The NYCFC opened its doors to the press on Wednesday, March 11, in anticipation of its big home opener. Among the players in attendance was defender Jason Hernandez, who has played for such teams as Chivas USA and more recently, the San Jose Earthquakes. Hernandez talked to Latin Post about playing in the opening match in Orlando and what he believes the team needs to do in its first season to establish itself as New York's team.

Latin Post: What was your experience playing that first game in Orlando?

Jason Hernandez: It was a great experience. It was a real honor to represent the club in our first game ever. Definitely a lot of obstacles in our way, especially in that first game. But we had good road performance in not just the first game of the season but first ever in franchise history.

LP: What are you looking to do to prepare for the big home opener?

Hernandez: I think that the goal is to make sure that we are better this week offensively and defensively than we were last week. We want to really put an emphasis that Yankees Stadium and our home games are really a tough place for teams to play. That's going to be the emphasis for us every single time we step on the field and we are going to work really hard toward that.

LP: What are you guys looking to do to build a culture that gets New York to fully embrace the team? Obviously you have the Red Bulls here already so what do you guys need to do to establish yourselves as New York's team?

Hernandez: I think that first we need to show the fans and the community that we are here to be very active and present. To be visible and show support for the fans and community.

Another way would be to really represent ourselves on the field with good and entertaining football. I hope that they rally behind us.

LP: What are you looking forward to the most on Sunday?

Hernandez: Just being there on the field for the first time. Really allowing that moment to sink in and then getting past it and win a game.

Also at the event was goaltender Josh Saunders, formerly a player for Real Salt Lake where he played in 2013. He has won three MLS Cups in his career as well as two MLS Supporters Shields, one NASL Cup and five Western Conference Championships. He talked to Latin Post about his experiences in the opener this past weekend and his expectations for the club moving forward.

LP: What was it like to play that first game?

Josh Saunders: It was crazy. It was one of those things where it was a great experience and being away and seeing all those people supporting a new team. I've been in a lot of games and this was really something else. Seeing two times go out there and get that much support, it was really exciting.

LP: What are you anticipating most about Sunday?

Saunders: The sellout. A lot of fan support. And just putting a good product on the field. We want to give fans a team to cheer for. We want to give them a team to be proud of.

LP: For you personally, is there anything you want to achieve with the team?

Saunders: I think that to go out there and be the first expansion team to win a major, such as the League Cup or MLS Cup. I think that that is the goal. We are not in this to hit mediocre. We are in this to win.

LP: What are going to be some of the bigger challenges that this team is going to face in its first season?

Saunders: It's a big group and it's also completely new. There are going to be some trial and error periods, with formations, getting to know each other, tendencies, but the amount of progress we have made in such a short period of time is huge. And I think that our progress will continue to improve as the year goes on.

LP: How has it been to work with Jason Kreis?

Saunders: Awesome. I worked with him in Salt Lake. Honestly, he is a big reason why I'm here. I believe in him. I believe in what he puts on the field. I believe in his product. I mean, having him and Claudio [Reyna] working together is just unbelievable. It is a good group of people that believe in the players and give us complete freedom to grow and do what you need to do.

LP: How have you found the team in terms of working together and getting to know one another?

Saunders: It's been surprisingly easy. There are lot of good people with high character. Everyone gets along really well, from the rookies to our top players.