. No one knows who they will be playing just yet, as the for the groups are not made until we are down there. One thing is for sure is that there will not be an easy game. The team that comes away with the title and a trip to England will need their fair share of luck. Everyone knows the prize of winning the competition, their is already a good vibe coming from the players and staff, so lets hope we can repeat what Bernie and his team did last year.

2. Can you give me a break down of key players or all of the players going to Manchester? A small comment or maybe in some cases a larger comment of their strengths and weaknesses.

Alex Ferguson- Fast, very athletic keeper. On his day can be the difference between winning and losing the big games

Robert Lansche- A no thrills full back that loves a challenge.

Tyson Sykes- Technically gifted center back. Leads from the back.

Nathan Sackeyfio- Very tall center back, another very technical defender.

Andrew Cunningham- Great left foot. Strong and fast defender.

Matt Zeman- The utility player. Excellent defender, but i rate him as the best finisher in the state at this age.

Elwood Sevon- This kid is as physically strong as any i have seen. Strong as an ox in the tackle and does not give the ball away.

Ben Fisk- Great passer of the ball in center mid. Always wants to be on the ball.

James Matern- A very creative midfielder that can set up an attack out of nothing. His awareness of the game is amazing for his age.

Fimi Akkinyi- Strength, speed, engine, mentally tough. Not many faults to his game.

Justin Veltung- Lightning fast forward. Scores impossible goals.

Keyln Rowe- Top skills. Very creative attacking player.

Eddie Mendoza- A talented midfielder. Good passing range in his game.

Bradley McIntosh- Flair player. Likes to do the out of ordinary.

Cody Eiley- Fast and strong defender.

Jose Garibay- Well balanced attacking mid.

3. Are you looking to play a particular way based on the shorter format of the games, and a sort of must win type of play based on the format. Thegames are definitely fast and furious from what i last year, I'm curious if you have a set thing you've talked to the boys about or if, they will just play like always. Different formation or anything new or wrinkles to the preperation.

This is the best question of the lot. To be honest I never give away how my teams will be playing coming in to a major tournament, but as its you! You have to go in to this tournament differently. Every coach and team will have their own way of going into this a little different from their usual play. The shortened halves are the biggest factor. I guess Nike and Man Utd are after attacking football. I have been working closely with Bernie James
and also speaking too some players from last years winning side, trying to gather as much info as possible so we are better prepared than any team. The pace of the games will be quick. The first goal in each game will be the most important. This decides if you are chasing the game or not. I like to get my teams to get the ball down and play, but in talking to the players and coaches the style will be a different from the WA style. Here the game is slow and you can get away with making mistakes. At a tournament
of this stature, you make one mistake and you pay for it. We have been trying out a couple different formations. We are looking to be fast and creative going forward, as well as solid in defense. We are looking at playing 4-3-3 to be able to make all the factors mentioned work. We have the players that are able to do the two most important parts of the game, keep the ball out of your own net and put the ball in the oppositions net. Sounds simple huh. We also have a squad that are very talented in all
aspects of the game. I have tried to pick the players i felt would be best suited to the short games, the out of state physical challenge, technical players and the experienced mentally tough players.

4.How has your experience been with Crossfire so far. be as honest as possible, and try to remember your a great coach..so speak freely...haha The last few months have been great. Very busy but great. The whole organization have been very welcome. Crossfire is run like a professional club, which i like very much. The coaches and staff are very friendly and helpful. It has been such a short space of time since i have been with the
club but everything is going well.

5.Any players you expect to have big games while there. Any players you think have the potential to make or break the teams chances?

There are so many great players on the team, I have always stayed away from having star players on my teams, as I love the team building process. But this is a one off occasion. The middle of the team needs to be on song. I feel Alex in goal needs to be strong. James Matern is a very special talent in midfield,
and many could be talking about Fimi by the end of the tournament. My gut feel is that the whole team will be talked about more than any one player.

We will try to win this for Crossfire, and Washington State.

For those who have never been to Manchester...it is truly the best tournament in the country. Bar none, and it's that simple. It's an experience like none other. Best of luck to Crossfire and Andy