New Zealand are OFC Nations Cup champions. Featuring Quakes rookie defender - third-round draft pick Kip Colvey - the All Whites only conceded one single goal throughout their entire tournament. June 11’s final saw 120 minutes of scoreless but back-and-forth action between the host nation Papua New Guinea & Colvey’s squad, pushing them to a penalty shootout with an anxious PNG audience. New Zealand lifted the trophy in the end, winning 4-2 on penalties & making Colvey’s first senior international tournament a glowing success, as it qualified them for the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. We chatted with Kip just after the win to get the full report on his experience.

SJEarthquakes.com: How much of a whirlwind has this last month been for you?

Kip Colvey: It's been pretty wild. There's been a lot of travel involved. But that's all part of it and I'm enjoying the new experiences.

SJEQ: Not only did you make your senior team debut recently, but you quickly became a regular starter during the competition. Did you expect that?

KC: Yes and no. Any time you are with a team you want to be starting and making an impact, but this is my first time in the squad so I thought I would've had to spend more time catching up.

SJEQ: What experiences have you gained from the Nations Cup and how do you think it will help you when you return to San Jose?

KC: Playing international football has been an eye-opener. The teams here play with so much intensity and pride because there is so much on the line in each game. Just being in a situation where you either win or you're out of the tournament has been an experience that I think will help me back in MLS.

SJEQ: Describe the buildup to the final. What was preparation like?

KC: It was intense, with playing the host nation there was a lot of excitement around the game. But we just tried to prepare for it like any other match. We didn't change anything in terms of our preparation.

SJEQ: What were your coach’s words to you right before you walked out?

KC: His words were more just reminders of tactical pieces of information and encouragement.

SJEQ: Talk about the final game a bit, 120 minutes and no score. Did you feel a goal coming at all or were penalties the only way to separate you and Papua New Guinea?

KC: It was a difficult game. I thought that we should have had a goal. We had a few half chances that should have been converted. But credit to PNG, they made it really difficult for us.

SJEQ: Many were praising your defensive work in the final, especially a vital tackle in the defensive third during extra time to keep the game level. How did you feel your form progressed throughout the tournament?

KC: I’ve become more comfortable in the system and with my teammates with each game. It showed as we only conceded 1 goal throughout the whole tournament.

SJEQ: How did it feel to win that final after all of that?